Zendalas

Over the holidays, I got into drawing some Zendala tiles.
Here they are.

Uncorked and Mooka

This weeks It's a String Thing #72 included only two patterns:  Uncorked and Mooka.
I really like drawing both of these patterns, so I played around with them a lot.  Here are some of the drawings I came up with.

The string is #72 by CZT Rita Nikolajeva

Merry Christmas

I am peacefully sitting in my living room alone,  drinking coffee awaiting for the house to erupt with activity---lots of wows! .  My 6 year old grandson will be the first up, fellowed by his 16 month old brother.      Yes, Santa did come last night.  He ate the cookies, drank the milk, and left all sorts of goodies.

He left me some great memories.

Enjoy your day and Happy Tangling!
Joan

Time to Zen Out!

I have put together a small Zentangle drawing journal.  It is 8 1/2" x 5 1/2",
printed on Bristol/vellum paper in color, and spiral bound to lay flat.

The journal contains:
**  Twelve 31/2"x 31/2" squares with a string
**  Twelve 2"x2" squares
**  Ten blank sheets of bristol/vellum paper
**  Twelve tangles with step out instructions
**  Suggestions for pattern variations
**  A black ink, fine point Sharpie pen

Time to Zen Out! is $12.00. A Great Gift for the beginner or experienced tangler!

Visit the STORE in the upper left hand corner or click here to purchase.

In the round.

This week in It's a String Thing,  we were to use two tangles: Verdigogh by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas and Pauline's Pigtail by Adele Bruno.  I like both tangles, but they are very similar.
I started out by trying to draw Verdigogh on a spiral with Pauline's Pigtail in the center of the spiral.  I couldn't get it to work out well, though.  I will try again later.
After that didn't work out so great, I tried something else.  I also wanted to use the nice quality paper of Zentangle tiles.  Unfortunately, I didn't have any tiles on hand.  I did have a Zendala tile, so I used that.
Below is the drawing:

  I added Ennies around the edge to add finishing touches.  I drew Verdigogh then topped it off with Pauline's Pig Tail.

I added some color to give it a festive flair.

I

Finally, I added some red ribbon to tie the tangles together.

OK.  A few days later:  I played around with these two tangles once more.  This is my result:

Merry Christmas and Happy Tangling!

It's beginning to look a lot like.......?

I love this time of year.  Mostly because I get so involved creatively. There are gifts to make, cookies to bake, festooning to be done, etc.

I live near the beach and walk the beach daily.  I collect shells -- by the gazillion.  I had great plans to make a garland of shells for my Christmas tree this year.  I forget all about it until a week ago.  Then I realized I didn't have time to do this, so the garland of shells has been put off for another year.  As well as the wind chimes, mirrors, picture frames, etc.  How does one forget to craft with the supplies she has been so dutifully collecting all year?  I got side tracked.

I wanted to tangle some stars and make cards.  Then I got involved in stained glass.  I started making birds and got totally engrossed in that. I made 30 birds for 16 people to choose from!  I gave away most of the remaining birds and kept a few for myself.  They were so much fun to make.

I had some scraps left over so I made a wind chime for the family gift exchange.

As I mentioned in It's a String Thing #67,  I am grateful for the opportunity to create, the access to materials I need, and the means to pursue my passion.

My wish for you all is that you also have the opportunity, accessibility, and the means to pursue your passion whatever it may be.

Dancing on the Rooftops

When I was teaching 4th grade at an inner city ESOL school, our class sang a song called, "Dancing on the Rooftops" for the 4th grade Holiday Show.  It was about Santa and his reindeer landing on the roofs of houses and all the commotion it created -- in a jolly sort of way.  Most of the children spoke very limited English, but the learned the words and the dance steps that went with it.

When It's a String Thing #69 came out, I didn't think about Santa or reindeer--- until I drew the last little bit on this tile.

 The pattern on the left is called Snowzags by Lori Howe.  I had no intentions of drawing it like this, but this is how it came out and I really like it! I immediately thought of "Dancing on the Rooftops"!  It's funny what triggers memories.

Well, then I got inspired and thought I would draw the string again only this time I would do more Snowzags in the same style.  This is how it came out..

This is just plain fun, in my opinion!  But it doesn't look like rooftops anymore.  The other patterns are Screen by CZT Margaret Bremner and Sooflowers by Livia Chua.

The funny thing about this challenge is that included one of my favorite tangles,  Sand Swirl by Kerry Heun.  I couldn't wait to draw it.  Notice that Sand Swirl is not in either tile!

Happy Tangling!
Joan

December class cancelled

Unfortunately, the December 13th class has been cancelled due to a conflict in the venue scheduling.

I will reschedule this class after the first of the year.

Look for classes at the Riverhouse starting in January.

Have a blessed holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

The new artists on the block

I taught a Zentangle class this month to six very talented students.  I learned a few techniques myself!

I taught the tangles, Crescent Moon, Hollibaugh, Printemps, and Knightsbridge.  Here are their accomplishments.

Next, they drew Verdigoh on a Bijou tile.  Pretty impressive wouldn't you say?

For the next class on December 13th, we will be drawing four different Bijou tiles and framing them.  Here is an example.

Wouldn't this make a lovely, personal gift for someone special in your life?  Overall size is 5x5.  All materials are included in class.  Beginners welcomed.
Please register on line (here) if you plan on attending this class.  The class will be held at the Beaches Art Studio located on old A1A at the St. Augustine pier on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 2-4.  Contact me with any questions: seazenings@gmail.com

Uncorked!

I think of this time of year when I hear the term, "Uncorked".
Today, I want to talk about Adele Bruno's new pattern, Uncorked.

I love this pattern.  It is similar to Mooka, with a couple major differences that make Uncorked unique.  One, Uncorked is started and finished at the same spot making all of the tines closed unlike Mooka.  Two, the tines (arms) are drawn with a narrow top which -- in my opinion, gives it a great look.

I have played around with Uncorked and want to share some of my work using it..  I love the way it works in the round!

 I used Uncorked as the center for this Zendala.

 This next picture shows Uncorked drawn in the center of the star I mentioned on yesterday's blog.  I used a Sukara glitter gel pen to color.  Doesn't the pattern make a beautiful drawing?  This picture was taken before the star was folded.

 This is the folded star.

I find Uncorked to be very versatile.

To see more uses of Uncorked, go to Adele's web site Tickled to Tangle to view the tiles here in It's a String Thing #62

Here are the step out directions for Uncorked by Adele Bruno

Stars!

I found a template for 3D stars on the internet somewhere.  I don't remember where or I would link you to the site.  I have seen the patteen is several places.  One place you may try is Dorian Eng's website: Little Bit of Heart.  Dorian does some amazing Origami type art.

I started playing around with these for fun.  I ended up having a lot of fun!  I tangled the stars and scanned them into my computer.  Then I printed them on card stock and colored them in.  After folding them, I decided I liked so much that I am going to give them out at Holiday Greetings favors at an Open House my husband and I are having.

Here's a picture of a few.

I found this stamp in my stash "always leave a little room in your Holidays for Miracles." - Thomas Wolfe. I stamped the back of the stars, then tied a string through them so they can be hung.

Gratitude on a String

This weeks Tickled to Tangle, It's a String Thing #67 required 3 things we are grateful for to be written in the string line in honor of Thanksgiving.

I drew out the string line and promptly wrote, Family, Health, and Home. These are things I am extremely thankful for all the time.  I drew the tile using the tangles, Crescent Moon and Cornerz.  Then I started thinking......

I thought about what I was really grateful for today.  Of course, as I said, I am always grateful for Family and Friends, my Health, my Home, etc.; but today I am grateful that I have the opportunity to pursue my interest and passion in art, the time to do so, and the means to explore with a variety of materials.

I love art.  I love creating.  If I couldn't create in some way, I would not be whole.  I am not really accomplished in any area of art, but I enjoy doing it immensely. I have been sewing for years, I love to paint furniture and create something new out of "stuff".  I was opened to drawing through Zentangle and I recently started crafting in glass.   I find a satisfaction in creating that I have never found any where else.  When I am upset, sad, or energized, creating gives me a sense of peace, accomplishment, and completion.

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't create something.  Yes, I am very grateful for Opportunities, Accessibility, and Means.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving.  I wish that you find your "happy place" like I have in art.

CZT Tangle Day at the Beach!

On Wednesday, a few of us got together for lunch and tangling at my house in St. Augustine.  Lunch was delicious, the conversation was fun and inspiring, the tangling was minimal (it's hard to tangle when talking!), and the comradery was comforting, supportive, and encouraging.

CZTs Tracey Lyon, Joan Delony, Carolyn Russell, Sindy P., and Adele Bruno.  Not shown: Dorian Eng, who also joined us after the picture was taken.

The others tangled a very special tile for me which Adele had created and drawn the string on each tile.  I now have 5 very distinct, beautiful tiles of my home address.  My husband wants to frame them to hang in my home.

It is so special when friends of like minds or interests gather.  This was definitely a day to remember.  Thank you all for sharing.

Birds of a feather

Lately, I have been working on Christmas gifts.  My new "hobby" is working with stained glass.  I love glass in all shapes, forms, and colors.  I have been fortunate to have taken glass blowing, fusing, and cut glass classes over the past 10 years.  These types of classes are few and far between (except for cut glass, which I attend every Friday).  I am still very new and green in all areas.
I enjoy working with glass as much as I enjoy Zentangle!

I am working on cut glass birds for all of my family.  I am thinking I will put all the birds on the table and let them pick the one they want.  I have 15 relatives, so I will make 20 birds.  Here is what I have come up with already.

I saw similar birds online and immediately knew I wanted to make some of my own.  I tangled the wings.  I kept burning my fingers with the melted solder until I finally found a "helping hands" tool.  Soldering is going more smoothly now.

I have 13 more to do and I have to have them ready by Thanksgiving.  This is when my entire (minus a couple of kids) will get together this year so we are exchanging gifts then.

Pais and Angel fish

This week, I started drawing a tile to submit to It's a String Thing #65 using the pattern Pais.  I had never drawn this pattern before, but I love drawing similar patterns like Flux.  I go so into drawing Pais that I completely abandoned the string.  As I studied the tile, it seemed to me there was only one of the other patterns of the weekly challenge that belonged with the Pais I had drawn.  So I added Angle fish, shaded and sent it on.
Happy Tangling!

It's a String Thing #64

This week, Adele Bruno, CZT of Tickled to Tangle posted a really fun challenge.  the string looked like triangles of different sizes stacked on each other -- kinda reminded one of Candy Corn.  So, the tangles came from the letters in CORN.

If you haven't tried out her challenges, you should.  They are fun and challenging!.  At any rate, check out her website on Tuesday when she posts the entries.  It is really great to see all the creativity and talent.

Happy Tangling,
Joan

The ease of zentangle

While spreading the word of Zentangle, I often run across people who see the finished product and announce, "Oh! I could never do that!"  Then, I set out to explain how YES, you can do this.
To help, I made the following two  Step outs to help the doubters understanding that I speak the truth!

New Classes

I have scheduled a class for Saturday, November 15 from 2-4 pm at the Beaches Art Studio.  (370 A A1A Beach Blvd. at the Pier)

This class will be a basic Zentangle class. You will learn how to draw 4 patterns. Using these patterns, you will make two beautiful Zentangle tiles to take home with you along with extra supplies to continue drawing the Zentangle way.

Another class is scheduled for Saturday, December 13th from 2-4pm. This is also a Basic Zentangle class, but I will teach 4 different patterns in this class. You will draw one pattern each on a Bijou tile (the smaller 2x2" tiles). Your finished product will be a 4 tile ensemble that makes a terrific piece of unique art. The supplies for repeat participants will include 6 Bijou tiles and a 5" frame with matting for your finished work. Participants who are attending for the first time, will receive the Basic Zentangle package with a Micron 01 pen, Zentangle pencil, tortillion for shading, three 31/2"x31/2" Zentangle tiles and 4 Bijou tiles in the Zentangle tote bag. I will have the frames for purchase if you would like to get one for your finished work. They are $5.00.

Each class is $36 for 2 hours of instruction which includes supplies. For your convenience, other supplies and books will be available for purchase.

Please fill out the registration (click HERE) and submit. . If you choose to pay by credit card when registering to secure a spot in the class, select the red store button in the upper right hand corner. Credit cards or cash will be taken at the class as well. The class will be confirmed to meet when 3 participants have registered. The class closes once 15 participants have registered.

Hope to see you on Saturday, November 15th and/or December 13th.

Happy Tangling.

It's a String Thing #66

This week, It's a String Thing included the tangle Quandry by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas in the challenge.  CZT Adele Bruno, even posted her great Tips for Tangling on Quandry.

I tried really hard to draw this tangle, but never really succeeded. Here is the tile I drew.


It definitely is not my favorite tile and you can see tons of "unintentional" lines in the drawing, but I did enjoy working on it. Overcoming the quandary I was in drawing Quandry, really took a lot of focus.
I also included the tangle Quib.

Go to Tickled to Tangle to see Tips for drawing Quandry then give it a try yourself!

Happy Tangling!

Wow! Great time at the Anastasia Branch Library

Yesterday, I presented a program on Zentangle at the local library. About 35 people showed up! Wow! 

I had prepared a Power Point with pictures and videos, but the room wasn’t large enough to accommodate the people and the visual equipment. I just talked and drew on an easel instead.

I started the program with a drawing of the pattern Fassett by Lynn Mead. Everyone had 2 half sheets of cardstock and a ballpoint pen. As participants would walk in, I asked them to draw the pattern or their best rendition. There was not a sound in the room until I started the program about 15 minutes from the time the first person started drawing. Some people figured out there were three triangles nested with the center one being colored, but no one could figure out how to get the final design.

I started the program with a slightly modified definition of Zentangle. I included the words ”fun” and “easy”. I asked the participants if they found drawing the pattern easy and fun. Needless to say, I didn’t get many head nods.

From there, I taught them to draw Fassett and had them draw along with me. Everyone could do it and everyone got the pattern!

I am learning that teaching Zentangle as a drawing process that everyone can do and which happens to relax you more effective than teaching Zentangle is a meditative drawing process. The difference is almost insignificant, but it seems to make a difference in getting the word about Zentangle out to the people of St. Augustine.

We had a great time. I love to teach. I do hope that I will get some customers out of this presentation.

Happy Tangling!
Joan

Uncorked and It's a String Thing 62

This week, CZT Adele Bruno challenged us with one of your strings and her new pattern “Uncorked” in honor of her birthday. Happy Birthday, Adele.

Honestly, at first, I wasn’t too enthralled with the pattern because all I could see was the inside of an onion. Then I drew it. I love the way the lines flow and drawing the tangle was delightful. Then, I started seeing other possibilities. Uncorked still looked like the inside of an onion, but it was also looking like a flower bud about to bloom (Fuji mum to be exact). After a few more explorations, I started seeing seascapes with Uncorked.

Here are some of the drawings I did playing around with Uncorked. The first is the tile I submitted to Adele for the challenge.

In this next drawing, I simply added embellishments to see how it looked.  The neat thing about Uncorked vs Mooka is that all the "petals" are self contained and can be treated as separate pieces of the tangle.

This is when I began looking at Uncorked as a flower bud instead of an onion.

Finally, I saw the possibilities of using Uncorked in a seascape.

Bucket List

Ever since the movie, ”The Bucket List” came out, I have noticed an increased interest in creating and working on personal bucket lists…myself included.

One of the items on my list was to travel by train.  When I was young, my parents would put my brother, sister and me on a train from Jacksonville, FL to Columbus, GA to visit our grandparents.  We were about 8-10 years old and traveled alone (oh the days of trust).  It was wonderful.  We were given a picnic lunch and off we went.  It was great fun to look out the window and see all the farm lands and woods.  The cars connected with an open passageway.  The conductor would take us out to stand in the fresh air as we whirled by the various landscapes. 

Obviously, these memories are wonderful and romantic.  I wanted to re-live this great adventure, so I took a train trip to Durham, NC to see my sister.  I left from Palatka, FL which was the closest station to my house in St. Augustine at 9:40pm.  Instead of going inside to a station with beautiful carved wooden seats to wait for the train, I stood outside by the track with my suitcase.  There were two other people their waiting with me.  The train pulled up and stopped just long enough for us to climb up the stairs and shut the door. 

To make a long story short, train travel as I remembered it was not to be experienced – at least on this trip.  However, I doubt I will make another to find out if it is any different.

I am home now sitting on the porch taking in the beautiful autumn weather.  

My visit with my sister was grand!

Fengle Shui

I have always had a hard time drawing the tangle, Fengle.  Last night, I couldn't sleep so I got up and started drawing.
I love what I came out with.  See tanglers, you never know!!

It's a String Thing #61

This week, Adele Bruno added my pattern, Moonpie, to the challenge.  What a treat for me!
I completed two tiles.  The first one shows Moonpie used in a grid.  In the second tile, I drew Moonpie as a floating tangle.
Happy Tangling!!