CZT 1-1-13 postcard exchange

I signed up for a postcard exchange with some fellow CZTs and have been having fun working on some of my favorite tangles!I have three more to make and send by 1-1-13!

Open Torch

I had a great weekend.  Not only did I celebrate my birthday and go see the Nutcracker with my family, but I got to spend two days in the torch with my buddies.  Below is a picture of us working (we had 10 people total, but not everyone was working at the same time).  Open torch happens about 3 times a year and we get together to catch up and make beads.  In the photo below, my friend Carrie is closer and I am further away.  I made alien beads for the beads of courage program and I made delightful snowflake beads - both posted below.  Being in the torch is the best kind of therapy for me! 

NASA Images: 'Earth As Art' Book Will Take Your Breath Away

You have to check out these images - I'm wondering how I could create new tangles from them!   I've only posted a few below, you can see more here.

What kills your creativity? Vulnerability and Shame?

I came across Brene Brown's research about a year ago and am fascinated by her work on shame and vulnerability.  If you've ever felt 'not good enough' it's important that you listen to this recent interview Brene did with Krista Tippett on the NPR show On Being here.   Brene will encourage you to consciously choose to start living a whole-hearted life. What does that mean?

Do you measure your self-worth by your productivity or use your level of  exhaustion as a status symbol?  What are the shame triggers that get in the way of doing what we are supposed to do?

For example, comparison kills creativity.  This is one reason why I was drawn to zentangle because it is non-representational.  You are not comparing your drawing of an apple to the actual apple.  

If you like the podcast look into Brene's TED talks on previous blog posts.

Article in the Philadelphia Inquirer

Anndee Hochman attended one of my classes and wrote a lovely article about Zentangle that ran in the Philadelphia Inquirer.  You can read the article here.

 

Enjoy!

 

Wow - Mind Blowing Tangle Combinations

Wow - I just found an amazing post by CZT Sandy Hunter where she is combining two tangles into one - the results are outstanding - see for yourself here.  Try a few out or use your favorite two tangles to come up with a new tangle!  Have fun!

Here is one of my favorites by Elena Hadzijaneva

Zentangle Ornament Ideas

I just came across Sue Jacob's blog where she has modified a felt ornament design for use with paper and tangles (see her image below).  It's simply stunning and I hope to test it out this weekend.  Here is the link ornament.

To combine six of the ornaments below into a more complex paper ornament go here.  There is also a video at the bottom you can watch!

We survived Sandy

Hurricane Sandy started blowing on Sunday and increased in strength throughout Monday.  By 8pm Monday night we had lost power.  We live on a hill and have a great view of the valley.  We watched the night sky light up like it was the fourth of July as transformers blew all around us.  Slowly the entire valley went dark and the only lights we could see were from emergency vehicles and flares.  It was scary, but we were fortunate.  Our power was back on within 24 hours and I am grateful to the line repair workers for their hard work.  Many of my neighbors are still without power, due to downed trees that need to be removed before power can be restored.  However, we did not see the damage that the Jersey Shore suffered.  We are very fortunate.  Thanks for all your good thoughts!!   

Zentangle with Kids

Take a look at an article about Zentangle with kids in School Arts Magazine here.

Great description of mindfulness

This is a nice and short you tube description of mindfulness from the Director of the Penn Mindfulness Program.  He speaks about cancer specifically, but it is generalizable to everyone.  Check it out here.

Try this, it's fun!

I found this you tube video about how to draw a freehand Celtic knot - take a look!  Celtic Knot

Habits and Mindfulness discussion on NPR

You probably know by know that I use the Zentangle method to help me practice mindfulness.  There was a very interesting discussion about habits and mindfulness on the NPR show Voices in the family that you can listen to here.

Here is the description of the show:
October 8, 2012 — Everything we do and feel can be considered a habit. Scientists suggest 40 to 45 of our daily activities are based on choices we make, then stop thinking about. They become automatic. While habits — especially negative ones — seem to drive us, by understanding how they’re established in our minds, we can begin to take the reins and transform our lives.
Dr. Dan Gottlieb examines creatures of habit. Dan’s guest is New York Times investigative journalist Charles Duhigg, author of “The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business.” The book addresses habits formed and broken — through anecdotes and cutting edge research. We also hear from Michael Baime, director of the Penn Program for Mindfulness at the University of Pennsylvania.

Enjoy!

Tangled Pumpkin

I watched this video by Suzanne McNeill and loved her idea of using paint pens on plastic pumpkins.  You can see images of my pumpkin below as well as an image of the pens I used.  I completed it over the course of a few days.  I had the most trouble trying to figure out which tangles to use.  I have a white pumpkin I'm starting next and will post pictures when I'm done with that one. You can find these pumpkins at craft stores and I used sharpie oil based paint pens (pictured below).

Have fun!

Cookie Cutters for Strings

Hi there,

I found this ghost cookie cutter at the thrift shop today and thought - wow - that could make a cool string!  So here it is traced onto a tile.  I used the larger Apprentice Tiles since the cookie cutter was larger than the regular tiles.

Here is the tangled ghost!

An Inexpensive Tangle Gift Anyone Can Make!

As I was looking for frames for the square tiles, I came across these wine glass charm frames that I think would make a great gift for a hostess or a wine lover.  They were in the wedding area of Michaels and are $3.99 (take your 40% off coupon!).  You will slide out the photo that comes with the frame and slide in your design.  I used an Artist Trading Card and traced the photo that came with the frame (four times - see below) and then added my tangles, cut them out and slide into the frames.  There is a plastic cover that you will slide your paper under.   It was so quick and easy!  I put these back on the packaging so you could find them!  Have fun!

Frame Options for 3.5 x 3.5 tiles

I have a lovely group that meets about once a month for a Beyond the Basics Zentangle class.  This month they asked that I talk about framing options for tiles.  You can find some on the  Zentangle web site and below is a listing of what I was able to find at local stores.  Hope it helps as you consider giving your artwork as gifts or keeping special ones for yourself.

Bed Bath and Beyond has this lovely little frame for $5.99 - take your 20% coupon with you!  I found this in the store and was not able to find it on their web site.  I was able to pop my square tile right in.  It has a felt back with an easel - no hanging option.
Details:  Siena Narrow Plain 3.5"x3.5" photo frame (Silver Color)

Below are some options I found at Michaels - take your 40% off coupon!

Photo Cube 3.5"x 3.5 inch -  $3.99 each.  Leave the square insert that comes with the cube in and slide your tiles in.  You might want to put a little tape over one of the edges where it slides apart to keep it from accidentally coming apart if someone picks it up.

Packaging looks like this

Another option is this lovely frame that comes in white and black for $7.99.  It is from their Hanging Collection and is a little bigger than the zentangle tiles at 4" x4 ", but works just fine if you flip the piece of paper that comes in the frame over and place it behind your tile!  Images of front and back.

The final two framing options I found are magnetic photo frames.  One is flexible and one is acrylic. I prefer the acrylic one over the flexible frame.  Both are 3.5"x 3.5" and $1.99 each. 

Enjoy!!

Patterns in Nature

I took these pictures of patterns I've found recently - any guesses what the first one is?  Think you can recreate them as a tangle?

Great TED Talks

I came across these two TED talks by Brene Brown on shame and vulnerability.  They really resonated with me and reminded me of why I enjoy the practice of Zentangle as a method of reminding me to have the courage to be imperfect. 
The Power of Vulnerability
and a follow up talk on
Listening to Shame

Negative Thinking

Take a look at this article from the New York Times Sunday Review on the Positive Power of Negative Thinking!  Interesting food for thought for when you make 'mistakes' while Zentangling.  

More Research on Mindfulness Meditation & New Tangle

Just read an article about some research on mindfulness meditation being linked to increased attention and productivity.  You can read the article here.  Zentangle is just one way of practicing mindfulness.

Also, did you see the step by step instructions for the new tangle Aura Knot?  If not, go watch the video.

Enjoy!

Abington Library Class

It's been the trifecta of zentangle for me this week- I taught my third class this week today at the Abington Free Library for kids and parents. We had 6 year olds up through Grandmothers who loved the class! See a few images of their first tiles below - we were able to complete 2 tiles and they were sent home with supplies to do 3 more! Thanks Abington Library for covering the costs of the kits for all the participants!

Zentangle with MALT

Last night I taught a Zentangle Basics Class at the Mt. Airy Learning Tree - a wonderful place where neighbors teach neighbors.  We had a blast.  See all the fun below.

and a couple of close-ups

Zentangle At the Cancer Support Community

Yesterday I volunteered my time to teach a Zentangle class at the Cancer Support Community of Philadelphia and had 12 lovely women tangling.  Below is a photo of the first tile they completed.  They felt that doing Zentangle would be of great benefit to them during the process of treatment and recovery.  Sending lots of healing thoughts their way.

Zentangle Basics in Reading, PA

I had the pleasure of teaching a fantastic zentangle basics class yesterday in Reading, PA.  We had a great time - see everyone's first tile below!  Lots of great ideas and conversation.  I love teaching Zentangle!

Chairs have been "Placed"

Our mosaic chairs have been placed in Morris Arboretum next to the big bell that my daughter likes to ring.  We went to the opening Monday night - it was misting out so not the nicest of weather for an outdoor opening reception, but still a thrill to see all the lovely chairs.  If you are near Philly it's worth a trip!

Sepia Challenge

Fun Fun Fun with the Diva Challenge this week!

I tried Pea*nuckle by Molly and Fricle using my brown micron and some colored pencils.

Interesting Conversation on NPR about Mindfulness

I recently found the NPR program called On Being and downloaded for free several of the shows before I took a cross country flight.  There was one particular show where Jon Kabat-Zinn was interviewed about the importance of mindfulness.  Specifically, I enjoyed how he discussed that we need to practice mindfulness.  He explains that we all get a lot of practice in being angry or frustrated so we need to also practice being mindful.  I find zentangle to be my favorite way to practice.  You can find the audio link to the show here or the transcript here.  Enjoy.

Van Gogh and real life

Before we dropped off the chairs, we walked around the Arboretum and I was struck by this plant called the Robb's Wood Spurge

Later that night, Christel and I went to see the Van Gogh exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art - this was a painting that I had never seen before - titled Dandelions.  It was so vivid that this image barely does it justice.  But, I was struck by the similarities that drew me to both.  cool.

Chair Delivery!

We delivered our chairs yesterday to the Morris Arboretum for their Take A Seat! Adirondack chairs Re-Interpreted Exhibition.  Titled: By Land or By Sea, Revere Nature! We will attend an award ceremony and reception on 5/21 to find out where our chairs will be displayed throughout the summer!  Christel Hoffman is pictured on the right with her Lighthouse chair and Mia and I are on the left.

 

Mosaic Chair for Morris Arboretum

Here is the chair I've  been working on - still need to buff the grout, but my hands hurt!!  It's hard to see from this image, but it's a tree with a root system and worms in the ground:)

Class Scheduled in Reading, PA

I have a Zentangle Basics class scheduled in Reading, PA on 5/26 from 1-3pm.  Please contact me if you are interested in taking the class.

mosaics and such

I have been working on applying a mosaic design to an Adirondack chair for Morris Arboretum.  While I was laying out the design, Mia drew this zentangle - and she glued a few things onto it as well:).  I'll post pictures of the chairs soon!

Diva Challenge #66 Aura

Love, Love, Loved this challenge - nothing like aura to get you into that zen space.

Kindergarten Tangles

I decided to teach how to tangle at my daughter's Kindergarten class and here are the results!  They really had fun although I was a little stressed out!!  I had to keep them moving and of course each one would hold up their tile proudly and shout - "how's this??"  too cute!!

Here is my daughter Mia with her tile

Another proud student!!





Zendala Dare #1

I love a good challenge, so when I saw the Zendala Dare posted by Erin of The Bright Owl I jumped at the chance to give it a try.  I traced the string onto a blank tile using my computer screen as a light box....you should try it too!

Zentangle Basics Class Results

I taught a zentangle basics class last night to four wonderful ladies!  We had a delightful time and I wanted to share images of their tiles with the following patterns:  crescent moon, printemps, florz, and tidings.

Next, we worked on a monotile- choices were indy-rella or betweed

Lastly, we did a duo-tile (is that a word?) using only 2 patterns - hollibaugh and drupe