Using Stickers in Your Bible
Stickers are easy to use and very affordable. But is there really a technique to using stickers in your bible? Absolutely! From selection to creation to placement, this could be the easiest technique you learn in your Bible journaling journey.
Selection
If you already have a stash of stickers, that’s awesome! Use what you have, but first, make sure that the stickers are acid-free before you place them in your Bible. If you’re purchasing stickers, look for designs that you love, ones that complement your study, and try to get them on sale! Many craft stores often offer discounts, sometimes up to 80% off!
Making Your Own Stickers
Sticker Paper
To make your own stickers, you’ll need sticker paper. When selecting sticker paper, you’ll need to determine if you want a white or clear background. Choose a clear background if you’re placing stickers on top of Scripture and want to be able to see the words after the sticker is placed. Otherwise, choose the white sticker paper for a bright sticker image. Always use acid-free sticker paper when you’re Bible journaling. Here’s our ministry affiliate link to our favorites:
Avery Clear Stickers 8 ½” x 11” for Inkjet Printers – 25 pack – http://amzn.to/2kHkWdj.
Avery White Stickers 8 ½” x 11” for Inkjet Printers – 15 pack – http://amzn.to/2kJLsmr
Notice how you can see the words behind the clear sticker in the image above. You can’t see the words behind the white sticker, but it’s much brighter and crisper than the clear sticker.
Copy Paper
You can also make your own stickers using plain copy paper that’s acid-free and a sticker maker, glue, or tape. The sticker makers we use include:
Xyron 1.5” Sticker Maker: http://amzn.to/2kH7CWI
Xyron Create a Sticker Machine: http://amzn.to/2l320ZZ
Labels
Some people use labels that are acid-free. They’re fine to use, but they are sometimes hard to peel away from the backing.
Software
Using a simple software tool like Word, you can open a new document, insert pictures or images, create words in many different fonts, add colors, and draw lines and shapes. You can also make stickers out of your family photos. Just add as many as you can to the page and print them out on the sticker paper. Make sure you use the best printer settings so you get nice crisp images.
Once your stickers are printed, you can use scissors or punches to cut around them. Some people are super crafty and use a tool like the Cricut or Silhouette that allows you to print and cut at the same time! What a time saver!
Printing Sticker from Files
There are a number of designers that provide stickers and margin elements specifically for Bible journaling. Some of the designers even provide them for free. You can find a comprehensive list of freebies on our website.
Sticker Usage
Many instructors will tell you that there are certain rules to follow to avoid sticker clutter, but there are no rules in Bible journaling. There are no mistakes when it comes to using stickers in your Bible. You can use as many as you want, wherever you want. Here are a few ways that you can use stickers in your Bible journaling:
- Story Telling – Use stickers to tell the story of the Scripture or how a particular Scripture impacted your life and those around you.
- Main Focal Point – Use stickers to emphasize the important parts of the Scripture that you’re studying. Make them the main focal point of your design.
- Border – group stickers along the margin of your Bible as a border between the Scripture and your journaling, doodling, or other art.
- Accents – Use stickers to accent a main focal point, like a particular Scripture, your journaling art, a picture or other ephemera. You can use them on the corners, on the sides, or in a design that directs the eyes to the focal point.
- Clusters – Use a few stickers as a grouping rather than randomly placing the stickers. Group a few flowers or other similar objects together.
- Designs – Use stickers in a design like a swirl, arrow, or a word to create interest.
- Path – Use stickers in a path to direct the reader’s eye to something you want them to see.
- Framed – Place the sticker on cardstock that’s cut bigger than the sticker. This creates a framed effect. Then adhere the cardstock to your Bible.
- Randomly – Use stickers randomly; however you feel called. Remember, there are no rules to Bible journaling.
Sticker Placement
Always make sure your stickers are where you want them before you peel off the back. Once you place them on your page, they are almost impossible to get off.
Once you are satisfied with your layout, peel the backing off the sticker and carefully stick it in your Bible. It’s ok to change your mind before you adhere your stickers. You can also journal around stickers, add doodles, or paint the background as well.
Your Turn
Now it’s your turn to try out this this technique. Remember to share your work in our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BibleJournalingforBeginners/
