Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Adventures in Bible art & journaling :: Which journaling Bible should I get? And where can I get it?

If you are interested in Bible art & journaling, please consider joining me in the "Bible Art & Journaling" group on Facebook.
For those who are just getting started in Bible art &/or journaling, you may be wondering where to get a journaling Bible and which one is right for you.
You can find an overwhelming number of choices online...but let's break them down a bit.
* ESV Single Column Journaling Bible:
This has cream colored pages, single column text (as opposed to the more typical double column Bibles), and lightly lined side margins that are approximately 2" wide. Where the text does not span the entire line, you will have more margin space (particularly in the Psalms and Proverbs). (Available in solid hardcover with elastic strap, floral design hardcover, floral cloth covered hardcover, trutone/leather-look paperback with leaf design, and leather flap cover with strap.)
There is also an ESV Journaling Bible with two coulmns (that measures slightly smaller).

This has cream colored pages, single column text (as opposed to the more typical double column Bibles), and lightly lined side margins that are approximately 2" wide. Where the text does not span the entire line, you will have more margin space (particularly in the Psalms and Proverbs). (Available in solid hardcover with elastic strap, brown imitation leather with cross design, brown/blue imitation leather with flower design, and leather flap cover with strap.)


​* Note-Taker's Bible (available in Several Versions):​
The Note-Taker's Bibles have white pages, double column text, and un-lined side and bottom margins. The side margins are 1 3/8" wide (space on the left-hand side for left pages and on the right-hand side for right pages) and the bottom margin is 1 5/8".​ The Note-Taker's Bible is currently available in the KJV, NKJV, NIV, NASB, and Amplified versions of the Bible.


Looking for more room than the typical 1 1/2 - 2" margins on most journaling Bibles currently available? How about a full page to work with? You might be interested in an interleaved Bible.

* Journaling Bible, Interleaved (ESV):
This has cream colored pages, double column text (7.5 point Lexicon type), and a full blank page for notes, prayers, &/or art next to every page of Bible text. (Available in hardcover, trutone/leather-look paperback, and leather flap cover with strap.)



There are also journaling Bibles coming to the market that have some art (either pre-colored or with line art for you to color in) on some of the pages.

* Inspire Bible (NLT):
Features over 400 line art illustrations for you to color in. On the pages without art there are 2" wide lined margins for more art and/or note-taking. Single column text ("generous 8.65 font") on cream colored pages. (Available in hardcover and imitation leather.)
Features close to 400 line art illustrations for you to color in. On the pages without art there are 2" wide lined margins for more art and/or note-taking. Single column text (Standard Text Size - 8.65 point). (Available in pink hardcover, tan hardcover, and silken flexcover.)
* Beautiful Word Bible (available in Several Versions):
Features 500 color verse illustrations. On the pages without art there are wide lined margins for more art and/or note-taking. Single column text (8 point text size).

Choosing a journaling Bible:
There are many journaling Bibles available, all with different options (and different translations). When choosing a journaling Bible, I would suggest making a list of your priorities first.

What is most important to you in a journaling Bible? 

Do you want the most room for words/art? (If so, I would suggest choosing a single column Bible that is either classified as a journaling Bible or as one with wide margins.)

Do you have a very strong preference for a particular translation? (If so, your options will immediately be narrowed down quite a bit, depending on your translation preference.)

Are you particular about the base color of the pages? (Many of the available journaling Bibles come with cream colored pages. Only a few offer white pages.)

Is your biggest concern having lined (or unlined) margins? (Many of the available journaling Bibles come with lined pages. Only a few offer unlined pages.)

Do you prefer (or need) a large print journaling Bible? (So far, it seems like this one may be a good option with its claim of "generous 8.65 font".)

Are you most concerned with finding something affordable? (There are all sorts of price ranges in journaling Bibles, ranging from $10-15 up to $80 and more.)



If just coloring is more your style, there are a lot of beautiful Bible coloring books available. (These aren't childish coloring books - they are created with adults in mind.)

...and still, none of these tools are required to have some art-ful worship time. Just get some plain paper or a journal (or a canvas) and draw...color...paint...whatever suits you.


If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!
And if you have anything additional to share, please do. 

5 comments:

Tenia Nelson said...

Thanks!!

Susan said...

Thank you for putting this together! I wish the ESV would come with larger print.

Shannon linde said...

What a wonderful resource! Thank you!

Susan said...

Thank you for that comprehensive look Tifany. Very helpful!

teamwarner said...

Anyone Catholic around here? I've desperately wanted to buy a bible specifically for art journaling, but the Catholic Church only publishes The New American Bible. (As far as I'm aware...) It's pretty important for me to get a Catholic bible, not just because it has the books of Maccabees it it, but because I just don't feel comfortable using a non-Catholic version. Please tell me I'm not alone... I've asked many people this question and they all look at me like I'm nuts. :-(