Inspiration from Traci Wheatley

Hi Everyone,

Traci has been been very creative lately and working hard on her new creations.  The bad news is that the projects are too complicated to be classes.  Enjoy this fun inspiration.

HOW TO BE AMAZING AT BIBLE JOURNALING, EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT AN ARTIST

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HOW TO BE AMAZING AT BIBLE JOURNALING, EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT AN ARTIST

March 21, 2016 by Good Old Days Farm Leave a Comment

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It showed up in my Facebook newsfeed one day:  a link to a group about Bible Journaling.  I had never heard of such a thing.  Intrigued, I clicked over and was amazed at what I saw!  Post after post after post after post…  Christian women using the margins of their Bibles to illustrate the truths they were learning in their Daily Devotions.

Photo Credit

And they weren’t just doodling stick people.  These women were artists!  There were several pictures that I could have happily hung in my living room to gaze at every single day.

Photo Credit

Here are some examples of Bible Journaling by my friend Darlene Schacht at TimeWarpWife.com.  She graciously gave me permission to share her work here so that you would know what I am talking about.  Darlene’s style is sweet and adorable.  I saw many artisitic styles represented as I scrolled through various Facebook Groups.  Those ladies clearly had a God-given gift and were using that gift in their personal worship time.  It made me want to draw beautiful worship pictures in my Bible, too.  There was just one problem.

I’M A NON-ARTIST.

If you are artistically gifted, you might be wanting to encourage me by saying, “Oh everybody can draw!”  But you haven’t met my eleventh grade art teacher.  She took one look at my term assignment and said, “I’ve seen better things done by a kindergarten student.”  (True Story, y’all!)  So when I say I’m a Non-Artist, what I mean is I’m really, really, really not an artist.  There are lots of things that I am good at, but art is not one of them.

And yet I wanted the incredible, life-changing Bible Journaling experience these women were having.

HOW I LEARNED BIBLE JOURNALING

I spent hours and hours scrolling through the Bible Journaling Groups, gazing, plotting how I could become more artistic.  I studied what pens people were using (because you know…. if you have the right pen the pictures will just draw themselves).  I bought several pens that were recommended on various websites and tested them (more about that in a minute).  Finally I realized that I was way-overthinking this.  I am not an artist and by putting undue pressure on myself to create something beautiful, I was missing the point, which was to be spending time with Jesus!  So here’s what I did…  (Some of the following links are affiliate links)

1.  First, I chose an appropriate Bible.  

Really, the best Bible for Bible Journaling is the one you already own.  You don’t need to buy a new Bible to start journaling.  But I found abeautiful KJV Bible with extra large print and 2″ margins which was exactly what I wanted.  I bought leather bound ones for my husband and I and inexpensive vinyl covered Bibles for the children. (Yes, they have become Bible Journalers too). So now we all have the same Bible, which makes family Bible Study very convenient.  Large print and Large Margins means a double-win for me!  (As unromantic as it sounds, I’m more likely to read God’s word diligently if I can see the print without squinting.)  There are also some really attractive (and affordable) Journaling Bibles on Amazon.

2.  Then I bought my Writing Utensils.

I read a lot of blog posts about Bible Journaling.  I poured through hundreds of Facebook posts discussing what is the best pen to use for writing inside your Bible.  I spent way too much money buying a whole bunch of them.  Do you know what I discovered?  Bible pages are thin. All the pens can be seen on the other side of the page.   I took one page in the back of my Bible and tested them all so you won’t have to.

I wasn’t happy with how this was going to look, so I settled on using what would have been cheapest in the first place.  The same thing our grandmothers used:  pencil crayons!  I wanted to have a variety of colors so I purchased this package of 24 Pencil Crayons by Crayola.  (The cheaper pencil crayons tend to be less vivid and the more expensive pencil crayons are…. well… expensive.)  I also purchased a set of 24 Crayola Watercolor pencils in case I feel fancy one day and want to try that in my Bible.  They aren’t top-of-the-line as far as watercolor pencils go, but they do the job.  (For better quality watercolor pencils, try the set by Kimberley or Derwent.)

I did splurge (in the name of “field research”) and purchase the Pigma Micron Inductive Bible Study Kit which has 8 colored pens for note taking.  If you want to take your notes in color, these pens are a great choice.  If you want to save money, just use the pencil crayons and get one black pen for notetaking.  The Micron Black 005  and the Micron Black 01 are both great choices.  The 01 is a little thicker than the 005.  You can see samples of this pen in the upper right corner of the picture above.

3.  I Developed a Color Coding System.

This step took a while.  Over time I made a list of the topics I would be studying and assigned each topic its own color.  I created a bookmark to keep in my Bible so that I will be able to remember which color represents which topic!

I’m delighted with the way my bookmark turned out!  To download a copy of this bookmark for yourself, simply fill out the form below.  I’ve made a printable for you that offers 4 versions of this bookmark:

1. One version shows the bookmark exactly as you see it in the picture
2. One version gives you the study topics, but you assign your own color to each topic
3. One version gives you the colors and you decide which topics you want to study
4. One version is completely blank for you to customize as you wish

4.  I Joined A Group For Encouragement And Accountability

My friend Darlene Schact has a wonderful Bible Journaling Communityon Facebook. (It’s one of my favorites!)  Everyone is welcome, but most people in that group are somewhat artistic.  I began another Facebook group called Bible Journaling For Non Artists.  Please come join us!  You’re welcome in both groups whether you’re an artist or not!

5.  I Started Following A Bible Reading Plan.

Having a plan means I am more likely to follow through with Daily Bible Reading.  I’ll read more intentionally and thoroughly because each day I’ll know what to read next. I won’t be tempted to skip parts that may seem difficult to understand.  Here are some of my favorite Bible Reading Plans and Bible Studies for you to choose from.

THE LINKS DON"T WORK ON THIS PAGE UNLESS YOU GO TO HER BLOG

Bible Reading Plans:
The Bible Reading Plan for Shirkers and SlackersChronological Bible Reading Plan60 Day Overview of the Bible90 Day Overview of the Bible
121 Days of People in the Bible
180 Day Guided Tour of the Bible
30 Days For New Christians
30 Days in Psalms, 30 Days in Proverbs
30 Days With Jesus
30 Bible Stories You’ve Probably Never Heard

Bible Studies:
Seeking Him by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Experiencing God:  Knowing And Doing The Will of God by Henry Blackaby (Don’t forget to pick up the workbook as well!)
Experiencing the Heart of God by Max Lucado
Handbook for Christian Maturity by Bill Bright

What I’m Currently Studying:
I have really been enjoying a little book called God’s Promises for New Believers.  Each topic has 3 or 4 Bible promises pertaining to that topic.  I’ve been using this book as a springboard to steep myself in encouragement from God’s word!  Instead of just looking up the listed verses I’ve been reading the entire chapter where each promises is found. This has been an delightfully uplifting way to study the promises of the Bible.

GETTING STARTED BIBLE JOURNALING IS THE HARDEST PART

When my Bible was new, I was having trouble actually writing in it.  What if I messed it up?  What if it wasn’t “pretty” any more?  And then my baby decided to “help” me and she made the first few marks in my Bible.

At first, I was horrified.  But then I realized she had done me a huge favor!  My Bible wasn’t perfect any more.  What a relief to know that I wouldn’t be the first one to mess up those perfect pages.  So go ahead…  write in your Bible!  The beautiful thing that you are going to create is not going to be on the pages of your Bible (although they may look pretty).  The most beautiful thing you are doing while you journal is developing a relationship with Jesus Christ, your Lord and Saviour.

The beautiful thing that you create when Bible Journaling is not on the pages of your Bible, it's the…CLICK TO TWEET

Are you ready to start Bible Journaling?  Come join us in the Facebook Group Bible Journaling For Non Artists and start with the supplies you already have on hand!

BIBLE JOURNALING ON MONDAYS!

From here on out, every Monday I plan to start the week “right” by posting something about Bible Journaling.  Please join me in this adventure by making sure you are subscribed to my emails.  Click hereto sign up.  You’ll automatically be taken to the Free Bookmark download.  See you on Monday!

How I Explore my Word of the Year by Valerie Sjodin

Here is the link to Valerie Sjodin's Blog.

She has some amazing bible art that is sure to inspire you.

How I Explore my Word of the Year

I had someone send me a message this week saying she didn't have a word for the year. The process left her feeling blank, sad. In writing posts like many written at this time of year, I want to say that having a specific word is not the most important thing. I believe with all my heart that God wants a relationship with each one of us and desires to speak, listen, and help us be all we are meant to be. It may or may not be in the form of a specific word for they year.

With that in mind, I thought it might be helpful if I shared the basic ways I explore a word, whether it is my Word of the Year or any word I want to explore, study etc. I've been using this method since before the internet, with these books: a good dictionary, Strong's Concordance, the Biblical Cyclopedic Index (like a concordance) that is in the KJV Bible I got when I was 12 years old, and various Bible translations. The internet has sped up the process immensely. What I love about this process is that it applies to whatever I am studying, seeking, or thinking about. I approach it like a tool that I can choose to use or not. It frees me up to try new things while providing a structure that is workable and consistently provides insight. I record my findings in my journal so I have a record and reference for my exploration.

Here is my process for exploring a word:

1. I type the word in the internet search box in a new tab on my computer, and put "definition" after the word. Press return of click on the magnifying glass icon.
2. I peruse through the definitions and write in my journal (and sometimes in a text document) the definitions, sources, and any thoughts i have about the word.
3. I go to Bible Gateway https://www.biblegateway.com/ and in the "Enter key word, passage or topic" box, I type my word (or passage of Scripture if that is what I am exploring). I check the translation and if I want a different one, I click on the down arrow and then on any translation I prefer. Then I press enter/return or click on the magnifying glass icon.
4. A list of verses come up that have the word and I look through them. Sometimes I revise my search if it is too big or if nothing comes up. I might switch translations too. 
5. When I find a Scripture that resonates, I click on it and then click "Add parallel" which is the far right, brownish red icon that looks like a page of the bible. Another translation of the same text will pop up next to the first one. By reading more than one version, I usually get further insight and it helps me personalize the text. 
6. I write the Scripture passage in my journal.
7. If I want to go deeper at this point, I open a new tab and go to Blue Letter Bible https://www.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm and put the Scripture passage in the box at the top near the center which says, "verse or word(s)." Then I click on the version I want by clicking on the down arrow and choosing the version I want. Then I press enter/return on my computer.
8. The verse will come up and "tools" will appear in a box. I click on "tools" and all the words in that verse will come up with the Strong's Concordance definitions to click on to show the definitions in the original language. 
9. I write down any new things I learn about the word/s and the context.
10. I ask God what He has to say to me about it and write anything that comes to mind down. It often takes the form of a prayer.
11. I write all this down in my calendar journal I use throughout the year, so I can refer to it. From this process, I have other Scripture passages to look up as I feel led throughout the year.
12. The process usually brings about a visual response, since that is a language I use often. I consider what lines and colors and imagery reflect and represent the word. I search on Pinterest, sometimes Google images to get inspiration. Then I close my computer, turn on inspirational music and bring my word for visual exploration with the Holy Spirit to the drawing board...

written & visual content of this post and blog 

copyright ©Valerie Sjodin 2009-2016

" Holy Spirit, think through me till your ideas are my ideas.

~ Amy Carmichael

Saturday October 17th 2:30-5:30 PM INKA GOLD TECHNIQUES – CARD BONANZA! With Jen Starr

Saturday October 17th 2:30-5:30 PM

INKA GOLD TECHNIQUES – CARD BONANZA!  

With Jen Starr

$45  (3 HOURS)

Inka Gold is one of those unique products that lends itself to ANY style you want it to...all you need to do is learn how to unlock its potential!  This TECHNIQUE BONANZA workshop is heavily focused on over a dozen different ways to use Inka Gold while working on a variety if cards.  Whether your personal tastes are elegant, distressed, artistic or cutesy and bright, we will be covering it during the class while we work with new stamps and stencils as well.  You will have the opportunity to work with ALL of the beautiful colors that Inka Gold has to offer to create cards that compliment your style.  

**Please bring to class:  1" flat paint brush and a smaller detailed brush, container for water, blending tool with foam or make up sponges, adhesive for paper, baby wipes and paper towels

Labor Day Coupon, New Echo Park, More Adult Coloring Books & Stampendous

Hi Everyone,

The official end of summer is here and we have lots of reasons for you to come shop this weekend.   A Great Coupon, New Coloring Books, New Paper lines and Fun Classes.  

New Echo Park Christmas

New Christmas Bling and Prima Flowers

New Echo Park Fall

New Echo Park Pirate's Life

New Echo Park School Line

New Toy Story and Lego

New Coloring Books, Zentangle books and Lettering books

New Stampendous idea board and stamps

We restocked some of the Stampendous Halloween stamps

Join Us Friday September 4th for some painty fun!

Our next group meeting is on  Friday September 4th 12-3 PM & 6-9 PM August Theme Faces, the Human Form & Characters August 29 Art Challenge: Self Portrait Journal Prompt:  Mirror Mirror August 22 Art Challenge: Layered (Using Multiple Mediums) Journal Prompt: Speak to your younger self- what advice would you offer? August 15 Art Challenge: Painted Journal Prompt: How do I face my biggest challenge? August 8 Art Challenge: Characters Journal Prompt:  "If you're going to be weird,  be confident about it!" Author Unknown August 1 Art Challenge: Expressive Faces Journal Prompt:  What I see clearly now You can join our group meetings at any time, but you do need to call us to get your name on the list.  I want to be sure we have room for everyone.    When you come to the group meetings, please bring your paper towels, heat guns, paint brushes, adhesives and color mediums of choice.

Saturday October 17th 10:30-1:30 PM ARTISTIC LAYERS – ART JOURNALING

Jen Starr is coming to Photo Scraps!

Saturday October 17th 10:30-1:30 PM

ARTISTIC LAYERS – ART JOURNALING  

(3 HOURS    $45)

   

(3 of 4 pages you will create in class)

Using the beautiful and vibrant Dylusions Paints you will create 4 unique pages in your art journal.   We will focus on painting techniques for layering color and images, color theory and blending (without getting mud!), washes and glazes, a variety of ways to use stencils and masks, working with gesso and so much more…

These pages will be a stunning addition to your art journal and you will learn some great techniques that you will be able to translate in to all of your future projects!

**PLEASE BRING TO CLASS**  YOUR ART JOURNAL, a variety of paint brushes including a 1” flat brush.  Container for water, baby wipes and paper towels, some of your favorite stencils (I will have some to share as well), A variety of black and white permanent markers (such as Sharpie, Pitt pens, Uni-Ball, etc)

Our next group meeting is on Friday September 4th 12-3 PM & 6-9 PM

Our next group meeting is on  Friday September 4th 12-3 PM & 6-9 PM August Theme Faces, the Human Form & Characters August 22 Art Challenge: Layered (Using Multiple Mediums) Journal Prompt: Speak to your younger self- what advice would you offer? August 15 Art Challenge: Painted Journal Prompt: How do I face my biggest challenge? August 8 Art Challenge: Characters Journal Prompt:  "If you're going to be weird,  be confident about it!" Author Unknown August 1 Art Challenge: Expressive Faces Journal Prompt:  What I see clearly now You can join our group meetings at any time, but you do need to call us to get your name on the list.  I want to be sure we have room for everyone.    When you come to the group meetings, please bring your paper towels, heat guns, paint brushes, adhesives and color mediums of choice.

Inspiration from Terri Markowitz

One of the regular ladies at our crops, Terri Markowitz, created some fun frames for her daughter.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Our next group meeting is on Saturday July 4th 12-3 and Friday July 10th 12-3 PM & 6-9 PM Please bring some photos to art journal this month.  I will have some paints for us to play with!  June Theme Travel Journaling June 27 Art Challenge: Photos and Words Journal Prompt:  A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words Here is how Sandi Keene took on the challenge. Link to her blog Long ago I worked for a company that created Mosaic Moments. When I read this prompt, I immediately thought of a mosaic as it is such an interesting way to present a photo. I contacted the owner, Tami Potter and she sent me out some mosaic paper. (Thanks, Tami!) I started with the basics for a mosaic - Mosaic Moments self healing gridded mat, exacto knife, cork backed metal ruler and Herma repositionable adhesive. I printed a vacation photo (5" x 5" but any size works) I loved of my husband in a swing on the porch reading a book and pausing regularly to look at the stunning mountain views. In delightfully cool temperatures. With hummingbirds buzzing around the feeder on the porch.  Can you say PERFECT?! I cut the photo into one inch squares using the mat, exacto and ruler. It takes less than a minute. The system is designed for easy success. Now I transfer the squares onto the gridded paper that lines everything up. Hello, mosaic! I had an idea of exactly how this was to look when I was done. Now came the hard part of transferring that idea onto paper. Incorporating the mosaic into art was always my plan. I sketched out a basic plan for where the elements were to be. And then I started painting. Adding random squares from another photo printed to blend into the background was a touch of whimsy. I decided that it was not enough whimsy so out came my doodle pens in medium and fine. And then white A picture is worth a thousand words! Want more info on how to create a mosaic? This short video shows the process step by step. You can join our group meetings at any time, but you do need to call us to get your name on the list.  I want to be sure we have room for everyone.    When you come to the group meetings, please bring your paper towels, heat guns, paint brushes, adhesives and color mediums of choice.