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