Why I color in my Bible and how to get started

I first saw Bible Journaling almost 2 years ago on Instagram. Several mom that I follow because of our adoption connection were either posting pictures of their Bibles or selling covers, bags, etc. I had been contemplating going back to using an actual paper Bible and not just an app as my main source of study for a while but this pushed me over the edge. I was excited of the idea of doodling my thoughts and keeping notes in the margins. At that time, it was actually difficult to get your hands on one. I actually purchased the cover and it sat empty for months as the only Journaling Bible I could find on Amazon was on backorder. They finally cancelled my order completely and I searched high and low until I finally was able find one online to order. Now, it seems like the the Journaling Bible drought is over and they should be pretty easy to find at your local Christian bookstore or online.

So why do I color in my Bible? I'm not particularly artistic and I don't have a flair for hand-lettering. It does let me try to express myself in that way but mostly, I take the time to doodle in the margins because it gives me a chance to meditate on what I've just read. I base my Bible study time off the First 5 app and I try to find something that pops out at me. Maybe it is something I've never noticed before or something that God has been saying to me in prayer. Whatever it is, I usually write it out and try to make it as beautiful as this non-artist can. 

This page is a great example:

There are people with far more artistic ability who can turn each page of their Bible into a work of art but I just enjoy the meditation and freedom of it. It does also give me a lot of room to keep sermon notes as well. 

If you want to get started with Bible journaling, here are a few recommendations:

-Gelatos are a great way to add color. Faber Castell makes some great collections of shades and they are easily available on Amazon.

-Micron pens are specifically designed not to bleed through thin Bible pages. 

-Accu-Gel Highlighters do a beautiful job highlighting without being too wet and again are designed for Bible use

I keep all these goodies in a tote bag and throw in some must haves for church like tissues, mints and lotion. It's a great way to keep everything accessible and easy to grab when I'm heading out to a Bible study, weekend service, or just out to my back patio in the mornings with my cup of coffee. 

Happy journaling!

Perfect Marriage Artwork with Freebie!

I went to a painting party the other day and decided to make something I could use in combination with my Silhouette machine. My master bedroom is in yellows and grays so I made this simple bird painting and left room for a quote I love about marriage.

I will be honest and confess that forgot how hard it is to get vinyl (Oracal 651) to adhere to canvas. You have to go slowly, burnish hard and I think using a blow dryer helped a little. I am adding the free file of this quote here: perfect marriage (studio3 file)

This would be a beautiful wedding gift on a mirror, shadow box, or anything for the newlyweds!

I love this quote because it states so much truth. We are imperfect and the best marriages are between people who know that about themselves and walk in humility. I'm currently reading this book by Dave Harvey and it is a great picture of how we need God's grace but also need to give that grace to our spouse. We are going to make mistakes. We are going to have rough days. As Christ followers though, we can remember that we are far from perfect and ask for forgiveness. Each day is a new opportunity to love and live better.

“A great awareness of one’s sinfulness often stands side by side with great joy and confidence in God.” 
― Dave Harvey, When Sinners Say "I Do": Discovering the Power of the Gospel for Marriage

French manicure freebie

When I saw white nail polish at our little store, I decided I had to try a homemade french manicure. I didn't see a kit with the little stickers strips and I knew it would be horrible if I tried to freehand so I designed some strips for my Silhouette machine to cut. I used a scrap piece of Oracal 651 vinyl and cut. I applied the strips, painted the white, dried, removed the strips and did a coat of sheer pink. I then sealed with Sally Hansen Hard As Wraps. I find it is a great top coat that lasts for quite a while.

Here's a free file for 10 strips you can cut with your Silhouette machine to try your own french manicure!

French Manicure Studio3 file

Easy Summer Wreath

I know this is REALLY late since it is already Pumpkin Spice Latte season but I wanted to make sure I got it up here for inspiration.  My friend and I wanted a fun wreath for Summer that popped so we headed off to Hobby Lobby.  We spray painted grapevine wreaths and made the banner with the help of my Silhouette machine and twine.  It could have easily been done with some scissor skills and letter stickers.  She made the pretty bows and we hot glued on the flowers.  Easy Peasy!

Our Bookmark Valentines

I wanted to come up with a fun Valentine idea for my girls in school.  We made our version of something similar I saw on Pinterest with jumbo pink paperclips from Staples and various 48 cent ribbon from Wal-Mart and made a card that showed my kids holding up their favorite books with this bookmark clipped to it.  Here is the card I designed in Photoshop.

and here it is with the paperclip bookmark clipped to it:

and here she is signing the backs:

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Fall Decorating ala Pinterest

If you aren't a member of Pinterest yet, you probably will be soon.  It is finally a visual way to organize all those great recipes, tips, crafts, decorating ideas you see all over the web in one place.  It is very inspiring and I'm not just a "pinner", I'm a do-er!  I have made countless recipes and several new crafts based on my pins.

Here are some of my interpretations from my pins...

My front door wreath.  A simple grapevine wreath with rosettes made out of burlap and buttons:

and here is my indoor fall decor

I had been wanting some apothecary jars for a long time and I finally found them at a great price and for fall filled them with brown rice, split peas and pinto beans with a pine cone nestled inside based on this pin. 

Next project: thumbtack and decopaged pumpkins next to the front door!