Bible Journaling Supplies You Need | Beginner’s Checklist

Starting Bible journaling? Discover the must-have supplies you need — from pens and highlighters to stickers and washi tape — for a creative, faith-filled journaling experience.

BIBLE STUDY

8/26/20252 min read

Bible journaling is one of the most creative ways to connect with Scripture. Whether you’re highlighting verses, adding prayers in the margins, or decorating pages with art, the right supplies can make your journaling experience enjoyable and meaningful. You don’t need to spend a fortune — just a few essential tools are enough to get started. Here’s a guide to the Bible journaling supplies you need as a beginner.

Essential Bible Journaling Supplies

1. A Journaling Bible or Notebook

  • Journaling Bible: These Bibles come with wide margins for notes and artwork. They’re great if you want to keep your reflections inside the Bible itself.

  • Notebook or Journal: If you don’t want to write in your Bible, a simple notebook works perfectly for journaling alongside your readings.

2. Pens

Pens are the heart of Bible journaling. Choose ones that don’t bleed through thin Bible pages.

  • Archival ink pens or fine-tip pens are best.

  • Black pens for writing notes.

  • Colored pens for underlining and adding emphasis.

3. Highlighters

Highlighters make verses pop off the page.

  • Use soft, pastel highlighters to avoid harsh bleed-through.

  • Try Bible-safe gel highlighters for thin pages.

  • Color-code your verses (e.g., yellow for God’s promises, blue for wisdom, pink for love).

4. Colored Pencils

Colored pencils are perfect for shading, doodling, or adding simple designs.

  • They don’t bleed through like markers.

  • Choose smooth, soft pencils for easy coloring.

5. Sticky Notes & Tabs

  • Use sticky notes for extra reflections or prayers when space is limited.

  • Bible tabs help you flip quickly to books of the Bible, making study easier.

Optional Creative Supplies

Once you’re comfortable, you may want to add some fun extras to your journaling supplies:

6. Washi Tape

Colorful, patterned tape used to decorate pages, highlight sections, or reinforce fragile pages.

7. Stickers

Faith-themed stickers (crosses, flowers, inspirational quotes) add beauty to your journal.

8. Stencils & Stamps

Great for borders, lettering, or repeat designs. They make your pages creative without requiring advanced drawing skills.

9. Watercolors (for thicker pages)

If your Bible has thicker pages or you’re journaling in a notebook, watercolors can add a soft, artistic touch.

How to Choose the Right Supplies

When starting out, keep it simple. Focus on a pen, highlighter, and a notebook. As you grow more comfortable, add creative tools like washi tape or stickers. Remember: journaling is about connecting with God’s Word, not creating perfect artwork.

Beginner’s Starter Kit Checklist

Here’s a quick checklist to help you gather supplies:

  • Journaling Bible or notebook

  • Non-bleed pens

  • Bible-safe highlighters

  • Colored pencils

  • Sticky notes or Bible tabs

  • Washi tape (optional)

  • Stickers or stencils (optional)

Conclusion

Bible journaling is about making Scripture personal, and the right supplies make the experience both practical and creative. You don’t need every tool at once — just start with the basics and add as you go. What matters most is that you’re engaging with God’s Word and allowing it to speak into your life.

So grab your pen, open your Bible, and let your faith come alive on the pages!

assorted-color pencil lot
assorted-color pencil lot