Journaling is a therapeutic activity that I’ve always enjoyed doing. Each day, I’ll write in a journal to help gather my thoughts and record cherished memories. Journals are not just for recording life’s experiences and sharing pearls of wisdom, but I also like to write in a journal to take notes when reflecting on God’s word. It helps me engage with Scripture while giving me a deeper understanding of the Bible. Need inspiration for Bible journaling? Art journals like the Faith & Lettering, The Illustrated Word, and Illuminate Your Story from Ellie Claire will spark creativity to help add dimension to your words.

The practice of illumination (or adding decoration to manuscripts) dates back to the early fifth century and continued into the Middle Ages. This is when scribes, monks, and other artists used richly colored pigments. This included gold and silver leaf to add decoration, initials, and illustration to the pages of books and Bibles. This is because Scriptures were not available in vernacular languages and were not accessible to many, including those in the upper class. Illuminating the text helped artists beautify the pages of the Bible as a way to summarize, explain, and, ultimately, preserve its message.

Use this almost-lost art of illuminating letters to enhance your writing, Bible journaling, or sermon note-taking with the Illuminate Your Story art journal. Rich illustrated manuscripts in the Museum of the Bible’s collection inspired these gorgeous letters. It includes easy to follow instructions, practice pages, and a pouch in the back where you can store keepsakes. The encouragements in this journal will guide you through the creation of beautiful letter shapes, flourishes, and more.

There are many ways to incorporate hand-lettering into your life, spiritually and practically. The purpose of Faith & Lettering is to inspire you to reignite your devotional time, to imprint Scripture on your heart, and to help you dig deep into the Word of God through the art of lettering.

Faith & Lettering is designed to be a safe place to practice prompts, try your hand at different styles, and grow in your lettering skills. You’ll practice the basics of hand-lettering, Bible journaling, sermon sketch note-taking, and have space to write about how these techniques are deepening your walk with God. It includes ten spreads designed to teach Bible journaling. With the twenty grid page spreads that are also included, you’ll have an ample amount of space to practice new lettering styles. Krystal Whitten’s artwork is beautifully peppered throughout this book that helps serve as artistic encouragement.

The Illustrated Word is a beautiful art journal that is a must-have keepsake for all those striving to create their own masterpiece! This journal features 40 illustrations from ancient manuscripts that have been recreated as line drawings. Just as medieval monks brought Scripture to life through intricate inked illustrations in handwritten manuscripts hundreds of years ago, you can now create your own stunning keepsake that will be treasured for years to come.

Ellie Claire art journals offer an interactive way to get creative with your quiet time. Each journal has similar features, such as lay-flat binding and thick paper, but the interiors are entirely unique. Each journal teaches and encourages a different form of creative expression of faith.