No Skill Required: What Is Napkin Decoupage?

I know. It’s true. I keep repeating myself. But I need you all to understand that you DO NOT need to be a skilled artist to Bible journal.

Bible journaling is NOT about the art. It is about the HEART! And because we aren’t required to be talented in art, that gives us a plethora of possibilities when we create.

Since we are crafted in God’s image, we ARE created to create. However, we do not need special talents or skills. Keep reading to see what I mean.

I often hear people say, “I’m not creative in any way.” Well the truth is these negative comments we say to ourselves are simply not true. You may be correct when you say, “I’m not an artist” or “I don’t know how to paint.” But trust me when I say…YOU.ARE.CREATIVE.

The first five words in the Bible are “In the beginning, God created…” and I hope we can agree on Genesis 1:27 NASB. “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Both statements in Genesis clearly state that we worship a creative God and he handcrafted us in HIS IMAGE. Again, YOU.ARE.CREATIVE.

Art is not the beginning and end of creating. Decorating your home, cooking, writing poetry, hosting a party, and doing your makeup are all types of creation. Now that we have that settled, let me tell you about one effortless way you can Bible journal.

Napkin Decoupage

If you’ve been in the Bible journaling community for any length of time, you might have heard about the “napkin technique.” Napkin decoupage is a wonderful way to get images onto your Bible pages or journal without drawing them. You won’t believe how incredibly easy this technique is.

1. Brush matte gel medium over your entire page
2. Separate the napkin layers, so you only have the single layer with the design on it
3. Rip or cut out the napkin image you want to use
4. Carefully lay the napkin onto the wet page
5. Gently smooth out wrinkles with fingers
6. Carefully apply a second coat of matte gel medium to seal your page

Ta-Da!

Napkin Shopping

Napkins! Napkins! Napkins! Oh my! I’m sure it never once occurred to you that there would come a day when you actually spent time hunting down decorative napkins. There are a myriad of napkin designs on the market today. Flowers and fishes are just a couple of my favorites and are fun to use. Every time I’m out, whether at a dollar store, Tuesday Morning or Hobby Lobby, I look for decorative napkins. You can probably guess I have bags and bags of napkins. (Somebody want to try a napkin exchange?) 😊

Finishing Touch…

I’d also like to mention a product similar to napkins that you can use in the same way. Mixed-media artist, Jane Davenport, has come out with a product called collage paper. I found them at Michael’s on the mixed-media aisle. You can find my product review on the collage paper and pictures of some of the designs HERE.

Since today I apparently can’t resist repeating myself, I’ll say it once more. Remember that YOU.ARE.CREATIVE. and YOU.ARE.CREATED.TO.CREATE.