Napkin Decoupage In Bible Journaling

Using Gesso To Decoupage With Napkins

Because the pages in your Bible journal or notebook are weak, you will want to prime your page with gesso before you get started adding napkins to your pages if you are using a composition book or a thinner page journal.

For the priming process in this case, I prefer to use clear gesso. That way all my Bible verses will show through. You will need some clear gesso and a paint brush or a foam brush. The foam brush will give a more even look. Where the paint brush will leave brush strokes which is also a nice look.

Either clear gesso or matte medium will give you a semi transparent design.

Lay some parchment paper or waxed paper under the page or pages that you are working on. Make sure that the piece that you are using goes beyond the page you are working on. That will prevent the product from seeping onto the edge of your Bible or getting on the other pages.

Apply a thin coat of gesso. Then apply the napkin piece over the gesso. Using your paint brush, start smoothing the napkin from the center outward. 

Let the page air dry completely before you close your Bible. This is super important, otherwise your pages may stick together. 

The page may curl a little, but not to worry about that. The weight of the other pages will straighten it out

Supplies

• Decorative napkins
• Clear gesso or matte medium
• Parchment Paper
• Paint brush

1. Separate the plys on your napkin. You want to save the printed paper piece. The other pieces can be saved for a later project. Use your fingernail to separate the layers. This will not work if you try to decoupage the entire napkin.
2. Cut or tear around the object you want to use in your journaling.  I prefer tearing since it gives a softer, less harsh edge.
3. Decide where you will place the napkin piece on your Bible journal or notebook page.
4. Line Underneath your bible pages so no paint or water seeps through to the page below it.
5. Shake your gesso and prime that area with a coating of gesso by brushing the gesso on your bible page. Apply a very thin coat of gesso with a paint brush.
6.  Lay your torn napkin on top of the gesso, and starting at the center, paint with outward strokes towards the edges, smoothing the napkin as you paint and glue with your paintbrush. 
7. Allow your napkin bible journaling to dry fully before closing the page.  The edges of your page might curl up after applying the napkin but will flatten out with the pressure of the Bible pages while closed.

 Using Matte Medium To Decoupage

Matte medium is not that much different than using gesso. They are both forms of decoupage medium. There just are a few minor differences to consider. This is a wet messy technique. So, you will want to cover your workspace with a craft mat or some parchment paper. 

1. Cover any pages behind the page you are working on with parchment or waxed paper. 
2. Using a brush, brush matte medium all over the entire page.
3. Remove the top layer of the napkin carefully with your fingers. Save the other layers for additional projects.
4. Tear or cut the image or images that you want to use.
5. Carefully lay the napkin where you want it on the page.
6. Smooth out any wrinkles
7. Allow to dry.
8. Apply a second coat of matter medium to seal the page.

• Of you use the single ply napkin is a single color, you should be able to see the words on your Bible page.
• Look for seasonal napkins as the season ends for the best prices.
• Check out dollar stores (now $1.25) for all kinds of napkins at great prices. 
• Cut shapes and words from your napkins. Look for free templates on your favorite browser.
• Tearing rather than cutting around a napkin image gives a softer look.

• Napkin Tutorial For Bible Journaling
• Using Deli Paper With Napkins In Bible Journals

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