Each January, The Glam Pad enjoys exploring “anti-trends” for the coming year… classic timeless design and societal principles that are happily making a comeback. For the past two years, we have been delighted to see a rise in home office decor, analogue journaling of all forms, and Bible sales, and Nanda Anderson’s “Paper Ministry” – The Apple of His Eye – embraces all three of these things!
As a teen facing fear and panic, Nanda struggled to find her purpose. God met her through the words of Psalm 17:8, “Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me under the shadow of Your wings.” This verse wrapped around her heart like a warm embrace, and is the inspiration behind her Paper Ministry, which is available to shop on Etsy and via ongoing freebies through her Instagram account. Everything Nanda designs flows from Scripture, prayer, and the quiet moments inspired by God’s peace and inspiration. Her journals, tags, pockets, florals, and vintage papers are more than just supplies, they are reflections of His tenderness, His beauty, and His presence in my story.
Nanda also shares tours and inspiration from her beautiful home studio, which is currently featured in the Spring 2026 issue of In Her Studio Magazine. Nanda lovingly describes her studio as “a cozy, peaceful refuge, where cottage charm meets Scripture, where floral textures and soft pastels remind you of His goodness, and where creativity becomes worship,” and we couldn’t agree more.
We are delighted to welcome Nanda today for a Q&A and a peek inside her studio and creations! Welcome, Nanda!
Q: HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN PAPER CRAFTING AND FAITH JOURNALING?
A: For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved crafting—especially anything involving paper. Even when I was very young, I was drawn to creating and collecting. I still have pen-pal letters from friends all the way back to first grade, so the love for paper and handwriting has always been there.
My teenage years were a rough path for me. I drifted away from my Lord, and in the middle of my despair and the desperation of struggling with panic attacks (and of course, there’s so much more to that story of salvation and deliverance), God gently reminded me of this talent He had placed in me long ago. In His mercy, God brought that gift back to my attention. It was as if He reminded me of the talent He placed in me when I was just a little girl.
That’s really when faith journaling began for me. I remember specifically praying and telling the Lord that I wanted to serve Him in some way. In that moment, He reminded me how much joy crafting had always brought me. Since then, I truly believe He’s the one who gives me the ideas. Every layout, every page, every creative thought feels like something He placed there. When it comes alive on paper, I’m reminded that He is the true Creator. I’m simply using the gifts He planted in me to honor Him.
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR ETSY SHOP, THE APPLE OF HIS EYE PAPER MINISTRY? CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR MOST POPULAR JOURNALING PROJECTS AND HOW YOU CREATE YOUR DESIGNS?
A: What many people don’t know is that I actually had my Etsy shop years ago—long before I ever imagined doing paper ministry work. Back then, I made jewelry and sold it through the same shop. Eventually, I closed it for several years as life shifted and seasons changed.
When the Lord restored my love for paper crafting, He also stirred something new in my heart. I felt led to reopen my shop, not for jewelry this time, but for what I truly love creating: paper designs that can be used for journaling, reflection, and time with the Lord. That desire to share the gift He placed in me and to encourage others in their walk with Him is what inspired me to bring The Apple of His Eye Paper Ministry to life.
Interestingly, my most popular designs aren’t even in my shop. The Lord placed a very specific assignment on my heart: to create SWP (Scripture Writing Plan) pages completely free for anyone who wants to write scripture. It’s a ministry, not a product. I often remind everyone who joins an SWP that we don’t need fancy paper, fancy pens, or a Pinterest-perfect studio. The Word of God is more than enough.
My design process is very prayerful. Every idea, every pattern, color palette, or layout—I genuinely believe He places it in my heart. I simply bring it to life on paper.
Q: WE ARE FINDING THAT PEOPLE ARE INCREASINGLY HUNGRY TO PHYSICALLY CONNECT WITH LIKE-MINDED INDIVIDUALS. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THE WOMEN’S RETREAT YOU HOST OUTSIDE OF HOUSTON?
A: I completely agree—people are craving real, face-to-face connection more than ever, especially within faith and creative communities. The women’s retreat I helped host outside Houston is a beautiful example of that.
I was asked by my church to serve in this way, and I couldn’t say no. It became one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve been part of. At the retreat, we gathered together and created a journal that I designed specifically for the event. Watching the women write, reflect, pray, and create was incredibly moving—a reminder of how powerful community can be.
Even before this retreat, I had been hosting craft gatherings in my home. What started as a small group of women coming together to create, talk, and share quickly grew. I’m now transforming our living room into a dedicated space for hosting so we can welcome even more women for fellowship, creativity, and time spent in God’s Word. There is something powerful about women sitting side by side, crafting, encouraging one another, and simply being together.
Q: YOUR HOME STUDIO IS ABSOLUTELY STUNNING! WHERE DID YOU FIND THE INSPIRATION FOR THE SPACE AND THE DESIGN?
A: Thank you so much. This room has gone through countless changes over time. My inspiration shifts and grows almost daily, so the space evolves right along with me. It’s fun, and sometimes a little frustrating, because the vision in my heart is always expanding.
What inspires me most is paper—different textures, colors, patterns, old pages, and vintage scraps. I also draw so much inspiration from my vintage finds. Thrifting old postcards, handwritten letters, vintage Bibles, and worn books fills my studio with character and meaning. Each piece carries history and contributes to a space that feels deeply personal and endlessly inspiring.
Q: WHAT TIPS DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER JOURNALERS AND CRAFTERS ON HOW TO BEST ORGANIZE THEIR MATERIALS?
A: Honestly, my studio is not always perfect. There are days when paper and tools are scattered everywhere, and I’ve learned to embrace that as part of the creative process.
One habit that helps tremendously is giving everything a “little home.” Writing supplies stay at my writing desk, and design tools stay at my computer desk. I also try to put things back in their place as soon as I’m done using them. Small bins, trays, and baskets make supplies feel intentional and easy to navigate.
Most importantly, don’t pressure yourself to have a perfect studio. Creativity can be messy, and that’s okay.
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Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE INTERESTED IN BEGINNING FAITH JOURNALING?
A: My biggest piece of advice is simple: just start writing. You don’t need beautiful paper, expensive pens, or a perfectly set-up studio. I began with a basic composition notebook and a desire to draw closer to God.
Start where you are. Write small notes in your Bible, jot down a verse, or keep a simple notebook for conversations with God. This is a heart practice before it is a creative one.
Q: FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW, WE ARE SEEING RECORD INCREASES IN BIBLE SALES THROUGHOUT THE U.S. HOW CAN THE APPLE OF HIS EYE PAPER MINISTRY BLESS NEWCOMERS AND SEASONED CHRISTIANS ALIKE?
A: It’s beautiful to see so many people turning to God’s Word. One way The Apple of His Eye Paper Ministry hopes to bless both newcomers and seasoned believers is through the free SWP (Scripture Writing Plan) pages the Lord placed on my heart to create.
Writing scripture is a gentle way for newcomers to begin spending time in the Bible and a meaningful way for seasoned believers to slow down and meditate on God’s truth. Being able to offer these pages at no cost allows me to honor Jesus Christ by using the gifts He placed in me to serve others.
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Q: FROM JOURNALING AND PAPER CRAFTING TO INTERIOR DESIGN, HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETIC AND WHERE DO YOU GO FOR INSPIRATION?
A: My studio blends many eras and styles. I’m deeply drawn to vintage books, handwritten letters, antique décor, and soft, worn textures. I love mixing those elements with modern finds and a touch of whimsy.
I’m inspired by Little Women, Pride & Prejudice, thrift stores, vintage paper, and ephemera. Sometimes a single postcard or book cover sparks an entirely new idea. My aesthetic evolves naturally, just like my creativity.
Q: WHEN YOU AREN’T BUSY DESIGNING AND JOURNALING, HOW DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING YOUR TIME?
A: When I’m not creating, I’m a stay-at-home wife, and I truly love homemaking. DIY projects, decorating with handmade and thrifted pieces, and giving old items new life bring me so much joy.
My husband and I also love traveling together. Exploring new places gives us time to reconnect and appreciate the world God created.
Q: ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?
A: Thank you for this opportunity. The SWP pages are completely free—no limitations or requirements, just a willing heart. Writing scripture has brought peace, clarity, and transformation into my life, and my hope is that these resources encourage others to begin their own journey with God’s Word.
Thank you, Nanda for joining us today! You are such an inspiration to us in so many ways.
To learn more about Nanda Anderson, please follow @theappleofhiseyebynanda on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Patreon, and shop The Apple of His Eye Paper Ministry on Etsy. You can also download her latest Scripture Writing Plan here and other freebies here!
I admire Nanda’s faith in God. Her work is lovely.
Thanks so much for letting us know about Apple of My Eye! Such beautiful paper crafting and sweet heart of Nana’s! This world needs all inspiration that we can find to live for GOD!
Thank you for sharing Apple of My Eye!