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5 Minute Blocks for Quilting

2012-05-16T19:48:21Z

     View a YouTube, Amazing design possibilities for your next quilt, table runner or wall hanging using this speedy 5-Minute Geese block technique.

     The International Quilt Market in Kansas is set to begin this week. For the first time in many years I am not able to attend. It is always a bright spot in my year to see old friends and have the opportunity to be one of the first to view all of the beautiful new fabrics, tools, techniques and original quilts presented in this fabulous venue. If you are a quilt shop, or creative media shop of any medium I advise you to try and attend at least one such show... for the color, the craftsmanship and the inspiration alone.

'Tree of Life' quilt - only 'looks like' curved seams

     Even though I will not be at the Quilt show I have have been busy with quilting on my mind. The 10-Minute Blocks book and video were so popular that I decided to work on a 5-Minute Geese Blocks book with this easy block construction technique (it is similar to half of a 10-Minute Block. Flying geese is a traditional favorite with quilters - they can be mixed, matched, turned or combined with alternate blocks for an endless variety of pattern and design.

'Zig Zag' table runner with all 'straight seams'

     '5-Minute Geese Blocks', due out soon, is my newest quilting book and is filled with tips, options and projects for these one-seam blocks. I had a really good time exploring ways to put them together and I hope it will inspire you to explore the possibilities of these magical blocks. Dazzle your friends and family with a gaggle of beautiful flying geese quilts, wall hangings and table runners.

     I am offering some exciting workshops in 2012 in some wonderful venues. Please check my new website for information on classes and take a peek at some of my art work in the gallery.


Zentangle Pattern, enjoy and create!!

           Zentangle #105

Artist Trading Card by Michelle Robinson CZT

Soup Bowls

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

It's a Banner Day!

2012-05-04T02:20:25Z

     View a YouTube, create colorful banners to add excitement to your next party, a holiday or as home decor.

     Celebrate every day! Party stores carry all kinds of signs and streamers but it is much more fun to put your own personal touch on a special occasion. Create a distinctive banner to add to the festivities of a holiday or simply to celebrate spring or decorate a child's room.

     Paper Accents™ by Petersen-Arne are heavy weight chipboard pennants that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are sturdy enough to allow the addition of all types of embellishments, scrapbook papers, paints, ribbons, fabrics and glues. The book 'Banners Swags and Pennants for Every Occasion' will give you lots of ideas and complete instructions for 40 projects.

My students showing off their mini banner necklaces.

     While at CHA this year one of the make and takes for the booth was using the mini banners as a necklace. This would be a great project for a child's birthday party. They use their imagination, burn off some energy and create their own memorable party favor.

     I will be teaching in some wonderful venues this year, the Artists' Materials Expo in Santa Fe in September and the Art and Soul Retreat in Portland in October, I would love to see some of you in my class. I hope to be adding more workshops through the year. Be sure to check the sidebar of my blog for an updated schedule of classes.

Zentangle Pattern, enjoy and create!!

                 Zentangle #104

Clothesline

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

Vision Boxes

2012-04-19T15:39:12Z

View a YouTube. Mark Montano shows you how to create a "Keepsake Vision Box" to save your memories and dreams in a decorative box.

     Mark Montano is an extraordinary designer and artist. I always enjoy seeing what he will come up with next. He has authored many fabulous books, his new book 'Vision Box Idea Book' is no exception. These wonderful memory and collage boxes are 3-dimensional Vision Boards - a place where you can imagine what you want your life to look like and create a visual reminder of your goals.

     One of my favorite Vision Boxes is 'Bon Voyage' (page 14), Mark shows you how to put together your own box using wood and wood glue, cover it with a map and add some of the souvenirs you came away with from your trip. The box becomes a wonderful visual memory of your journey. A Vision Box would also be a a perfect way to plan the trip of your dreams. Along with easy instructions for building different styles of Vision Boxes he shows you some great ideas for dollar store finds, such as a wall clock and a cake topper,

     Mark is also a master of spray paint techniques, I love his use of lace as a stencil on his 'Create' Vision Box (page 20). It becomes a perfect little shrine to remind yourself to take the time to create as well as to let go of the fear.
     Mark's comment about creativity says it all "It doesn't matter where you land, it just matters that you take the leap."

Zentangle of the week, enjoy and create!!

               Zentangle #103

Artist Trading Card by Judy Lehman CZT

Candle Glow

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

Zentangle® Eggs - oh so easy!

2012-04-02T19:20:52Z

     View a YouTube   Fun and easy for all ages! You are going to love these... everyone will be thrilled to find a Zentangle® egg in their Spring Easter basket.

                         All ready to hide for the big Egg-Hunt!!

     Ahhhh... Spring is in the air. A time of renewal. My artistic side gets a new kick as well. With the beautiful blooming trees, shrubs and flowers all around me I like to spend time outdoors capturing the feeling in my journals, on canvas... well, anyway I can. This year I decided to spend some quiet time in the garden tangling eggs for the big family event we have each spring.

       Zentangle Eggs are fun and easy to do, a great craft for children. My granddaughter Lauren is my biggest YouTube fan. I was so touched when I called my daughter Kristy and discovered she and Lauren were at that moment in the store purchasing everything they needed to create their own Zentangle eggs. Lauren had watched my video and couldn't wait to get started!
      The supply list is small, a waterproof marker (I used a Sharpie), and a few stickers or rub-ons. For additional color you could dye the eggs before adding tangles and stickers or use colored Sharpies. Happy Egg Decorating!!

                  Lauren, my biggest fan.

Zentangle of the week, enjoy and create!!

                    Zentangle #102

      Artist Trading Card by Sandra Westcott CZT

Garden Rows

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

Recycled Art Journals

2012-03-22T17:14:08Z

View a YouTube, more ideas for creating a fun and easy 'Stash Journal' from a paper bag and junk mail envelopes.

     Look around your room, your studio, your house and gather up some materials to use in your next art journal. That's the advice from my friend Cindy Shepard. In her book 'Stash and Smash' she uses buttons, junk mail, travel maps, candy boxes, game pieces and other items from her "stash of stuff" to create her recycled art journals. The buttons she likes to use are from her grandmothers sewing drawer, some of the images are from her son's favorite childhood book.

     It's fun to leaf through the pages of your journal, even the first ones created tell you a little something about yourself. Where you were in your art, where you were in life, how you may have felt at that moment. They become extra special when they hold special memories of someone you love.

Cindy teaching "Stash journaling" at the Design Originals booth CHA.

     There is a certain satisfaction when you create your own journal - start to finish. You are free to include anything you want in it. Combine old art pages, watercolor paper, scrapbook paper and old envelopes for something uniquely you. In her book Cindy uses all of these...her journal covers are made from paper bags, game boards, cardboard and toilet paper rolls. Her advice - don't trash that old tissue box make an art journal from it!

     Cindy with Peg Couch from Fox Chapel Publishing and
        students - putting finishing touches on a stash journal.

     While at the Craft and Hobby Association show Cindy shared her technique for turning junk mail envelopes and a paper bag into a wonderful art journal. Envelopes are slit on three sides to open as a page. If you want to craft a simple "glue book" adhere images and scraps of paper with a glue stick. Embellish the pages with colored pencils or soft pastels. Another trick I learned is applying alcohol ink to the windows of envelopes, it looks like stained glass...beautiful! Adding gesso to the envelopes allows you to use wet media such as watercolor and acrylic paint. A great way to finish the pages of both styles of journal are to add chalk ink or distress ink around the edge of each page.

     Look for a review of 'Stash and Smash' in the spring issue of 'Somerset Memories', as well as the summer issue of 'Scrapbooking and Beyond'.

Zentangle of the week, enjoy and create!!

                Zentangle #101

Zentangle by Beckah Krahula CZT

Slinky

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

Zenspiration Dangles

2012-03-08T17:59:14Z

View a YouTube , Joanne Fink demonstrates how to build a page full of whimsical dangles using vertical patterning and color.

     One of my favorite designs in Joanne Fink's book 'Zenspirations' is her vertical dangle pattern. Joanne is a truly gifted calligrapher and designer, it was really exciting for me to get a chance to see her in action at CHA.

Joanne Fink with her book 'Zenspirations'

     Joanne loves patterning and incorporates it into her brilliant illustrations and products for the gift, card and stationary markets. In 2008 she was introduced to Zentangle®. Like so many of us she credits the art form with adding to her own development as an artist and the discovery of her own style of pattern and design.
   Her vertical dangles whether simple or ornate are very easy to draw when broken down into small steps. Geometric shapes - like triangles and circles -are great building blocks for patterns. Try adding swirls, filigree and color to the dangles. Before you know it you have a page full of cool dangle designs. A great way to add interest to cards, scrapbooks and journal pages.
    Joanne draws her dangles on Strathmore® 400 series drawing paper using an 01 Pigma® Micron pen, for color she often uses a Gelly Roll Moonlight® or Glaze® pen. Get inspired and create your own wild and crazy dangles.

Karen Thomas with her colorful batik-like cards at CHA.

     While walking the show at CHA I had to stop and see Karen Thomas. Karen uses a white resist ... possibly white crayon .... to create tangle patterns then applies watercolor to them. The effect of this colorful card on a black background is really beautiful.

My visit with CZT's Julie Ough and Linda Thompson.

     I stopped over in Scottsdale, Arizona on my way home from the Craft and Hobby show to meet fellow CZT's Julie Ough and Linda Thomas. They took me on a fabulous studio tour. Julie is teaching Zentangle classes, tangles on cards. Linda Thompson is tangling on gourds. They both do exquisite work, it is so much fun to visit with other CZT's and see what they are up to.

Zentangle of the week, enjoy and create!!

Zentangle #100

Peas

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

Zentangle® at CHA with Sandy

2012-02-23T16:12:11Z

     View a YouTube, Sandy Steen Bartholomew demonstrates tangles and color options for her book 'Tangled Fashionista'.

Sandy with her make & take students.

     Sandy Steen Bartholomew CZT added some fun and excitement to the Fox Chapel - Design Originals booth at the CHA - Craft and Hobby Association convention. Her Zentangle® books are ultra popular with her fans. Since it's publication 'Totally Tangled' and 'Yoga for the Brain' have consistently been top-selling books in the drawing category on Amazon. Her newest book, which Sandy describes as "a mash-up between a Zentangle coloring book for big kids and a fantasy fashion magazine", 'Tangled Fashionista' was introduced at CHA. Dozens of excited make & take enthusiasts watched and practiced as Sandy demonstrated tangle and color options.

     Much like me and many others Sandy is addicted to Zentangle, in 'Tangled Fashionista' she introduces you to one more way to have a blast with Zentangle. Her fun and whimsical drawings leave plenty of space for completing the page by adding your own tangles and other flourishes as well as leaving space to experiment with color. Use markers, colored pencils, watercolor or even crayons on the characters and fashions featured in Sandy's activity book.

Deidre and Sandy at CHA.

    Other books written and illustrated by Sandy offer creative ideas and lots more patterns for Zentangle. 'AlphaTangle' is a handy reference guide for tanglers to carry in their purse or pocket. 'Zentangle for Kidz' is a wonderful way to introduce children to the wild world of Zentangle. 'Yoga for the Brain' helps you expand your knowledge of Zentangle with tips on shading, deconstructing and developing your own tangles.

Sandy, Cindy Shepard and Mark Montano.

    Here's an opportunity to visit with Sandy for 3 days of creative fun - a 3 day retreat in Maine. With all of Sandy's knowledge on the art of Zentangle, I can only imagine how wonderful her upcoming Un-Tangle Retreat in Qgunquit, Maine will be. It is being held March 2-4 at her favorite un-tangling, un-winding spot, the Beachmere Inn. From what I understand the Un-Tangle Retreat filled up pretty quickly, you'll get another chance to learn from Sandy in August, she will be teaching Zentangle August 9-12 at the Midwest Art and Lettering Retreat in Northfield, Minnesota.

     Here's another opportunity for 2-7 days of TOTAL creative fun! The Art and Soul Retreat will be held March 2 - 8 in Virginia Beach, VA. Dozens of fabulous teachers and projects plus hundreds of enthusiastic artists and crafters. If you want to look into it, there is still time to sign up and attend. I'm teaching 3 classes: darling Spirit Dolls inspired by Zentangle and made from a gourd, Dyeing beautiful Silk Scarves with Sharpie Markers, and Life's Journey Sketchbook/Art Journals with interactive pages. I'd love to see you there.

Zentangle of the week, enjoy and create!!

                     Zentangle #99

Stone Necklace

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

Valen-tangle Cards

2012-02-13T20:53:39Z

View a YouTube - Create a beautiful Valentine card with colors, layered papers and patterns inspired by Zentangle®.

Zentangle inspired Valen-tangle Cards by Angie Vangallis CZT.

Angie Vangalis and her happy students.

Angie Vangalis CZT did a fabulous make n take in the Design Originals - Fox Chapel booth. A simply patterned heart from the 'Zenspirations' book by Joanne Fink was used as the featured element of the card. Students added color with Sakura Metallic Gelly Roll pens and Sakura Glaze pens. With the addition of a few layers of cardstock, you can have a simple yet beautiful Valentine card for that someone special.

     A ton of travel has been on my schedule for the last few months. Things are finally slowing down a little so I want to share some of what I have been up to.

     The most exciting thing that happened was the Industry Achievement Award presented to me at the CHA - Craft and Hobby Association convention in January. This award is given annually to someone in the industry in recognition of their contribution to the world through their work with crafts and hobbies. It has been thrilling for me to have worked with and published books by so many crafting notables - Tim Holtz, Robin Beam, Sandy Steen Bartholomew, Barbara McGuire, Joanne Fink, and Maria Nerius just to name a few. Meeting these talented and generous people at the beginning of their career, and following them through their own growth and contributions to the industry has been inspiring.

Alan and I... what a beautiful cake to celebrate!

     Alan Giagnocavo, owner of Design Originals and Fox Chapel Publishing, hosted a champagne and cake celebration in honor of the CHA Industry Achievement award. It was great to talk with old friends and new as they stopped by to congratulate me. When you recieve an award such as this it is often brought to your attention how long you have been in the industry, as well as what you have achieved. It doesn't seem that it's been that many years. The wonderful memories will always be with me. Thanks to every one of you who have traveled with me through my career - you were each an integral part of my journey.

Zentangle of the week, enjoy and create!!

                    Zentangle #98

Tendrils

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

Stash and Smash Art Journal Ideas

2012-01-19T17:25:38Z

View a YouTube, Recycle a 'toilet paper roll' and 'adding machine tape' into a creative mini-journal with Stash and Smash author Cindy Shepard.

     The toilet roll mini-journal featured in this week's YouTube is fun and easy to make. My suggestion is to make more than one .... one for the art studio and one for your purse. The journals make great sketchbooks, notepads and tangle pads. They would also make a great quickie gift for a fellow artist.

     I stopped in on one of Cindy Shepard's recent mini-journal classes, everyone was busy adding color, texture, stamps and images to their pages. Since the page is small it's a great way to use up all those scraps of paper and ephemera you hate to throw away after a major art project.

     Everyday life can often bring with it lots of clutter and refuse. We all do our best to recycle, paper.... plastic.... glass. A few of us take it a step farther and seek to turn this refuse into art or something useful. Cindy is one such person, she has put some of these cast-off treasures to use in her book "Stash and Smash". Mixing precious memorabilia, a little paint and a lot of scraps Cindy turns her collections into inspiring sketchbooks and journal pages. "Stash and Smash" has over 120 ideas for techniques, bindings and organizing your own personal stash.

     If you are planning to attend the Craft and Hobby Association conference in Anaheim, CA I hope you stop by the Fox Chapel Publishing/Design Originals booth #1209.
     There will be make-n-takes and demonstrations going on all of the time. I will be demonstrating Zentangle® as will Sandy Steen Bartholomew CZT and Angie Vangalis CZT. Mark Montano, "Pulp Fiction" author and Joanne Fink, the author of "Zenspirations" will also be in the booth. Mark has a fabulous new book previewing at CHA, "Vision Boxes". Cindy Shepard will be doing a make-n-take as well, a junk mail journal, Sunday from 10 til 12, Monday from 1130 til 1 and Tuesday from 1230 til 230. We hope to see you there!

Zentangle of the week, enjoy and create!!

                     Zentangle #97

Lightbulbs

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

Art & Soul Retreat Virginia Beach

2012-01-05T16:53:48Z

     View a YouTube, Zentangle® and Templates, a great technique for cards and journals. You'll want to check out the newest and wonderful ways to add pizzazz to your tangle designs with little metal stencils.

     I am so-o-o excited! Art and Soul Retreat is coming to Virginia Beach, VA in March and my classes are almost full. Nurturing your creative soul is a must. For over ten years Art and Soul Retreats have been dedicated to just that. It is a mixed media extravaganza, filled with classes, the yummiest supplies, ephemera and workshops from well known artists as well as newly discovered ones. Everyone has a passion for what they do and is ready to share their knowledge and ideas. If you love mixed media, art, jewelry and creativity, you'll be in the right place when you experience Art and Soul. Check out their class offerings and I hope to see you in Virginia in March.

      The retreat offers women (well 99% women) a chance to explore new mediums, perfect exciting new techniques and discover their own individual style. The list of class offerings at Art & Soul in Virginia Beach is amazing ... jewelry-journals-dolls-fibers-metal-clay-resin-enamel-painting and more.

     I am teaching three classes at Art & Soul and taking several classes from other artists... I can hardly wait (and I'm teaching 3 more classes in Portland, OR in September). As a teacher and a student I always come away from these events filled with energy and a new spark of creativity.

Spirit Dolls - Zentangle® on Gourds - Sunday, March 4
     You all know how much I love Zentangle, I also enjoy designing on gourds. These handy nature grown vessels make a fabulous surface for Zentangle - the pen just glides across the surface. In this class we take the magic of a "Spirit Doll" and enhance the meaning and beauty by adding Zentangle patterns. Don't worry, I am bringing clean gourds and supplies for the class, so you don't need to worry about finding your own gourd.
Art and Soul - Virginia Beach, VA - class #VA152

Zentangle Art Journals - Monday, March 5
     I hope you have a journal or a sketchbook of some kind to work in occasionally ... better yet daily. Even if it is only a small addition of watercolor, tangle patterns, paint, images or sketches - it can add up to something valuable. With Zentangle my journaling has evolved into a more personal experience. Learning new tangles allows me to freely and without too much thinking add beautiful flourishes and embellishments to my journals. I don't have to search for the perfect stamp or image... I am more comfortable with what I can draw on the page. That is the idea behind this journal workshop. This class also covers how to make your journal more visually engaging by adding windows, foldouts and interactive pages.
Art and Soul - Virginia Beach, VA - class #VA154

Silk Scarves - Dyeing with Sharpie Markers - Sunday eve, March 4
     The Silk Scarf workshop is so much fun, I am always amazed at the beautiful colors that can be achieved from the blend of seemingly normal markers and alcohol. This class explores other techniques as well... shibori, stamps, tie-dye and textures. You'll go home with 2 finished silk scarves. All you need to do is sign up for the class (I'll bring the scarves and the supplies).
Art and Soul - Virginia Beach, VA - class #VA208

   Hopefully, some of you will be able to attend Art & Soul this year. You'll be sorry if you miss it.
     Take some time this year to explore your creative side, being creative is something to be cherished. Tune into fun and instructive videos on YouTube, take an online class or gather with kindred spirits who enjoy exchanging ideas.

Zentangle of the week, enjoy and create!!

                        Zentangle #96

Targets

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

Fun, fun, fun at Art of the Carolinas

2011-12-19T18:50:09Z

View a YouTube - Have fun making a fun and funky Stash & Smash - Junk Journal from a paper bag and window envelopes. Recycle artist Cindy Shepard shows you how.


     Recycle-repurpose-reuse whatever you call it... the old, worn and thrown away have begun to creep into the studios of many artists. Cindy Shepard has taken her stash of trash and come up with some great ideas for turning it all into treasured journals. Inside the pages of the book 'Stash and Smash', you will discover how to turn a toilet paper roll into a mini-journal, how to preserve old and tattered papers and how to turn everyday objects from your life into an art journal.

Fun Sketchbook and Art Journal class inspired by Zentangle®.

     I had so much fun attending the Art of the Carolinas show in North Carolina this year. Manufacturers of all types of art materials attend, new products are demonstrated and over 100 workshops are given by well-known artists. Design Originals had a booth at the show plus I taught Zentangle® workshops to art enthusiasts. Great students as usual, everyone who attends this venue is an eager learner. There was lots of interest in Zentangle last year and even more this year ... yay! glad to see the word is spreading.

Free ATC workshops given by the Carolina Mixed Media Art Guild.

      North Carolina is also home to a very special and very active group of mixed media artists. The Carolina Mixed Media Art Guild not only volunteer to setup and work the show, they also hold their own free workshops and display some of the marvelous art they have created through out the year.

Roberta Morgan and her beautiful quilt inspired by Zentangle.

      Members of the guild have so much fun too, many of them extend their creativity to the clothing they wear during the show... it's fun to see what they show up in every day.

Roberta Morgan painted fanciful designs on her overalls.

Penny Arrowood did a fabulous job on her Zentangle hi-top tennies.

     I taught three fun workshops this year, 'Zentangle Art Journals', 'Zentangle on Clayboard' and 'Zentangle and Watercolor'. Since I taught here last year as well, I was delighted to see previous Zentangle students back for more. They have discovered - as so many have - the beauty of Zentangle and how easily you can translate the pattern and design to other aspects of art. Watercolor and Zentangle are a perfect match whether you attempt a large drawing or just add a few splashes to your art journal pages.
     Clayboard by Ampersand was a new medium for many of them. Clayboard has a smooth absorbent clay surface, scratch board tools and black MICRON pens are used to add designs.

     I hope you all have a joyous holiday filled with friends and family. The poem below was written by quilter Donna Kinsey. I am sure many of us can identify with it!

A Quilter’s Christmas Eve

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, save my quilter spouse.

She sat by the chimney stitching stockings with care
In hopes she would finish before Nick did appear.

Her eyes, how they squinted, in concentration, so rarely
Did she spare a glance from her quilting so merry.

With the moon on the breast of the new fallen snow,
She embroidered a vest to a candle’s bright glow.

She spoke not a word but kept to her work,
And when she was finished, she turned with a jerk,

For she remembered that towel with the bear for her son,
Still needed a hem before t’would be done.

With the blink of an eye, and twist of bright red,
She knew she would finish, Twas nothing to dread.

She tied the last knot and remembered with fear she had started that runner so early this year. But it’s binding was left, the hand stitching undone.
If I use the machine, I can still beat the sun.

She ran to her room, just under the roof,
And thought she heard reindeer- A fatigue-driven spoof.

Dressed in her jammies, bunny slippers so warm;
The machine made a hum like bees in a swarm.

And as the fingers of dawn crept over the sill,
My quilter suddenly sat very still.
A smile lit her face; twas plain to see
The gifts were all wrapped and under the tree.

With a wink of an eye and a nod of her head,
My quilter, at last, trudged off to bed.
But I heard her sigh as she turned out the light,
Next year I’ll finish early...God bless and good night.

by  Donna MJ Kinsey, 2 October, 2011

Zentangle of the week, enjoy and create!!

                                       Zentangle #95

Jelly Roll

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

Zen Monotypes & Gourds

2011-12-02T17:25:03Z

     View a YouTube - 'Monotypes, Pin-Press and Zentangle®'... Creativity at it's best. Junanne Peck shows how to use a Pin-Press and Akua inks to create a monotype, then add details and accents with tangles.

      Today I'm talking about the wonderful process of Monotypes with Zentangle... and I'll describe my coming classes at the Arizona Gourd Festival and at the Art and Soul Retreat in Virginia Beach, VA. I hope you can find time to take a class soon. For me, classes are about renewal of energy and creativity.

      Monotype is a wonderful type of creative printmaking. The process begins by applying color to a smooth surface such as glass or plexiglass. You can add marks, more colors, stencils, scratches - anything that will create a pleasing design. Your design is then transferred to paper using a Pin Press and Akua inks. I found it to be a wonderful medium to embellish with Zentangle®.

     I have long been interested in learning more about Monotype printmaking. I finally made the time to attend a workshop given by a working artist, Junanne Peck. Junanne gave a marvelous workshop, and provided all the materials. I am so pleased with the results I just wanted to share them with you. By the way, if you would like to take a class, you can reach Junanne at junannepeck@mac.com.

     As most of you know traveling is one of my passions. When I travel for a trade show I usually stay a few extra days in whatever city I end up in just to tour the art museums and galleries, maybe even take an art class or two. Another favorite stop I sometimes make is gourd farms. Nothing better than tromping through fields of these fanciful, odd shaped ornamental plants. Especially now since I have discovered how easy they are to tangle on. I love how the shape of the gourd can have such an impact on the Zentangle patterns I choose.

One of my favorite farms is the Wuertz Gourd Farm right outside of Phoenix. They grow a vast amount and an endless variety of gourds. I will be teaching classes during their 9th Annual Gourd Festival held February 3-5, 2012. I am so excited to be offering workshops combining Zentangle and gourds, two of my loves.... plus I get to stock up on more gourds!
If you are planning to attend a workshops the sign up for classes begins today December 1st. Here is a list of the classes I will be teaching. Hope to see you there.

Zia Mandala - inspired by Zentangle®

Teacher: Suzanne McNeil 9:30am-1:30pm Friday, February 3rd, 2012 - GC-19 Level: All Levels

Students Must Bring: A clean, dry smooth gourd- about 6”-10” in size is ideal.

Enjoy the process of creating your own images, symbols and tangles on gourds. Zentangle is a meditative drawing style that increases focus and relaxation. It is perfect for all ages and skill levels. This exciting and visually engaging medium is fascinating. Suzanne’s captivating images have been referred to as “mesmerizing art”. Zentangle appeals to doodlers, graphic artists and painters. The class will include the Zentangle ritual and how to draw tangle patterns. You’ll learn the best design idea’s, appropriate materials and how to finish your gourd.

Zia Owls - inspired by Zentangle®

Teacher: Suzanne McNeil 9:30am-1:30pm Saturday, February 4th, 2012 - GC-31 Level: All Levels

Enjoy the process of creating your own images, symbols and tangles on gourds. Zentangle is a meditative drawing style that increases focus and relaxation. It is perfect for all ages and skill levels. This exciting and visually engaging medium is fascinating. Suzanne’s captivating images have been referred to as “mesmerizing art”. Zentangle appeals to doodlers, graphic artists and painters. The class will include the Zentangle ritual and how to draw tangle patters. You’ll learn the best design idea’s, appropriate materials and how to finish your gourd.

     Soon after the gourd farm I will be giving a workshop at one of my favorite teaching and learning venues, the Art and Soul Retreat in Virgina Beach, VA.

Spirit Dolls - inspired by Zentangle®
9:00am - 4"30pm, Sunday, March 4, 2012 -VA152

     ‘Spirit Dolls’ have magical meaning. Learn about these dolls and create a personal spirit. Enjoy the process of creating your own images and muse symbols on hard-shell gourds. The class will include the Zentangle ritual and how to draw tangle patterns. Create a clay face on your spirit gourd and draw tangles for an original designs. Make a sampler gourd shard for a piece of jewelry. You’ll also learn how to add color to the tangles and how to add dimension with shading.
     Zentangle® is a meditative drawing style that increases focus, dexterity and relaxation. It is perfect for all ages and skill levels. This exciting and visually engaging medium is fascinating. Suzanne’s captivating images have been referred to as “mesmerizing art”. Zentangle appeals to children, doodlers, graphic artists, quilters and painters. A gourd and all materials needed for the class are included.

Zentangle of the week, enjoy and create!!

   Zentangle #94

Pinwheels

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

International Quilt Market & Festival 2011

2011-11-19T14:44:21Z

View a YouTube - Use Zen-sational Quilting to create decorative elements for quilting, applique and drawing on fabric. Check out how to create Zentangle® birdies.

Zentangle birdies.

   One of the events I look forward to every year is the International Quilt Market and Festival in Houston, Texas. This premier quilt show is host to some of the most fantastic quilt artists, new fabrics, antique quilts and instructors imaginable. People really do come from all over the world to attend.

New books in the Fox Chapel/Design Originals booth at Market .

     I was given the opportunity to be one of five presenters in the 'Applique Forum'. It gave me a chance to connect with fellow quilters and share my own quilting journey. My first quilting experience was five baby quilts that I put together for my grandchildren. I have made and learned from many mistakes over the years, they have all helped me grow in life as well as in my art form. I also shared what I am presently working on - creating Zentangle® patterns with applique.

I showed a few of my original designs for applique quilts.

Zentangle inspired quilting for the 'Quilting Sampler' presentation.

     There are so many fun things to participate in at International Quilt Festival. I also gave a 'Quilting Sampler' presentation introducing my new book, 'Zen-sational Stitches for Quilting'.   Zentangle translates so well to the quilting world because of the repetitive patterns used... I chose continuous-line tangles for my new designs.

Zentangle students with their tangled canvas bags.

     One of the classes I taught involved drawing tangles with a Pentel Gel Roller for Fabric onto a canvas bag. There were 35 students in the class, many of them completely new to Zentangle... everyone was delighted with the results. The canvas bag looks great with a tangle design simply drawn with the fabric pen. Whether you draw tangles with a pen or stitch them free motion the process is the same, it is only the tool that is different.

Donna Lohman in her Zentangle shirt.

     One of the attendees at the Quilt Festival, Donna Lohman, was wearing this beautiful blouse she had drawn tangles on. Donna wears another shirt underneath this one and carries a pen with her. When she has a few moments she removes her shirt and draws a few more tangles on it. Her plan is to eventually fill the entire blouse with tangles. Isn't this a novel idea?

Tangled tennies make walking more fun.

     Mother and daughter, Linda Heathersich and Stephanie Sheridan stopped by the booth to show me their tangled shoes. I was delighted to see so many attendees already familiar with Zentangle.

Mixed Media surface designs for cloth are one of my favorites.

     Another class that is always a joy to teach is 'Mixed Media on Cloth'. I teach 3 methods of coloring cloth. A Sharpie marker on silk, fluid acrylics in a squeeze applicator on muslin cloth and fluid acrylics mixed with Golden GAC-100 on drill cloth (a lightweight canvas available at fabric stores). Each process produces beautiful color and pattern.

Book signing at International Quilt Festival was Zen-sational.

     A big thank you to The Craftsmans Touch for inviting me to appear in their booth for book signings. I got to introduce the new book 'Zen-sational Stitches for Quilters' , available the end of November, as well as some of my all-time quilting favorites, 'Twist & Turn' and ''10-Minute Blocks'.

     This has been a big year for me, I sold my company of over 25 years to a wonderful publishing company, Fox Chapel Publishing. While the process has been a little scary for me it has also given me some time to reflect on how I will go forward and all I have been able to experience during my years as a publisher.
     While I was attending the Quilt Festival someone remarked to me how easily I seemed to be able to reinvent myself. They were surprised at the range of classes I was teaching. It got me to thinking how blessed I have been to associate with so many wonderful artists and designers and all I have learned from them.
     I also feel blessed to be in a business that has thrilled me every day. Whether it was a beautiful quilt, a masterful painting or a simple holiday craft item I was always interested in how it was made and more importantly how I could put my own touch to it. I want to encourage all of you to look for ways to add your own personal touch to your art. Look at the world as if it had something new to offer you everyday. Be inspired!

Zentangle of the week, enjoy and create!!

                   Zentangle #93

Chillon *an original Zentangle pattern

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

    Fox Chapel Publishing is introducing a new book, 'Sew Kawaii''. Kawaii is the Japanese word for cute, a large part of the Japanese culture which emerged in the 1970's with the introduction of Hello Kitty. The author, Choly Knight showcases some of the adorable sewing projects from her new book in this YouTube video.

Zentangle® Gift Ideas

2011-11-05T21:59:21Z

View a YouTube, A Scentsy® warmer makes a great holiday gift when you add Zentangle®.

    I think artists have a hypersensitivy to their surroundings anyway but I have found since I began tangling I see Zentangle® patterns everywhere. Not only do I see tangle patterns everywhere... but now I also see surfaces just ripe for tangling. With the selection of markers and paint pens available just about anything can be tangled.
    Last week I talked about the plastic pumpkins and paint pens, perfect for Halloween and Thanksgiving. This week I began thinking in terms of gifts to make for my friends and family.   Oil-base paint pens (Deco-Art, Marvy, Sakura and Sharpie are all good brands). These pens are so versatile, they can be used on pottery, plastic, metal, even wood. This means the sky's the limit for my Zentangle obsession.

   I recently acquired a wax warmer called Scentsy® from Andrea Gibson (andyinstitches@aol.com). A Scentsy is a clean white porcelain container with 4 square sides - yes, it is super easy to tangle on with paint pens.
     A white plastic clock also caught my eye. Drawing tangles with a regular Sharpie® marker really jazzed it up. The clock opened up fairly easily, so I made a Zentangle drawing and glued it inside the face of the clock. Really sharp and professional looking for only $6.00.

     Of course every year I add a few more Zentangle ornaments to my collection. There is a tutorial on Zentangle ornaments available on the Design Originals YouTube channel, dated December 16, 2010. Check out the YouTube... it is easy to add a bit of personalization to ceramic, wood, metal, foam and glass ornaments.

Stroll through the aisles of your local home and garden store you will find pottery, vases, kitchenware and barware... great items for tangling and perfect for gift giving. Friends and family love receiving gifts with your personal touch.

Zentangle of the week, enjoy and create!!

                                  Zentangle #92

King's Crown

     Fox Chapel Publishing Offers Bargain on Woodworking and Craft Books to Raise Money for Employee and Local Fire Department.
In September 2011, Tropical Storm Lee caused local streams, creeks and river water to rise in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania to record highs, and caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in flood-related damage to resident homes. Shannon Flowers, a long-time Fox Chapel Publishing employee and Editor of Woodcarving Illustrated and Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts magazines, had to flee her home as flood waters rose up through the basement and crawled 3 feet high on the main level. Her family lost everything on those 2 floors, and are now in the long process of renovating and recovering a sense of normalcy in their lives.
     Fox Chapel Publishing and Design Originals, a new imprint of Fox Chapel, would like to help this dedicated team member by holding a special Grab-Bag Benefit. One hundred percent of the proceeds raised will go directly to Shannon Flowers and to the local fire department in Mount Joy, PA that helped so many people during the flooding.
     Grab bags will be sold for $10 each, plus shipping, and will include at least $40 worth of books. Grab bags can be purchased in several categories: Woodworking, Quilting/Sewing, Home Décor Crafts, Kids & Teens, Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking, Digi- Scrappin, and Beadwork & Jewelry. The Grab Bags will be available until November 14, 2011 or while supplies last.
Grab bags can be purchased online at:
grab bag special

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

A Little Halloween Zen

2011-10-20T22:03:22Z

     View a YouTube, create beautiful Zentangle®-inspired decorations for Halloween and Thanksgiving, all you need is a few pumpkins and a paint pen.

     The holiday season is about to kick-off! For me it always begins with Halloween and doesn't seem to slow down 'til the beginning of the year. One of the best things about the holidays is all the new crafts it inspires me to make. When my children were little they loved Halloween, now I get to share with my grandchildren.

     If you are expecting little goblins to knock on your door October 31st the mummy bowl is a perfect way to hand out those treats. A very easy craft and fun for the kids. This one is made with small clay pots, however you can use any size you like. A foam circle works very well to plug the hole in the bottom of the pot, just glue it in. This craft is from the Design Originals book 'Pots of Fun for Everyone'

    Don't get me wrong I still have fun decorating pumpkins and carving Jack-O-Lanterns but this year I had to decorate with Zentangle® in mind, besides it gives me another reason to tangle on something! My husband swears I will Zentangle anything that stands still long enough... between you and me, he may be right.

Painted pumpkins from Design Originals book 'Pumpkin Patch'

     I found these pumpkins at the craft store, they are perfect for a little Zentangle inspired holiday fun. Of course I had to buy one in every color white, black and orange. These will be so much fun to decorate for Halloween and Thanksgiving. The black one is my favorite, the glossy white of the marker on the glossy surface of the pumpkin is striking. They all seem to be made from a type of foam which is a great surface for a paint marker... and I can save them to decorate with next year too.

     The holidays are a busy time for all of us, I will be doing some travel during the holidays this year beginning very soon. Through the end of the year my blog posts will be every other week instead of weekly.

     My first travel opportunity is Oct 27 thru Nov 9th. I'll be at Quilt Market and International Quilt Festival introducing my new book 'Zen-sational Stitches for Quilting'. Come visit me - I'm giving a 'Zentangle on Bags' class, and I am a presenter at the 'Quilting Forum', 'Applique Forum' and the 'Sampler' events.

    My next travel opportunity is November 10th thru November 12th. I'm teaching three classes at the fabulous Art of the Carolinas Trade Show hosted by Jerry's Artarama. This is the largest consumer art show in the country, jam packed with art supplies, workshops by some of your favorite artists, and bargains on hundreds of art supplies. In addition to teaching three classes, I'll be previewing my new 'Zentangle® for the Artist' DVD video.
   I will be teaching 'Zentangle and Watercolor' on November 10th, 'Zentangle Art Journals' on November 11th and 'Zentangle on Clayboard' November 12th. I am really excited to be attending and teaching again this year and look forward to sharing Zentangle with my students.
     Hope to see you there!

Cindy Shepard and I drawing the names of the winners!!

     Many of you were able to correctly identify my tangle from all those pictured in the mandala created at the master's retreat...it was the hands!! From the correct answers a lucky 6 names were drawn. That's right we did it the old fashioned way.... drew names from a hat. The winners are....C.J. Daniels, Blanche, Melissa Smith, P.J. Waldrop, Emie and Dianne T. Thanks for playing everyone, not everyone left a last name, so I hope you know who you are. If you won a copy of the book please email your mailing address to panda@suzannemcneill.com. Your book will be in the mail, you should receive it in 7 to 10 days. Hope you enjoy your new 'Zen Mandalas' book.

Zentangle of the week, enjoy and create!!

                     Zentangle #91

Scallops

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

Zentangle® on Colored Paper

2011-10-13T11:18:16Z

View a YouTube, Margie Whittington demonstrates how to use gray paper as a mid-tone value for Zentangle® drawings.

     Several years ago one of my artist friends, Margie Whittington purchased a Zentangle® Basics book for her grandchildren's Christmas gift. Little did she know she personally would soon become hooked on Zentangle like so many others. Margie finds the detailed tangles to be inspiring and loves to include tangled elements in her art. Now Margie has a collection of books and loves to learn new tangles to use in her art.

Margie's lovely Mardi Gras Ladies.

     I have always admired Margie's creativity. Her beautiful art work is displayed at several galleries in Texas. Margie is also part of a group of Texas artists who collaborate on a project called "Canvas by Canvas". Each artist is charged with completing a portion of a finished work on a small canvas. Even though each artist has their own personal style the completed piece is rich and cohesive. Their assembled works have won numerous awards.
     Margie also teaches watercolor and acrylic classes at the Upstairs Gallery in Arlington, Texas where she exhibits her charming paintings. She is also a popular teacher at The Woman's Club of Fort Worth.

Margie and one of her beautiful watercolors.

     I was so thrilled when she showed me what she had been doing with Zentangle. As Margie explains in the video, the gray paper (Canson Mi-Teintes) that she uses is a perfect mid-tone value to begin the drawings of her Mardi-Gras Ladies. Drawing black tangles with Sakura Micron Pigma® Pens and adding white highlights with Prismacolor pencils bring the perfect balance to her drawings. Margie shares tips for her Mardi-Gras Ladies in the 'Zentangle 5' book.

Zentangle of the week, enjoy and create!!

                  Zentangle #90

Chartz *original Zentangle pattern

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

It's a Zen World

2011-10-06T14:52:08Z

     View a YouTube. CZT's share their favorite tangles and tangle applications, including rubber stamps, stencils and watercolor pencils.

     I run across many wonderful artists who are exploring new ways to introduce Zentangle® into their art and their environment. There are local Zentangle groups as well as groups online that just amaze me with their talent and imagination.

     Cecilia Borlini is an artist from South America who sent me this wonderful Zentangle drawing, 'Elefante'. I am so impressed with her art... and amazed how the love of drawing tangles is spreading around the world. Her blog features trays, clocks and clothing among her beautiful drawings.

     Seems almost anything can be improved upon with a few tangles. Shoes, clothing, furniture, gourds and pumpkins are just a few of the unlikely items now being adorned with tangles.

   When I saw Bette Abdu's zentangle-inspired car window I was inspired, I had never thought about adding tangles to my car or windows. I had to know right away what she used to draw the tangles and how long they would stay put. Bette uses Artista Pro Chalk Ink® Markers, they will stay on as long as you don't use a window cleaner on them.

     While I was at the recent CZT retreat in Massachusetts we worked on a collaborative Zentangle drawing done on Fabriano® Tiepolo paper. Collaborative pieces are always interesting, it's fun to see what tangles are added as the circle is passed from artist to artist.

       WIN A FREE ZENTANGLE BOOK!
       I'm giving away 6 'Zen Mandalas' books. All you need to do to have your name in the hat for a chance to win a book is:
Carefully scrutinize the zentangle circle below --- identify which tangle was drawn by me --- leave your answer as a comment in this post. We'll have a drawing for the 6 lucky winners on October 20th.



Zentangle of the week, enjoy and create!!

                     Zentangle #89

Ribbon Bows

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

CZT Retreat in Massachusetts

2011-09-29T14:13:42Z

     View a YouTube, Learn great tangles, techniques and tips from Zentangle® CZT's at a retreat held in Massachusetts.

     One of the benefits of becoming a Certified Zentangle Teacher is all of the new friendships you develop. Many of us have chosen to stay in contact with each other and meet occasionally through the year. Recently Bette Abdu and Christine Britos (fellow CZT's) held a workshop at a wonderful old home and retreat area in Rolling Ridge, Massachusetts.

A labyrinth discovered... perfect spot for a little Zen.

     Meet-ups are a time for sharing ideas, learning new techniques and generally sharing tangle talk. Of course we all have a lot of Zentangle® inspired projects to share so show and tell was one of my favorite parts of the weekend.

Judy Lehman having fun with tangles.

      In the video for this week, part one of the CZT retreat, Bette introduces you to the Cadex* pattern with variations. The Zentangle patterns developed by Rick and Maria are basic structures of a design broken down into easy to follow steps. Once the basic structure of a tangle pattern is drawn the variety of options for adding your own embellishments to the pattern allows you to make it your own and to easily work with your personal design style.

Jodie Ehler's Zentangle sampler tile is one of my favorites.

   How many of you have a difficult time organizing your tangles for easy reference? The more tangles you learn, the more challenging it can be. Christine Britos has come up with a great way to keep track of her tangles, she shares her tips with you in this week's video.

Zentangle of the week, enjoy and create!!

                     Zentangle #88



Picot

*original Zentangle pattern

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

Zen Mandalas

2011-09-22T16:13:34Z

    View a YouTube, learn how to use a compass and protractor to create a beautiful geometric mandala with a flower center.

     Some shapes seem to constantly reappear in my art work, circles are one of them. Seems the round shape of the sun always finds it's way onto my journal page.
     Mandalas are a circular shape most often associated with sacred spaces and inner truth. They have been drawn over the ages with numerous symbols and colors. There may be a myriad of shapes contained within this modest circle, or a simple few. The symbols and drawings contained in a mandala can be inspired by nature, feelings, or culture. The possibilities seem endless.

     Zentangle® goes hand in hand with this ancient symbol of inspiration. I really enjoyed putting together a book which marries these two very spiritual forms of self expression. Carol Ohl and Margaret Bremner are some of the artists featured in 'Zen Mandalas'. Each artist has their own unique way of developing a mandala.

     The more geometric minded artist may prefer to use a compass and protractor for precise and very intricate work while some may use stencils, paper cut outs or even jar lids as the basic shape. You may choose to leave the outside of the circle as a clean edge or add flourishes, tangles and borders.

     For those of you who feel a little mathematically challenged and fear using a compass and protractor, Barbara Stembicki of joggles.com guides you easily though it with this week's YouTube video. She also explores the use of Sakura Glaze Pens as a resist and using stencils as a mask with Adirondack® Color Wash. All perfect applications for Zentangle®.


   It's fun to add color to your tangled mandalas with watercolor, colored pencils and even chalk. As with the symbol itself different colors added to your mandala are meant to evoke different feelings or emotions. Green is a color of harmony, a fact expressed in a Native American proverb, "No tree has branches so foolish as to fight amongst themselves."


Zentangle of the week, enjoy and create!!

                    Zentangle #87

Cadent *an original Zentangle Pattern

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

Zentangle® - 7 Patterns

2011-09-15T14:18:57Z

   View a YouTube , Sue Jacobs demonstrates 7 glorious tangle patterns from the floor of CHA Chicago.

   I love this video from Sue Jacobs. Sue is a CZT in Chicago who was gracious enough to help me with Zentangle® demonstrations at CHA in July. She also did some great jewelry for 'Zentangle 5' her shrink art jewelry pieces are exquisite and intricate in detail.

Sue Jacobs drew tangles on her canvas bag, a perfect accessory.

     Since jewelry has to be wearable it needs to be drawn relatively small. For someone who likes to work large it is a little of a learning curve, you really acquire a steady hand when you work with the Sakura Micron 005 Pigma pen. You will find some tangles work beautifully in small and odd spaces. Sue shows you how to draw 7 tangles, some of them such as Keeko* are perfect for tiny areas.
The Bales* tangle Sue draws is super easy when broken down, it is an elegant, embroidery-like pattern once completed. Sue adds embellishment inside the blank area of Bales*, the added embellishments are referred to as "tangleations". For those of you unfamiliar with that word you now have a new one to add to your Zentangle vocabulary.

Sue's book of tangles - the color Post-It notes keep it interesting.

   This is such a good way to organize your tangle patterns. If you keep them in a spiral notebook or journal they will always be close at hand. Sue draws each tangle pattern on a sticky note, it stays on the page or may be removed for closer inspection. Another idea for the sticky note tangles would be to organize grid patterns, dot patterns or other similar patterns by color. That way if you needed a grid pattern you would know they were all on pink or maybe green... your choice.

     Just a reminder to spread the word about the magnificent wooden quilts now being auctioned on ebay, proceeds to go to victims of the Japanese earthquake.

Zentangle of the week, enjoy and create!!

                            Zentangle #86

Daisy Beads

*original Zentangle pattern

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