Bijou among friends

My friends and fellow CZTs, Sindy P., Carolyn Russell, Adele Bruno and I had our own Bijou tile swap.

Bijou tiles are 2"x2" and the newest thing from Zentangle, Inc. Check out the website and read more about Bijou, the new spoke person for Zentangle. Although, he is still in training, he will make his debut soon.

Classes

I can't wait to start teaching the Zentangle Method. It is so much fun to learn and practice. #Zentangle is a relaxing, easy-to-learn fun art form that anyone can learn.

I will start with Basic classes to teach to "basics". Starting in October, "Beyond the Basics" classes will be offered. In these classes, you can use the basics to create a variety of art using a variety of materials like watercolors, white pens on black tiles, Zendala's, fabric, glass and many more.

The first Basic #Zentangle class will be held on Monday, August 25, 2014 at the Beaches Art Studio from 10-12. Check the classes schedule from the tab menu.

Classes are $40. and include all materials, some of which you can continue to use after the class.

I am in the process of setting up on line registration to make it easy for you to join the class. Please some back after the 1st of August to register. Thank you.

This photo shows a tile with the string and a finished tile.

Passion or Obsession?

My days are so filled that it is baffling. When I was teaching, I never had time to sneeze -- in or out of the classroom. When I wasn't teaching, I was writing lesson plans and units of study that would inspire my students -- or frankly, keep them from falling asleep. Anything to get them to "learn" what they "needed" to learn. More often than not, they were most interested and learned what they didn"t "need" to learn.

At any rate, this endeavor lost its charm and I retired. Fast forward a year, I am so busy that I seem to never have time to sneeze. However, I love what I am busy with -- Zentangle. There always seems to be something different to try, a new pattern to explore or my time is spent whiling away the hours in meditative drawing.
So am I passionate about the activities I pursue or am I obsessive about doing it? According to Dictionary.com: Passion is any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling. Obsession is the domination of one's thoughts or feelings by a persistant idea, image, desire, etc. Maybe I am obsessed with the passion of Zentangle. WE can call is OBSESSIONATE.

Are you "obsessionate" with Zentangle -- or anything else?

My best,

Joan

Happy Anniversary Zentangle

Tickled to Tangle's "It's a String Thing #49" is centered around the 10th Anniversary of Zentangle's first public class.  I recently completed CZT14.
I have attached the tile I completed for #49

Bazinga!

I am new to the blog world.  I am diligently working on my blog site and learning every day.  Being of the "older" crowd, technology doesn't come as easily to me as it does for those that are younger.  I am consistently hitting the wrong key and end up taking a trip into cyberspace.  I know cyberspace pretty well by now.  Unfortunately, I never return to a place I have been before -- kind of like Star Trek.  Yes, I grew up with the "original" Star Trek television series.

However, I am driving to Altamonte Springs on Friday to visit my friend and fellow CZT, Adele Bruno to work on my blog.  Adele is going to show me all the ins and outs of blogworld.  Her blog is www.tickledtotangle.blogspot.com.  Check it out.

Another blog that I have really enjoyed reading this week is Sandy Steen Bartholomew's Beez in the Belfry (www.beezinthebelfry.blogspot.com).  Sandy is at Comic Camp which I am learning is an interesting world.

Practicing

While working on the book of tangles I am compiling (look for Tangle Time coming soon), I practice, practice, and practice drawing tangles.  Sometimes they get better and sometimes the more I draw them the wackier they get!  I attribute it to artistic style.  Because this book is intended as a reference to tangles and their step outs, I try to draw them as represented by the creator of the tangle.  Sometimes, I just can't draw a tangle to look exactly like the creator drew it.  My eyes don 't see the lines the same way, I guess.  I think that is true for all tanglers.  As artist (in our own rights), we should be able to practice with creative license - right?  I hope so because I have a tendancy to do so.
Sometimes, though, I try to "follow the rules" and draw as directed in the step outs.  Most of the time, this just causes frustration.  Zentangle is not about frustration.  So, I will draw in my own style and enjoy the process.