Bible Lettering
Hey there!
This past spring during quarantine, I learned a whole new skill … Bible lettering!
The best part about hand-lettering or creative lettering, in general, is that it can lead you down so many different roads! It also has so many benefits! I wrote a blog post about the benefits and you can read about them here. I also wrote a blog post about some fun ways to practice your lettering, read that one here.
Why I Started
In March when we found out large gatherings were canceled (and I knew I’d be at home from church for a few weeks after baby boy arrives) I decided to start lettering the sermons as I sat on the couch. During that time, I had also begun the search for a new Bible for myself. I’ve had my current one for ten years! It’s full of many notes, highlights, and underlined passages, so I wanted to start fresh.
Then, I received an email from my favorite hand-lettering teacher Amanda Arneill. She actually has a class on this whole subject, so I decided to take it! I’m sure glad I did. Of course, you don’t NEED to take a class on this subject … you can simply take your lettering skills and just start in your own Bible. However, I learned so much about great pens to use, Bibles, and tips and tricks. I thought I’d share my Bible lettering, what supplies I use, and some things I learned along the way. Here we go!
Pens
For Bible Lettering:
Many Bibles have thin paper, and normal brush pens will bleed right through to the other side. After trying many and asking my incredible followers on Instagram, I found these pens to work the best on thin paper:
For Church Lettering:
I have learned to switch between many different styles while lettering in my Bible. You can easily switch pens but I have found (especially when lettering in church) that switch takes up too much time. In general I recommend using only a hard tip brush pen. However, these are all great depending on personal preference.
For Decorations and Accents:
Most of my lettering is done in a black brush pen or black pen. I use these pens to add accents to my Bible lettering and my church/sermon lettering. The white pens pop on top of dark lettering. The sparkle pens are great to use to add lots of fun design and color if that’s what you like!
Bibles
Here is the Bible I use for my lettering. It has a large space on the side for plenty of room. It comes spiral bound so the pages lay completely flat. This is very helpful! I am a huge fan of this Bible, however, I do not bring it to church with me. It is pretty large, making it heavy. I only do my own personal lettering in this at home.
You can also check out these Bibles. They have space for lettering as well and are a good size to bring to church.
ESV, Single Column Journaling Bible
ESV, Journaling Bible Cloth Cover
ESV, Journaling Bible Interleaved Edition
My First IGTV Video
I learned that lettering in your Bible is really about spending time in the word, meditating on a certain passage, and diving deeper into God’s word. It is a creative expression of what God is teaching you.
With this in mind, I decided to film myself lettering Psalm 8. This video took me about 30minutes, but I sped it up for you to see. During the video, I am taking the time to focus on the words I am reading, not just the lettering portion. Check it out below!
Two things I have learned so far
You might be thinking.. this looks too difficult. I remember thinking the same thing! In fact, I want to show you a quick picture of some Bible lettering I did a year ago. I have learned twp very important things when it comes to Bible/ church lettering.
1. It takes time.
I letter a little each week in my Bible and I am committed to lettering the sermon each week at church to help improve my skill. It’s incredible what just a few weeks can do for your progress!
2. Focus more on the message, not the lettering.
When I am more focused on what’s being said, what God is teaching me, the lettering comes more easily. I write things bigger that stick out to me, and I take time to focus on fewer words rather than fitting everything said onto the page. I have found scriptures and quotes are staying with me longer because I have taken the time to get to really meditate on the message.
I hope Bible lettering is something you try now or in the future. Your relationship with the Lord will only grow stronger, and your lettering will improve! Tag me in your work on Instagram if you choose to try it out. I can’t wait to continue learning and growing together. Keep lettering friends!
