Zentangle® a Zendala Dare #85 and New Year Wishes

Finally settling in after a busy Christmas of baking and cleaning and company. Yesterday, I cleaned up my studio and am ready to get back to normal. My first tangle to work on was this week's Zendala Dare #85 by Erin at The Bright Owl. My first thought was, "I can't do this." Not a good attitude HAHA! So, I did it anyway. I think it is a bit cluttered (Seems to be my style, maybe I shouldn't fight it?). I used Flux, Paradox, and a diamond pattern that I can't find to give you its name.

I would like to wish all of you the very best for the upcoming New Year. Your comments have been just a joy for me. I appreciate all your kind words and encouragement. The following is a poem that I wrote to bring in the New Year:

Another new year, more choices we'll make

From wishes and dreams to the roads we will take.

Some  head for riches, glory and fame 

While mine, next to theirs, is ever so tame.

Just give me a pencil, some paper and pen

And I'll have a joyous new year again.

Hoping all of your dreams come true.

A Zentangle® Christmas Wish and a Dare

This week's Zendala Dare by Erin at The Bright Owl, was a very different template. The rectangles looked like dominoes to me and I was going to do them as such but decided it was too predictable. So I went with Hibred and added Striping and Betweed.

I want to wish all my fellow tanglers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday season for all.

Zentangle® the Cold

Erin, at The Bright Owl, challenged us to use her template to represent "Winter". Winter to me is COLD and I always think of blue and white from snow and the sky. I chose a textured blue paper, used a light blue Sharpie and a white Uni-Ball Signo pen. Then, I added some white charcoal for light shading,  and plain pencil for shadows. I used Sez and Paradox.

Just a bit more holiday cheer:

Zentangle - 'Tis the Season

This week, the Diva challenged us to do a piece or tile that represented our approach to the holidays. Christmas has always been very special to me as a time of family. Memories just flood the mind as scents, smells and visuals assault warm us. I immediately thought of a Christmas stocking because it's the little things that mean the most. I found a template online for a coloring book page that I used with my Copics and tangles to represent the JOY of the season:

Zentangle with Vitruvius and Boo-Kee

I hope all my US friends had a nice Thanksgiving. We certainly did.

This week The Diva's Challenge #147, was to use Laura's own Boo-Kee in our work. This was a new one to me and I really had fun with it. Lots of people adapted it to snowmen, seasonal, but I had to go elsewhere. I was thinking of my beloved marble collection that I had as a child when I did this one:

The Bright Owl's template for this week also used small circles. Maybe I should have combined them? I'll bet somebody did. I pulled out another tangle that I have never used though, Vitruvius, an official Zentangle with unposted steps. (CZT's get to have all the fun!)

For my group of once a month tanglers, I did one on the new tan tiles:

And, for my sister-in-law, I made a special picture of a dachshund that she requested. I used Copic to color and used an online coloring book picture for the dachshund shape. She loved it!

Dare #81, Diva Challenge Well & Pean-nuckle, and a TOW

The Zendala Dare for this week really appealed to me in its plain state. There was something about the shape that I found compelling. However, I did have more difficulty than usual selecting tangles to place into it especially after I saw some of the completed Zendals of others. I finally ignored those beauties and just went off on my own. And, I like it:







On to the Diva Challenge. This week, she once more pulled out some that I do find a challenge: Pea-nuckle and Well.


And, finally, the TOW, Tangle of the Week, from my Yahoo Group was to use Cadox by Margaret Bremner. This was a really fun one to do on one of my painted ATCs:

Quib

Quib is the tangle that was taught when I went for my CZT, Certified Zentangle Teacher, (11) training this summer. I found it interesting in that it was a lot like Hollibaugh but with twists, turns, and a beginning and ending place. So many things could be done with this tangle. The Diva challenged us to use this tangle for week #145.

I did peek at a few that were done before me. Obviously, I didn't let those influence me. Other people do such beautiful tiles. I always feel like a misplaced paperdoll when I look at mine next to theirs. (Those of you who are older will remember playing with paperdolls. Sometimes you had a beautiful and delicate adult figure but you also played with a larger sized baby paper doll at the same time. They were almost comical next to each other.)

I did several of these in ATC size and I am going to show them all anyway :) Your opinions are always appreciated.

Diva Challenge #144

The Diva Challenge this week was inspired from a video from Samantha Taylor, and Sakura America. You will find a link on the bottom right hand side of my blog. It's a cute, and short, video that was very motivating. I have some of the Sakura gel pens. They are ooooo shiny and fun to work with. I especially like the clear one that just makes things look wet. We were to include an insect in our tile. Normally, I gravitate to butterflies but I also love little ladybugs. When I was little, I actually saw a florescent pink one. I decided to do this one red because I'm sure no one would believe me anyway :)

I used a grey gel pen for the shading and a green colored pencil for the background. The shape came from a wooden ladybug piece that I had from Michael's. I used the tangles Finery and Hurry.

A Dare and Some Jewelry Ideas

I actually finished the Zendala Dare early (for me) this week. I don't have much else to share as I am working furiously (mindfully though) on my ATCs for the CZT swap. I have decided to do TWO decks (yes, crazy)! I will post ALL of them when I have finished. So, here is the Dare from The Bright Owl. I used Ixorus and Fracas with some black pearls:

I am doing a class on using Zentangle on jewelry pieces this upcoming Friday at Hobby Lobby. Check the Workshops and Classes page for more information. (Forgive the glare, they aren't actually scratched like they look.)

A Dare, A Challenge, and the Tangle of the Week

I am running a bit behind this week. We were gone for a few days for a friend's wedding. I'm up and running again and have completed the Challenge, Dare, and TOW.

The Diva challenged us to do a tangle called Cruze, by Caren Mlot. This is a fun tangle which I did on a water colored ATC. Trying to kill two birds with one stone, this ATC will go with my deck of cards CZT (Certified Zentangle Teacher) swap.

The Zendala Dare #79 for the week was to do something to thank the founders of Zentangle, Rick and Maria, by doing something that makes us think of them. I am ever so grateful for having Zentangle in my life and I count my CZT training as a highlight of my life as well. I always think of Maria when I attempt Mooka (you must watch this video if you have never seen Maria do Mooka). I say attempt, because once you watch this, you will know why LOL! Then, Paradox is just Rick to me. Probably because his name is on it :)

And, finally, the TOW from my Yahoo group was to use Zinbolic by Patty Meijer. I also used some Antidots and a variant of Crescent Moon:

A Dare, A Challenge, and A TOW

First, the Dare, Number 78, from The Bright Owl was kind of Halloween looking, like a web. So, I thought I would try the new tangle pattern, Bumpkenz, by Beth Snoderly. Mine certainly didn't turn out pumpkinie looking like hers, but I like it anyway.

The Diva Challenge #142 was to jump out of our comfort zone. I like just about anything Zentangle, ZIA, color, no color. I even like the tangles that I can't do. I had to really think about this one and decided to do the one tangle that I don't like at all, not even a tiny bit. It is EKE. And, guess what? I still don't like it LOL! (It makes me think of the dreaded "doodle" word.)

And finally, my Yahoo group Tangle of the Week, TOW, was to use Lace Curtains and Ling.

A Challenge and a Sneak Preview

This week's challenge from the Diva proved to be a real challenge for me. I have always had difficulty with Quandry. I know I still didn't get it right, but I am posting it anyway. We have to remember that even if we don't do something "right" it is still Zentangle, just a tangalation. Fengle is always fun to do. I added some Sharpie pens, Copics, and pencil shading.

Edited this to add a video from Ellen Wolters on how to use a grid for Quandry.





I belong to a group of CZTs (Certified Zentangle Teachers) who are working on a deck of cards made from ATC (Artist Trading Cards) that are 2.5" x 3.5". We can play with the cards by adding color, fabric, collage and such, but we must add tangles to each one. When they are complete, we will send them to the host who will separate them into different decks of 52. We will then each receive a deck of cards with each card coming from a fellow CZT. What fun and just a little pressure. Some of these people do such beautiful work, which I'm sure you've seen out there. I find myself intimidated all the time on occasion by their beautiful work. I am also inspired to keep working on my tangles and steal borrow from them as well.

Anyway, I am in the process of doing 53 ATCs (one set will go to the founders of Zentangle, Rick and Maria) for this trade. I wanted to share my process and will reveal some of the finished ones (no, you won't have to look at all 53!) in the future.
Some ATCs are tangled first and then color is added. I like to use Copic markers, H2O watercolor paints, Gelatos, colored pencils, Inktense water color pencils and Neocolor crayons. This swap sure lets me have fun playing with all my collection of color making materials!

Here is one that I used glitter glue to make a string. After it dried, I added Copic markers. Won't this be fun to tangle?





Some I only played with my water colors:

Thanks to everyone who stopped by the Arizona Art Supply booth at the Women's Expo. It was great meeting so many friendly people. Drop me an email and let me know if you have any questions about Zentangle. I'm always happy to help:

Pointillism, Turtle and W2

Well, I thought I was done with pointillism. I used to teach it years ago and it took forever to finish a piece. But, when the Diva challenges us to do a tangle with little dots instead of any lines, I'm in:

For my tangling group, I needed to do W2:

And, finally, a cute little tortoise from Facebook's Ornation Creation template using Copic markers:

Challenge of 8s Parte Dos, C-Bun, and a Card

The Diva challenged us to use a tangle by CZT Jane Eileen called 8s Parte Dos. I have attempted to do this tangle a few times before but really have some brain connection problems with some tangles. This was one of them for me. So, I had put it aside. Along comes the challenge and I had to try it again. I am too embarrassed to let you know how many pages and pages of my notebook are filled with my attempts to understand the ins and outs of this tangle. But, with determination, I finally actually not only got it, but understand it. It is really a great tangle and has a lot of design possibilities. If you haven't tried it, do so.

A new tangle was posted on Tangle Patterns called C-Bun. I happen to love cinnamon buns, so I had to try it.












And, finally, my tangling group leader of the month brought in some great tags that slide into a holder for us to make some cards. I, sadly, have a friend in need of some cheering up, so I made the card for him. The tag slides into the holder and the pattern is repeated on the inside and out with room for the hidden message inside the holder. Then it goes on a backing, on to a card with a personal message inside and off to the mailbox hoping to bring at least a little smile.

With them put together:

Zendala Dare #76 and Inapod

This week's Dare from Erin and The Bright Owl reminded me of a spoked wagon wheel. Yet, my finished work didn't turn out that way. I wanted to see if I could use Eke. It isn't a favorite, therefore I ignore it. Bad. So, I pushed it into this zendala. I suppose it makes a nice break between the inner lighter pattern and the darker outer pattern. I also used variations of Meer, Dyon, and Chartz.

My Yahoo group Tangle of the Week was to use Inapod. I never use this one either, yet is is a favorite and always makes me smile when I see others use it. Just a bit of modified Mooka added as well. I did this one with black pen on some light blue textured cardstock. Then, I added white pastel for the highlights and Copics for the shadows. I really like this one. (I'll bet that surprises you, my faithful readers, as you already know I am very critical of my own work.) I think it is because it is simple and, usually, I tend to overwork my pieces.

I had another great group of students yesterday. Please check out their work by clicking on the Workshop pages above.

Frames and Elephants

The Ornation Creation group on Facebook had an elephant template for us to tangle. Not everyone in this group is into Zentangle, so there are other interpretations. It's nice to keep one's mind open to all possibilities. I used my Micron pen, colored pencils, and Copics.

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I don't think I have ever won a contest, but I keep trying. The Diva's Challenge this week includes a prize with the new book, The Beauty of Zentangle, as a prize. I really would like that book. I would do the Dare anyway because they are so much fun. This week, Laura challenged us to do a frame using something original as the inspiration. I immediately looked at a straw hat in my studio and decided that's what I would like to do. I have worked almost endlessly on it and have had so much difficulty. So, I finally came up with something "kind of close" and used it as a frame for Drupe:

Dare # 75, Alice Gets Lost in Wonderland

In week's Zentangle class, my students worked on tangling gardens. Do check out their work on the "Workshop" tab above. I did one of my own by "borrowing" an Internet coloring book picture of Alice and the Cheshire cat and pasting them where I needed them to be in the completed piece on a word document. Then I printed the page out on watercolor paper. Next, I added my tangled garden using pen, ink and Copics.

I thought the pink Mooka looked kind of like the flamingo's used for the croquet game, and Diva Dance worked perfectly for the tree's texture.

The Zendala Dare this week, from Erin and The Bright Owl, was a pretty one. I enjoyed working on it. She also had given us a new tangle to play with called Solow. Do check that out as well.

Weekly Challenge #137, a TOW, and Some Organic Tangles

Laura, the Diva, has given us an interesting challenge this week. Knightsbridge and Tipple. Two very easy tangles, so what to do to make them interesting. Here's mine:

I was playing with my Twinkle H2O watercolors again. I just love the look of them. You can't really see the beautiful colors here, trust me, they are. My Yahoo Group had a TOW using Opus:

And, finally, some organic tangles just to please my friend Amy. Check out her NEW tangle blog and leave her a welcoming comment. New bloggers need a lot of encouragement :) (And, she does beautiful work besides!)

Zendala Dare #74 and a Bunny

Not much to share today. I have been very hard at work doing samples for my Zentangle classes. I have such wonderful students and I want to give them all that I have. So, I can't yet post my garden tangles or my steampunk tangles, but I will after the classes are over :)
The Zendala Dare from Erin at the Bright Owl kind of reminded me of skate boards, having had 4 boys HAHA. I used some tangles that I have never used before like Iron Gate, Coral Seeds, and Foliole. Not my best, but I will share anyway:

And, from the Ornate Animals group on Facebook, I did a bunny using Copics:

Check out my Workshop page and see some of my great students' work too.
Thanks for stopping by!

Diva Challenge #136, New Facebook Group for Tanglers

The Diva asked for color this week. Color she got:

I used Copics, my black Micron, and a purple Sharpie.
Tangles = Henna Drum, Squid



There is a new group on Facebook for people who like to use templates to add their tangles.  Ornate Animal Illustrations. I have done two so far. One in black and white and the second one has color added. Can you tell I am taking an online class from Strathmore with the background? They have free classes. Right now, I'm taking the one with Jane LaFazio and Joanne Sharpe and they both recommend a background border:

ane LaFazio and Joanne Sharpe

Artful Card-Making Techniques
Start date: September 3, 2013
Instructors: Jane LaFazio and Joanne Sharpe - See more at: http://www.strathmoreartiststudio.com/groups/workshop-3/forum/#sthash.y6lXlpiT.dpuf

Zendala Dare #73, Diva Challenge #135, and Water Color Play

I got a new set of watercolors this week. The set is from Jack Richeson and has 22 pans of luscious colors. I picked up at AZ Art Supply since I now get a teacher discount. WooHoo! So, lots of playing with those. on these:


This was for the Diva Challenge, Well, a new tangle from Rick and Maria.













These two were just for fun.  Remember fun?
Mooka, Jetties, Zander



The Zendala Dare from Erin at The Bright Owl probably wasn't supposed to turn into pumpkins, but I couldn't help it. That's what mine wanted to be. I LOVE Halloween :) A little Nipa and Printemps.

And finally, (well not really, there's lots more but you don't have to see everything HAHA), my Yahoo Group TOW (Tangle of the Week) was to do Riki Tiki. I used my Chaz and added some Tipple.