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Karla Dornacher Designs

Creatively Sharing the Love of God

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You are here: Home / Bible Journaling / Psalm 1 – Creating Outside the Lines – Step by Step

in Bible Journaling· Bookmarks· Coloring Pages· Discover Hope in the Psalms· Tracing Tips

Psalm 1 – Creating Outside the Lines – Step by Step

A New Psalm 1 Collection…

This week’s new release is a full Psalm 1 Coloring Collection which includes two framed pages… as well as a bookmark design that can also be used to trace in the margin of your journaling Bible. The framed pages… one with lines and one without… are fabulous for taking notes, writing out prayers, or keeping a gratitude journal. They can also be used for Women’s Retreats or Bible study handouts. You can find this collection in my webstore or on Etsy.

Psalm 1 has always been one of my favorites. It has such wonderful visual imagery that allows us to “see” what God is saying as well as to “hear” it.

I remember the first time my Psalm 1 illustration was dubbed a “fruit cocktail” tree… I loved it! It gave me the opportunity to share that, as believers in Christ, we have each been given the fruit of the Spirit which, as we know, is multi-faceted… love, peace, joy, patience, goodness and so much more. But I believe it also speaks to how we bear the fruit of our labor as we use our gifts, talents, and abilities in ways that bring glory to God. And because we are all created to be unique individuals, the fruit we bear will be as unique and varied as we are… hence again, a “fruit cocktail” tree.

Sometimes as we meditate on a verse, God coaxes us to think outside the box just as He did in showing me the multi-faceted aspect of bearing fruit.  So be encouraged as you ponder the verses you want to art journal to ask the Lord if He wants to show you anything beyond what you see at first glance… allowing God to open your heart and mind to see and create “outside the lines!”

Creating Outside the Borders of Bookmark/Tracers…

Today… I want to apply that same thought to creating outside the lines when it comes to using Bible bookmarks as “tracers” for your Bible journaling…

I want to share with you… step by step… how I started with the Psalm 1 bookmark but created beyond the borders of the design to create my own unique Bible journaling page. My hope is that it will inspire you to see beyond the lines and add your own creative uniqueness to your Bible journaling and how it might apply to some of your other artistic endeavors.

For this page, I’m using the original bookmark as a tracer.

I love how the pages are thin and allow you to easily see the image beneath it.

I use a micron 001 to trace the outline first but you might feel more comfortable tracing in pencil first and adding the ink lines after.

The first thing I added “outside the lines” of the bookmark were these extra leaves and berries to flow over beyond the margin. I drew them lightly in pencil first so I could easily erase and adjust their placement until I was happy with how it looked.

Once I inked over the pencil I carefully erased the pencil lines and began to add thickness to the lines of the leaves, berries and lettering which adds depth and dimension. If you wonder where to add thickness to your lines you can always use the bookmark as your guide. Mine is actually quite random.

You can see in the above photo how I added additional branches and leaves beyond the borders of the bookmark to extend the design a little more into the page… finishing where the bookmark left off.

Here is the completed page in ink only including thick and thin lines as well as add-ons to finish off the design.

I won’t go into the details of coloring because I have some other tutorials on that but did want to give you a close-up of adding the purple into the spaces of the lettering. I felt like grapes were missing from my original design so this was a fun and creative way to add in the grape color without adding the fruit!

So here is the finished page. I love the colors and how it speaks to my heart about being a woman who delights in the Word of God. God promises… and I believe… I am… and you are… like a tree… yielding fruit in its season and our leaves will never wither… and whatever we do… as unto the Lord… will prosper… in His love and for His glory!

Supply List…

Supplies I used to create the Bible Journaling Page shown in this blog post include…

ESV Single Column Journaling Bible Mine is red but there are many other cover options available.

Micron Pens This set has a variety of nib sizes. I usually use the 005 and 01 in my Bible but I use the other sizes as well for other projects.

PrismaColor Premier Colored Pencils and this set of 72 should be sufficient for all your coloring needs.

Psalm 1 Printable Collection here in my webstore or here on Etsy

 

Thanks for the visit and God bless you!
xoxo

 

**Some of the links in this post are to my affiliate partners. When you purchase a product through one of these links I do receive compensation which helps to support me and allows me to continue to support and encourage you in your creative journey with the Lord. I only link to products I recommend because I personally use and love them myself. The compensation I receive has no impact on the price you pay so it’s like you are helping to financially support my ministry and at the same time get good deals on items I know you will love too!

Previous Post: « Bible Journaling Video… How to Draw Simple Banners
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I love drawing, painting and just being creative! Since I first became aware that my art ability was a gift from God, it has been my hearts desire to use it to glorify Him... and to be a blessing and encouragement to others. Read More…

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karladornacher

Artist • Author • Encourager
⭐️Sharing God’s Word, Beauty & Blessings
…through Art and Story
⭐️Dog Mom living a Widow’s Life

I feel like a tortoise running a 100 mile marathon I feel like a tortoise running a 100 mile marathon!! Haha!! But I’m not giving up. Woohoo!

DAY 18/100  cactus flower

#100dayproject #the100dayproject #cactus flowers
So my daughter… @michelleallenart is the one who So my daughter… @michelleallenart is the one who encouraged me to do this challenge… and she is beyond day 33. Me… day 17! The days just go by so quickly and… to be honest… there’s been days I’ve just made excuses not to go to the studio because I’m not happy with what I’m painting and I’ve been frustrated. However… I know God has a plan here so I’m not giving up… so stay tuned. 

Love you my friends for your encouragement!

Day 17… Oleander from my courtyard. 

#100dayproject #the100dayproject #oleanderflower
I pruned my lantana shrubs a few days ago and tuck I pruned my lantana shrubs a few days ago and tucked a few of the trimmings in this adorable little vase and couldn’t resist trying to paint them. 

I also discovered that lantanas symbolize fierce love and wild energy! Oh goodness… wild energy seems so long ago! Haha! But what joy is ours when we are fiercely in love with the Lord! Amen?

Hmmm… I was thinking about adding a pattern to the tablecloth but maybe a verse about love would be better. Any suggestions?

Day16/100 

#the100dayproject #100dayproject #lantanaflowers #inmycourtyard
My pomegranate tree has more flowers this year tha My pomegranate tree has more flowers this year than last, and I’m praying a few of the blossoms hold on and actually develop into fruit! Made me think of how God looks at us… wanting us to hold on to Him in faith so that we too can bear fruit… for His glory. Inspired by Jesus’ fig tree parable in Luke 13 if you want to go check it out.

And who knew there were pomegranate songs? Haha!

Day 15/100 

#the100dayproject #100dayproject #pomegranateblossom #befruitful
Did you know that when Jesus was talking about the Did you know that when Jesus was talking about the “lilies of the field” in Luke 12… He was most likely directing their gaze to the rivers of scarlet poppies blooming on the hillside nearby? Of course, since I’m presently painting florals, I couldn’t resist the poppy.

I shared more about God’s encouragement through this passage in my newsletter last Monday if you’re interested. (Link in bio)

Day 14/100

#the100dayproject #100dayproject #scarletpoppies #youreworthmore
My 100 Day Project was rudely interrupted last wee My 100 Day Project was rudely interrupted last week by a nasty little bug that rendered me worthless on every level! However… I’m better and back it! 

This one is 16x20 and because I wrote my own rules and count a day… not by a painting finished… but by days spent in the studio…it represents days 11, 12, and 13. I must admit… I’m enjoying this challenge more than I expected. Yay and thank You Lord. 

What do you think?

#100dayproject #the100dayproject #vaseofflowers #acryliconcanvas
I love when these little cuties visit the feeder j I love when these little cuties visit the feeder just outside my window! They always remind of how God’s greatest gifts can come in tiny little packages! 

Day 10/100

#the100dayproject #the100dayproject2026 #100dayproject #hummingbirdart
I know I’m not following all the rules but havin I know I’m not following all the rules but having this nudge to get out in the studio and just paint whatever feels good. Even though I do see some designs that might be nice for notecards, that’s not my reason for doing this. 

I want to play and maybe find my new style that fits with this new season of my life. Even at 74 yo, it’s never too late to learn something new and it’s okay to just play. True? 

Curious… are you learning something new today?

Day 9/100

#the100dayproject #the100dayproject2026 #100dayproject #birdart #justforfun
Took a break to spend time with family from out of Took a break to spend time with family from out of town but… I’m back!!

And I must confess… I’m enjoying the challenge more than I expected!

Day 8/100

#the100dayproject #the100dayproject2026 #100dayproject #birdart #acryliconcanvasboard
Simple. Sweet. Just for fun. Day7/100 #the100da Simple. Sweet. Just for fun. 

Day7/100

#the100dayproject #the100dayproject2026 #100dayproject #flowerpower
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