By Bev Jessup | Creativity Released

How I Set Up My Craft Room + Journaling Ideas to Deepen Your Faith and Creativity

Not too long ago, my “creative space” was just a bag. A bag I’d take with me to church, where I’d scribble sermon notes and sketch while reflecting on God’s word. That little bag held more than pens and paper—it carried the start of something sacred. Now, in this new season of life as an empty nester, I have a dedicated craft room that doubles as a guest room. And today, I’m giving you a little tour—not just of the space, but of the soul of it too.

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t have space to create—or you’re unsure where to begin with journaling for spiritual growth—this post is for you.

The Story Behind My Creative Space

When my youngest left for university, I was left with a quiet home and an open room—my son’s old bedroom. Instead of keeping it closed off or using it for storage, I decided to transform it into a sanctuary of sorts. A place where I could meet with God, reflect, paint, pray, and explore my creativity in peace.

You don’t need a full room to create. You might start, as I did, with a basket or a bag. You might tuck your supplies in a drawer or a shoebox under the bed. But I believe every woman deserves a sacred creative corner—a space that says, “Here, I meet with God.”

How to Set Up a Faith-Filled Creative Space (Whatever Your Budget)

🪙 LOW BUDGET (Free–£30)

• Repurpose a shelf or old basket for your supplies

• Use ice cream tub lids as palettes (yes, I really do!)

• Journal in a recycled notebook or repurpose old books as junk journals

• Gather supplies from charity shops or dollar/pound stores

• Print Bible verses or devotionals to include in your pages

💷 MID BUDGET (£30–£100)

• Invest in a fold-up craft table or a portable trolley (like a RÅSKOG cart from IKEA)

• Get a journal you love (like Moleskine or Archer & Olive)

• Try watercolours, acrylic paints, or metallic inks

• Hang inspiration on the wall—prints, scriptures, or your own artwork

💰 HIGH BUDGET (£100+)

• Create a dedicated corner or room with proper lighting and storage

• Use beautiful shelving for easy access to your supplies

• Frame your work and use it to decorate your space

• Add touches that make you feel at peace: fairy lights, a diffuser, soft music, or even a comfy armchair

Wherever you fall on the budget scale, the real investment is your time with God in that space.

Journaling Ideas to Deepen Your Walk with God

There isn’t one way to journal. I’ve discovered different forms for different seasons—and it turns out, I’m not alone. Here are three powerful Christian journaling styles, inspired by my own practice and journaling creators like Katie (@katiefaithjournals):

1. Personal Development & Reflection Journal

This is where you dream with God. Think about who He is calling you to become.

Try this:

• Set goals by spiritual, personal, and family categories

• Reflect on your week or month

• Ask: What did I learn? Where did I struggle? How did I see God move?

"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." – Psalm 90:12

2. Prayer Journal

Your honest, daily conversations with the Lord.

Structure idea (inspired by the Coffee & Bible Time model):

• Prayers – Write what’s on your heart

• Confession – Be real and raw before God

• Gratitude – Celebrate what He’s done

• Listening – Journal what you sense God is saying

• Petitions & Intercession – Record prayer requests

• Answered Prayers – Look back and give thanks

Katie beautifully describes the joy of flipping through her “answered prayers” pages—it’s a reminder that God is always working, even when we can’t see it.

3. Bible Art Journal

This one blends creativity and Scripture study.

What to include:

• Verse illustrations

• Word studies

• Doodles while reading a Psalm

• Flaps, pockets, and collage elements

• Sermon notes or declarations of truth

Don’t feel pressured to make it Pinterest-perfect. As Katie wisely says, “Do it for you, not for the ‘likes.’”

Why a Creative Space Matters

When we carve out a place for God to meet us in our creativity, we honour both His word and the creative spirit He placed in us. Your journal becomes a spiritual companion. Your paintbrush becomes a prayer. Your space, however big or small, becomes a sanctuary.

Want a Head Start? Here Are 3 Beautiful Bonuses (Available for 48 Hours Only!)

If you’ve found this post inspiring, you’ll love what’s waiting inside the Creative Sanctuary membership:

🌿 Bonus 1 – The 7-Day Creative Reset
15 minutes a day to reconnect with God using art and journaling—perfect for beginners. (Fast-action bonus—available for 48 hours only!)

🎨 Bonus 2 – Visual Prayer Artwork (Annual Members Only)
Receive a custom printable artwork of a prayer over your name, created with floral or bird designs and your favourite verse.

💌 Bonus 3 – Devotional Mini Journal (Referral Gift)
Invite a friend to join the Creative Sanctuary, and once they do, email [email protected] with their name—and you’ll receive a lovely devotional mini journal as a thank-you.

👉 Join here: https://creativesoulspace.com/creativesanctuary144292

Final Thoughts

Don’t wait for the “perfect time” to begin. Whether it’s a notebook in a bag, a corner of your kitchen, or a full-blown studio—God is ready to meet you where you are.

If this inspired you, I’d love to hear:
What’s your creative space like right now? Drop me a comment or tag me on Instagram @creativityreleased.

And if you’re watching this the day it’s released—Wednesday instead of Friday—it’s because I’m heading off on a little family holiday, and I didn’t want you to miss out on the 48-hour bonus window!

Here’s to creating with God—wherever you are. 💛

👇 Helpful Links & Resources 👇

🎧 Podcast & Blog
Catch up on episodes and read the full blog post:
https://christianartjournaling.com/podcast

🛍️ Books & Journals
Shop devotionals and creative tools:
https://christianartjournaling.com/shop

🛠️ My Favourite Tools
Run your creative business with ease:
https://christianartjournaling.com/tools

🎨 Join the Next Free Creative Workshop
Sign up here:
https://christianartjournaling.com/workshop

📞 Book a Free 30-Minute Clarity Call
Explore how creativity can help you reconnect with God and your purpose:
https://christianartjournaling.com/clarity