Once again it has been a busy, busy year. My guess is that it has been a busy year for everyone. Luckily my year was filled with many wonderful creative art related ventures, I hope you were able to take time for your art as well. My biggest endeavor was opening my new painting studio and art gallery, Sparks Studio of Creative Arts. I downsized from a huge warehouse to a smaller and more manageable building in downtown Arlington, Texas. Not only does it allow me to teach a few of my favorite workshops but I get to learn from some fabulous artists who host their own workshops at the studio. – – – Teaching at the Art & Soul Retreats is such a pleasure. I taught at Portland, OR and Virginia Beach, VA this year. Being surrounded by so many artists who each bring their own unique style to each workshop is one of my most inspiring experiences. – – – In my spare time I authored six new books in 2013, Art Journals and Sketchbooks, Rust and Patina,    Zentangle 9, Zentangle 10, Beauty of Zentangle and my newest book, Gelli Arts.  What I love about doing books is getting to play in all mediums and discover new things about each one. – – – In November of 2013 I took a fantastic trip to India with Catherine Parker, “Drawn to India”. I can’t wait to share some of my best India experiences with you in an upcoming blog post. – – – Another highlight of my year was welcoming in my 9th grandchild on December 22nd, he was the perfect little Christmas present. We brought him home from the hospital on December 25th. Merry Christmas Benjamin!!

      Of course I always start the new year off with a trip to the Craft and Hobby Association Trade Show. I shouldn’t count the years but I have been going to this international show since 1970. It never fails to ignite a spark of creativity and introduce me to some new people and projects. I will share some of my favorite finds with you when I return. If you happen to be going to CHA I will be teaching a workshop and signing free copies of ‘The Beauty of Zentangle’ at the Fox Chapel booth #1208.  Hope to see some of you there.

     Saturday – January 11

     11:30 – 1:00     Zentangle® Make n Take

       1:00 – 2:00     Book signing ‘The Beauty of Zentangle’

     Sunday – January 12

       9:00 – 11:00   Zentangle demo

       1:00 –  3:00    Zentangle on Glass demo at the Deco Art booth #1215

     Monday – January 13

       8:00 – 10:00   BIG Zentangle Workshop

     11:30 –  1:00    Zentangle Make n Take

   Zentangle pattern, enjoy and create!!

The Zentangle® art form and method was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas and is copyrighted. Zentangle® is a registered trademark of Zentangle, Inc.  and is used with permission. Learn more at zentangle.com