Washi Wonder(ful)!

I use washi tape every day. Yes, without fail! Why? I use it to decorate the Scriptures I write out. (See this link with more information on the Scripture writing challenge I set up each month.) I have had a few people on Instagram ask me where I get my washi. Some of it comes from Michael's, but  a lot of it comes from Amazon.  Here's a look at some of my favorites...

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I love the seasons, and seasonal washi with a botanical bent (I love to garden) is my new favorite type of washi design. I recently bought this set that has three different seasons in it, but I can see where it could be used year round...



Here's the link to it on Amazon.  It contains spring, autumn, and winter patterns, but the green and blue patterns would work for summer also. Here's a look at some pages I did with this collection...

Here are some other sets I either have or want to get in the future...

Geometric washi is fun...



Geometric washi



This circle, triangle, and square pattern comes in different colors: Pink/Orange, Blue/Green


I adore birds!  Here are several bird-themed washi tapes: birds on a wire, bird collection, birds and cages.


Here's a set of washi gardening tape that I use a lot. It mainly has succulents in the design.

I love this nighttime gold and silver washi! It is on my to-buy list for this winter.

If you love coffee (like I do) this washi is cute!!





And because I love the watercolor effect, I am looking to add this watercolor design set with eight different colors.

Finally, if you are looking for creative ideas on what to do with washi, see my Pinterest board.

Art and the Word

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If you read last week's post, you know that I don't know much about art. I am not even really artistic. However, I love dabbling with paints, colored pencils, and other media. For me, it is relaxing to create even if it doesn't turn out to be a masterpiece. Recently, I incorporated an art insert in my Faith Journal so when I want to mix creativity with God's Word I can. 

When a certain verse jumps out at me as I am doing my Scripture writing plan (You can read more about this plan called, Think On These Things.) or as I am reading His Word sometimes I am inspired to create with it. I open up to my insert and then draw, paint, or creatively represent the verses. Sometimes it is really simple (see the above picture, bottom left-hand corner) in which I represent with words what the verses say...like how what we think about ourselves (in the thought bubbles) is not what God says about us (conversation bubbles).

Other times I get more creative. I have to confess that many times I go on Pinterest and look up different "doodles" to help me with my drawings. Remember: I am not very artistic, but I can somewhat copy what others come up with. Connecting art and His Word has been a rewarding experience for me. I focus more on what is being said while at the same time being creative. I also find art to be relaxing for me to do. If you are looking for more inspiration try Instagram.  Sephras Sketchbook is one of my favorites! She does her work in a separate book, but if you are looking for art done in a journaling Bible, check out Monika's Instagram, Mon Creates. So many beautiful ideas!!

Here are a few of my Pinterest boards that I keep for inspiration:

Feathered Friends (birds are one of my favorite subjects)
Scripture Art
Watercolor
Adult Coloring Pages

The Psalms in Color

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For a woman riddled with anxiety, coloring has become a life saver for me. It allows me to detach from the worries of the day and release my creative side. I have reviewed and listed several coloring books here on the blog, but today I would like to introduce you to my new favorite, The Psalms in Color.

Last year, the day after Christmas, I started a challenge for myself...to write out the entire book of Psalms! So when I found this coloring book that incorporated beautiful pictures to color with verses from the Psalms I decided to try it out. 

Here is what I love about this coloring book:

• The paper is HIGH quality that can stand up to gel pens and probably markers {although I haven't tried markers on it yet}.
• The pages are perforated if you want to pull them out.
• The binding is strong and made in such a way that you can really open the book and color to the inside edge in case you don't want to pull the pages out {which is what I like to do}.
• There are simple pictures to color and more complex ones. A nice mix.
• There are 56 pictures to color!

So if you are looking for a great coloring book that has the added benefit of helping you focus on God's Word The Psalms in Color would be a great option.

And finally, here is a look at the supplies that I love to use for coloring...

Tools for coloring:

Here is what I use...

Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils-These soft core pencils are great for laying down color in large areas.

Prismacolor Verithin Colored Pencils-These are what I use for detail work.

Sanford Prismacolor Colored Pencil Accessory Set, 7-Piece-Love this! The blender pencil is such a fun item to use to blend color. It also includes erasers, a sharpener, and a pencil lengthener.

LolliZ Gel Pens -When I don't want to go the pencil route I use these. Bolder colors.

Sakura Gelly Roll Metallic Gel Ink Pen Set-These are fun as the metallic shine really comes through!

"Useful" Coloring

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I love coloring, but sometimes I would like to color and have it put to good use! Here are several options available for coloring things you can then actually use...

I so want these as I use a lot of file folders! Here are a few options...




Aren't these cute? They come in a pack of four designs (3 each) for a total of 12 files.

Or how about these?



Cityscapes File Folders

Another option is to color cards. I used to make cards with stamps, but I have kind of moved away from making them. Here are some alternatives for coloring cards and then mailing them out...

Creative Expressions- These are not actually cards per se, but rather one-sided cards you can color to put in with your correspondence or a gift tags. Note the size of these as they are about the size of a business card. Many of them contain Bible verses.




The Coloring Book of Cards and Envelopes: Nature- These are actually cards that come with envelopes. With the envelopes you color them and then fold them.




Animal Kingdom Postcards

Another option is planners and calendars...



Here is an example of a planner...Color Your Year.



A daily coloring page throughout the year.

There are also coloring journals out there now! Color and write!


Beautiful Botanicals Journal

And finally, here is a look at the supplies that I love to use for coloring...

Tools for coloring:

Here is what I use...

Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils-These soft core pencils are great for laying down color in large areas.

Prismacolor Verithin Colored Pencils-These are what I use for detail work.

Sanford Prismacolor Colored Pencil Accessory Set, 7-Piece-Love this! The blender pencil is such a fun item to use to blend color. It also includes erasers, a sharpener, and a pencil lengthener.

LolliZ Gel Pens -When I don't want to go the pencil route I use these. Bolder colors.

Sakura Gelly Roll Metallic Gel Ink Pen Set-These are fun as the metallic shine really comes through!