Messy Must-Haves

Because beauty starts in the chaos.

Some posts and pages may include affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through those links — at no extra cost to you. Every recommendation comes from brands I genuinely love and use myself.

This is my ever-growing list of favorites — the paints, papers, pens, and perfectly imperfect finds that make up my creative mess. You’ll see a mix of affiliate links (which help support my little corner of the internet), other artists and makers I adore, and a few treasures rescued from the recycle bin or thrift store.

If it helps me turn a pile of scraps into something beautiful, it earns a spot here to share with you.

My Favorite Bibles

Illustrating Bible by Dayspring

Dayspring Illustrating Bible

If you’re looking for a journaling Bible that invites art, this one is a standout. The rose-gold version from DaySpring is spiral-bound so it lies completely flat — perfect when you’re spreading out paints, pens, glue or whatever mixed media you’ve got going.

The paper is thicker (designed for creative study) and the margins are wide — giving you generous space to draw, journal, collage or pray your way through the text.

Because of these features, it’s ideal for someone who doesn’t just want to read their Bible but wants to respond to it creatively — the kind of tool that supports expression, worship through mixed media, and faith in full color.

What I love:

  • Flat-lay spiral binding → makes it easy to work on without the pages fidgeting.

  • Thick paper + generous margins → less worry about bleed-through or cramped space.

  • Rose gold aesthetic → adds the fun, joyful vibe that matches your art/journal style.

Tips/considerations:

  • Because it’s designed for art/journaling, the size may be larger/heavier than a standard Bible.

  • If you’re using very heavy media (lots of water/ink/etc), you’ll still want to test bleed-through since even thicker paper has limits.

In short: if you want a Bible that makes space for your creative faith journey, the Illustrating Bible is a win.

ESV Journaling Bible, Interleaved Ed.

ESV Interleaved Bible

This Bible from Crossway is a serious statement piece for art meets scripture. The key feature: a blank page interleaved beside every page of Bible text. i.e., for each page of Scripture you have a full blank facing page for your prayers, drawings, reflections, or mixed-media pieces.

Since the pages are blank you don’t have to worry about bleed through or ghosting. I really get to dive into my mixed media worship pieces with this one; it’s my favorite Bible to just connect with art and worship and make a beautiful mess.

What I love:

  • Unlimited-feeling space for art, reflection, worship, sermon notes — the blank pages give you freedom.

  • Leather-bound (for the splurge version) gives it that “heirloom” feel.

  • Perfect match for your “let go” creative worship style — not just note taking, but full freedom to create in faith.

Tips/considerations:

  • Because of the interleaved blank pages, it’s thick and heavy, especially after you start adding layers into it — this is not the Bible you carry with you to church on Sunday.

  • The blank pages are wonderful but if you use very heavy media (lots of water, acrylics, 3D stuff) you’ll just want to consider something to protect the facing page (or accept some bleed/texture).

  • If you go with the leather version, cost will be higher at around $125. But for your creative journaling use, could absolutely be worth it.