After five years of bible journaling, I have learned that there are some art mediums that I have come to love and adore. For me, watercolor is THE PERFECT art medium to use within your bible margins.

For many who are just starting on their bible journaling journey, the thought of adding water to your already thin bible pages sounds absolutely horrifying. And the crinkle of the pages can be annoying for some. But I adore the sound of crinkle pages. As I flip through the pages, the texture of it just reminds me that I spent time on that particular page. It brings joy to my heart.

So if you are on the fence about trying watercolors in your bible and a little scared, let me see if I can persuade you just a little bit.

Watercolors do not bleed through your thin bible pages.

If there is one question that can rival “What pen are you using?” It is this one.

Do you have to prep your bible pages with gesso before painting with watercolors?

And the answer to this is “Nope!”

Prepping your page with clear gesso is done to prevent heavy “bleed through” of inks or art mediums through your thin bible pages. But, believe it or not, watercolors do not bleed through your pages. Even with adding a significant amount of water to your page, you may experience a bit of shadowing, but no bleed throughs where you cannot read the other side.

You can paint over the words and still read the bible verses.

No need to worry about accidentally painting over your bible verses. You can do just that and still read the precious Word of the Lord. Even for someone like me who adores creating art in her Interleaved Bible (a bible that has one blank page opposite each page of text), I will still use my watercolors to highlight the bible verse that I was meditating on.

Watercolors are travel friendly

Instead of lugging around tubes of acrylic paints, stickers, and a bunch of markers, you can bring just a round 6 paintbrush and a small tin of watercolor paints and you are all set.

When I went to visit my sister-in-law last summer, I brought just a few colors (usually I pack my primary colors since I can mix them and make other colors), one paint brush, and my prayer journal. All I needed to do when I got there is snag a couple of empty jars with water and a paper towel and I was all set to create.

They are freakin’ D R E A M Y

Okay. So this may sound a little bias but I just cannot help it. I LOVE THE LOOK OF WATERCOLORS. The way they move across the page, taking on a mind of their own. Their transparent quality. They are perfect for anyone who wants their bibles to take on a very classic and ethereal quality.

For me, painting watercolor florals in my bible is the perfect way to add beauty to God’s Word.

I would love to hear what you think!

Do you have any questions about watercolors in your bible? Or are you already using watercolors and have another reason why you love them?