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

Penn Nursing Zentangles!

I teach a graduate research methods course to nursing students at the University of Pennslyvania.  In class this week we discussed the importance of mindfulness in helping clinicians manage their work stress and improve patient safety.  I taught all 40 students how to tangle and here were the results.  They enjoyed the process and were appreciative of the reminder to stay in the moment and be mindful.    

Here is the weekly Diva challenge - to use the pattern called Gloven - I put Festune in the middle!

A fellow CZT posted this awesome Quiz you can take to see if Zentangle is right for you!  Look for the tab marked Zentangle Quiz.  I bet you'll pass:)

Zentangle Class in Elkins Park, PA

Looking for something fun to do together for date night or want something new to try with your friends? Join us for a night of Zentangle®! Zentangle is an easy to learn and relaxing method of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns. Zentangle is used to increase focus and creativity in addition to reducing stress and practicing mindfulness. Zentangle is enjoyed by a wide range of skills and ages. Non-Artists are welcome and encouraged to participate! Go to http://www.zentangle.com/ for more information.

Date: Saturday April 14 7-9pm
Location: Moving Arts Institute; 7425 Old York Rd; Melrose Park, PA 19027 movingartz@gmail.com 215-205-1292
Cost: $35.00 plus $5.00 supply fee (supply fee payable to instructor)

Here is an example of what you will learn to create!

I am now a CZT!!

I'm so excited to announce that last week I completed the Certified Zentangle Teacher workshop with Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts in Providence, RI.  It was a delightful experience and I am looking forward to teaching Zentangle.  Right now I'm looking for locations where we can hold classes.  I'll post classes as I get them set up.  I have Zentangle kits and supplies for sale as well, just email me if you need more info!

Zentangle

I had been hearing about Zentangle for a few months and finally took a class last fall.  It was wonderful and I highly recommend that you look into taking a class!  I am so impressed with the technique that I will be taking the certification class later this month in RI to become a CZT (certified zentangle teacher).  Click here to find out more about Zentangle.  I will also post some of my tangles soon.

wow I didn't post at all in 2011 - how sad

So, I just realized that I didn't make a single blog post in 2011.  Hrumph.  I am going to not let that happen again:).

I'm excited to announce that my friend's book has been published and I am one of the featured artists.  Go to this link to see the book.  I'll also be a presenter at The ISGB Gathering in July.  I will be speaking about the Art of Negotiating and I can't wait to head to the west coast.

I have lots of cool things in store for 2012 - hope you do too - I'll share more soon!

Thought you would like to see this promotional add with my alien bead on it!  too cute! 

I'll post an image of my 2nd place watercolor painting soon too!

Wonderful Email I Received

I received this email today after I sent 5 beads to the Toledo Museum of Art for their bead curtain project.  It just made my day:)


Dear Katherine,


On behalf of the entire Toledo Museum of Art community, I would like to thank you for the beautifully done glass lentil beads that we will be adding to our bead curtain. We appreciate that you took the time to make this special artwork for our community art project and I know they will inspire those who see them!

Our bead curtain community art project called, The Bead Goes On, was first imagined by one of our glass artists, Robin Schultes. Her idea has really taken off and we've had beads from all over the world by artists such as yourself, and also community members, some who have physical and mental limitations or stressed life circumstances. The curtain is progressing well! Here is a link in case you are curious! http://www.toledomuseum.org/events/community

Once again, we appreciate the time it took you to handcraft your beads get them to us from Pennsylvania!

Best to you,
Jennifer Bandeen
Robin Schultes
Toledo Museum of Art

My Bead on the Space Shuttle!

Whoo Hoo! My alien bead is really going into outer space!! It will board the Space Shuttle on May 14, 2010 and upon return be given to a child in the Beads of Courage program who is battling a life threatening illnesses. I'm honored.  I'll post an image of the bead soon.

http://beadsofcourage.org/blog/?p=43

drawing class

Drawing class was cancelled last week because of the blizzard, but tonight we had class and I would be lying if I told you it's easy.  I'm actually feeling super frustrated and I don't know if it's me or the instructor who has never taught before.  All the other students are frustrated too, so I'm just guessing it's a combination of instructor and the fact that drawing is hard!  Our instructor did ask us to check out Gustave Courbet who is a french painter.  I was not familiar with his work and google images rocks!  Thought this one was particularly interesting titled The Shaded Stream at the Puits-Noir, ca. 1860-65.

Yep, we've been dumped on!

Yep, it's true - all the snow that was predicted to come did indeed arrive.  We were still digging out from the storm from last Saturday and then we got 17 inches more yesterday.  Whew!  They are saying we have another storm on the way next week too.  All I can say is that this is more snow than we ever experienced in all the years we lived in Cleveland where you get lake effect snow! 

I feel really badly because the Buyers Market of American Craft show started today and I took this year off from the show and found out that only one artist made it to philly to set up the entire ISGB booth - poor Beth!  If my leg wasn't broken I would be down there helping her.  I'm hoping the other artists can fly in tomorrow, but if not I may still try to hobble down on the weekend to help her out.  It's  a grueling long show and I only hope that the buyers are not scared off by the storm, but my guess is that they will be:(  so sad!