How to Use Acrylic Paints for Bible Journaling

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At the beginning of my bible journaling class, many of my students are shocked that I mention acrylic paints in our course outline. The thought of adding this thick paint to our thing bible pages sounds super scary. But using them is the quickest way to add color and elevate the look of your bible journaling entries. Not only are there countless ways to use acrylic paints, but surprisingly enough they do not bleed through bible pages and they dry super fast!

So I thought it would be fun to share with you some of my favorite ways that you can use acrylic paints in your bible. Best part about all these? Absolutely no formal art training is required!

The Acrylic Swipe

What I call “The Acrylic Swipe” method is the very first technique I teach my bible journaling newbies. It is also my absolute favorite of the techniques I will be sharing because it is SUPER easy and inexpensive. Trust me. When you are just starting off with bible journaling, the last thing you want to do is spend tons of money on supplies that you really don’t need (check out this blog post where I share my favorite supplies for a beginner).

All you need is an old rewards/gift card and some cheap acrylic craft paint. Apply your paint to the edge of the card and then lightly swipe the card across your bible page. Continue to do that on random spots on your page and you’re done!

And if you are super careful to apply your paint thinly, then you can even get away with swiping the paint over your words in the bible without covering them completely. Do it correctly and you should still be able to read those bible verses.

Quick Tip: Try using 2 to 3 different colors to add depth and texture to your entry.

Stencils

If you are an avid crafter/DIYer then chances are you have some stencils lying around your home. Put those bad boys to some good use! Use a spare cosmetic sponge or sponge brush to dab paint on top of your stencil. The results create beautiful backgrounds for your journaling entries with minimal effort.

Quick Tip: I love to find stencils of flowers, leaves, and geometric shapes and patterns. These are extremely versatile and you’ll find you will come back to them time and time again.

Washi Tape

Don’t have stencils? No problem! I bet you have some washi tape lying around.

You can create fun geometric backgrounds by placing your washi tape down on your page and then sponging your acrylic paints on top. REMEMBER, to place your washi tape on your hand FIRST before placing them on your bible pages. This will ensure that your washi tape will come off your pages cleanly without the risk of tearing your pages.

Quick Tip: Find washi tapes in thinner widths. They are perfect for technique.

Ombre Effect

Everyone loves a good ombre! For this technique, you will need a dark colored acrylic paint and a white acrylic paint. The white acrylic paint gradually gets added and mixed into the dark colored acrylic paint to give your your ombre colors. You can apply the paints with a cosmetic sponge or just an acrylic paint brush.

Quick Tip: Don’t have white acrylic paint? Try the opposite! Gradually go from a lighter color to a darker one by adding black paint to a lighter acrylic color instead.

Paint on the drama

And when all else fails, just grab a paint brush and play! I have been known to either add three different colors or even just paint the entire background black to add more of a dramatic or modern feel to my bible journaling entries. Or just grab your brush and draw random shapes or fun lines. Anything goes, my friends!

Quick Tip: If you are worried about choosing the wrong colors that may look weird together, take a look at a color wheel. Pick a color and then choose 1 or 2 other colors that are right beside it. It’s a fool proof technique to make your entry look super harmonious.

 So there you have it! Simple acrylic painting techniques for the bible journaling beginner. What do you think? Will you give a few of these a try?

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