More Square One on Facebook

Still catching up with my weekly postings on the Square One, Purely Zentangle group. Enjoy! 

HURRY

ING

GNEISS

INDYRELLA

CRESCENT MOON

AH



Square One on Facebook

As I have mentioned previously, there is a group on Facebook called Square One, Purely Zentangle.  Each week they have a focus tangle to try.  I  had been trying to post my entries every 5 weeks or so, but I guess I am behind in doing so.....enjoy!

AQUAFLEUR

BEELIGHT

PUNZEL

PUNZEL

SWARM

ASSUNTA









Merry Happy

I just want to take a moment to say thank you to all of my blog readers for all of the wonderful comments you have left me this past year.  Your kindness is so very encouraging to me and it is so greatly appreciated! 

I am wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year! 
 
Looking forward to sharing more tangled art in 2015!  Take care all, and tangle on!

DIVA Challenge #198: KISS (Keep It Simple, Silly)

Wow, the last DIVA Challenge  of the year!  Also, when the DIVA comes back from the holiday break, she will be starting into her 4th year of challenges, which is unbelievable for me.  I have been there from the beginning and have a binder full of art work to prove it.  What fun it has been doing these challenges each and every week, and to look back on how my tangling has improved over the years.  So, this challenge is to keep it simple, silly!  In this busy time of the holiday rush, I am sure we can all appreciate something simple!  I made a very simple Verdigogh , some color dots, and very little shading.  Thanks, Laura for something simple, and congrats on starting your 4th year of challenges!

 

DIVA Challenge #197 ARUKAS

The DIVA is back!  This week's challenge is to try the new official tangle, ARUKAS, created by Molly Hollibaugh, CZT and Product Manager at Zentangle, Inc.  This tangle looks so different every time I try it, so I will be playing with this one more.  Love the "Hollibaugh" effect it creates too!

DIVA Challenge #196 All Dolled Up

This weeks challenge is brought to us by CZT, Emily Classon.  Emily has the cutest little 4 year old girl that I see on her Facebook posts and she says her life is surrounded by dolls.  As the mother of two adult daughters, I remember those days fondly when we were surrounded by dolls of all kinds too!  As a little girl, I loved to play with paper dolls at my grandmas house....good memories!  My oldest daughter is expecting her first child, and our first grandchild in Feb, 2015, so I am looking forward to be surrounded by dolls again! 

I have always loved the Russian stacking dolls with their bright colors and patterns.  I used that for my inspiration.................

DIVA Challenge #195 Turning Old Into New (Take 2)

If you saw my 1st entry for the DIVA challenge, posted here, I had mentioned how I really liked putting Betweed in a grid.  The only thing I didn't like was that I made it so small.  So here is a monotangle of Betweed in a grid.  It makes such a beautiful pattern and creates a flower shape where the grid lines meet.  Here it is a lot larger..........

DIVA Challenge 195 Turning Old into New

This week's DIVA challenge is brought to us by CZT, Sandy Hunter, and it's great!  Change the structure of the tangle....ex. if it's grid based, make it free flowing, and if it's free flowing, put it in a grid.  She gave us lots of wonderful examples to demonstrate the challenge.  I picked 3 of my favorite free flowing patterns and put them in a grid.....Betweed, Printemps, and Mooka.  My favorite turned out to be Betweed.  When I was done you couldn't see the grid and it looked like a whole new tangle pattern with a flower shape where they connected.  I shaded on the grid lines so you could see the individual Betweed.  I only wish I would have used a larger string. If I have time this week I am going to do a monotangle of Betweed in a large grid as it creates a pretty cool looking pattern!  Thanks for the interesting and fun challenge, Sandy!

DIVA Challenge #194 Embracing the Yuck

Well, I am really late for last week's DIVA Challenge!  Having done this challenge of the non-dominant hand a couple times before, I will admit that it is always my least favorite challenge.  That's why I am late and why I put off doing it until last night.  Actually, I probably would have skipped it altogether, except for the fact that I have done every Diva challenge to date and didn't want to miss one (I know I am a tangle geek, but I am proud of it). 

Okay, okay, I will admit that doing this challenge made me slow way down, concentrate on every line, and think about the process of Zentangle instead of the end result.  I still couldn't wait to finish and get that pen back in my right hand!

I really enjoyed the post by CZT, Elisa Murphy!  She has a way with words and I found myself laughing all the way through the post.  So, if you read this Elisa, my grumbling was not directed at you, just at my left hand!

Sketchbook Time

I love Strathmore's Toned Gray paper!  It's so much fun to use a black Micron along with a white gel pen, and shade with both a graphite and white charcoal pencil!  I was inspired to do a border after recently teaching a border class.  Then I got further inspiration for tracing two tiles and tangling them from the work of Maria Thomas in The Book Of Zentangle.  What's in your sketchbook?

DIVA Challenge #193 TriTangle: Trio, Huggins, & Xyp (THX)

The weekly challenge is brought to us by another guest CZT, Holly Atwater.  Here is what Holly had to say about the challenge:

Tomorrow is Veteran's Day in the United States, and Thanksgiving is just a couple of weeks away. In the spirit of gratitude and celebration of both of these events I would like to issue a challenge of THX (thanks). This week's challenge is a TriTangle (I love how it's almost a triangle! Is this a new word, Laura? [holly - as far i know, you just coined it - laura]!) using the patterns of:

Trio (pattern by CZT, Hanny Waldburger)
Huggins (by Zentangle)
Xyp (by Zentangle)
So, hop on over to the DIVA's blog with the above link and read Holly's post.  Her two daughters are CZT's and her dad has completed all of the DIVA challenges!  He has them organized in 3 binders with all the step-outs!  Here I thought I was maybe the only one that has done them all, LOL!  I have mine organized in one binder, but just the actual tiles! 

I really enjoyed your post, pictures, and the challenge, Holly!  Thank You!



Watercolor Wash Zendalas

While I was preparing for a Zendala class a couple of weeks ago, I saw a watercolor technique that caught my eye.  I was looking at the book "Zentangle 7; Inspiring Circles, Zendala's & Shapes by Suzanne McNeill, CZT. Suzanne is the author of a lot of great Zentangle books!  In the book on page 8, CZT Sue Jacobs shares a watercolor technique using water-based markers.  I have some water-based Tombow markers, so I gave it a try.  I used two of the same pre-strung Zendala tiles and added different color to each.  These tiles are wonderful when adding water since they are made of a 100% cotton printmaking paper.

In case you don't have the book, here are the steps:
1) Apply color from the water-based marker to a piece of plastic.
2) Using a brush filled with water, dampen the entire section you are working on.
3) Pick up some color from the plastic with a damp brush and apply color to one side of the section.
4) Wipe out extra color and use the brush to spread color over the section-it will lighten as you go.
5) Let dry completely.
6) Tangle
7) Add shading with color pencils if you desire.

In the book example, Sue tangles with different color Micron pens, and her results are gorgeous!  I used a regular black Micron on mine.  After I was done tangling, I went back and added shading with a Prismacolor watercolor pencil.  Something I am learning the more I play with color pencils, is that a little goes a long way.  I tend to put too much down and it gets pretty dark and vibrant.  Start lightly and build up the color if you like how it looks and want more. 

This technique is a lot of fun and one I will try again.  Who knows, it may turn into another Zendala class! 

Thanks to both CZT, Suzanne McNeill at www.blog.suzannemcneill.com and to CZT, Sue Jacobs at www.suejacobs.blogspot.com for sharing this technique!

Note:  I forgot to get a photo of the red/orange/yellow tile before I tangled on it. 



 

 

 

 









DIVA Challenge #192 UMT: SETON

This week we a have a guest host over at the DIVA's blog, Cris Letourneau from Tangled Up In Art.  Cris is also the author of two fantastic Zentangle books;  Made In The Shade and Pattern Play.  The challenge is to use her pattern Seton.  It is one I have never tried before and lends itself to many variations.  I stuck with the basics, since this pattern was new to me, but one I like and will try again! Thanks, Cris!



 

 

DIVA Challenge #191 BETWEED

Yes! The DIVA's challenge this week is to do a monotangle of Betweed.  Betweed has always been one of my favorite tangle patterns!  I recently had a "Renaissance" tan tile class and it reminded me of how much fun it is to play with the highlighting and shading on those tiles. 

DIVA Challenge #190 Pink for Ardath

The weekly challenge from the DIVA is to use the color Pink in honor of her grandma, Ardath, or anyone else you know touched by breast cancer.  Unfortunately, I know quite a few that have fought this disease and didn't make it, and others that have survived.  I honor all of you brave women!



TANGLES:  HOPE, PURK, PRINTEMPS

Note: The tangle HOPE, is one I made several years ago while my good friend, Jody was going thru chemo treatments to fight ovarian cancer.  You can see my post with the step-outs to this tangle here. Jody lost the battle the following May, 2011, and I still miss her dearly!  

Square One: Purely Zentangle

I did a post recently about a new group on Facebook called Square One: Purely Zentangle, that you can read about HERE.  This group continues to grow rapidly and it's so much fun to see everyone's work!  Here are my 2nd five entries for the weekly focus:

FESCU

BETWEED

PENDRILLS

FENGLE








 





DIVA Challenge #189 YUMA

Where did this week go...it's Saturday night and I am just getting to the DIVA's challenge! This week we are using a new tangle from CZT, Tina-Akua Hunziker called YUMA.  I tried both varations on my tile and added a little Striping and Pepper. A fun little tangle that I will need to try again!  Thanks, Laura and Tina!

DIVA Challenge #188 National Coming Out Day

This week's challenge from the DIVA is in support of National Coming Out Day, Oct 11th.  You can read all about the challenge here.  I recently saw a new tangle named, Trio by CZT Hanny Waldburger and thought it looked a heart embracing itself in a hug.  So I used that and my Tombow markers to color it in rainbow colors.  Then I added the Poke Leaf, Flux, and Tipple, and couldn't resist coloring them too. 

To Every Season.....Turn, Turn, Turn

There is something so wonderful about being able to grab a pre-strung zendala tile without having to think about the planning that goes into a mandala.  Before we went to Idaho last month for a couple of weeks, I put two of the tan zendala tiles in my Zentangle bag in hopes I would get a chance to get them done.

As I wrote earlier, we were there to move my father-in-law out of his home of 54 years. I got the chance to do the first one on a beautiful afternoon, when Kermit and my husband, Doug decided to take a time out.  I am not a nap person, so it was the perfect opportunity for me to tangle.  I got a lawn chair and set it up in the drive way in front of the garage, which has always been the place to relax, gather with others, read a book, etc. over the years.  I wanted to keep this trip full of positive energy, so as I tangled, I thought of all the good times I have had in this spot.........when we were dating, first married, bringing the kids here for years when they were little, and later as they grew, all the family reunions and watching everyone's family grow, and of course those no longer with us....Dora (my mother-in-law), and Darla (my sister-in-law).  I have been so blessed to have so many great times here, sharing moments of laughter, food, and just the joy of being together with those I love! 

I did the second zendala yesterday at home, when I was in the mood to just do lines.  No patterns to think about, just filling the spaces with line work.   Yes, these pre-strung tiles are great to just pick up when the mood strikes and fill in with whatever you are feeling in the moment!

 

 

 

DIVA Challenge 187 Blind String

This week,  the DIVA has asked us to draw a string with our eyes closed.  I love to do this because I always get something out of the ordinary to work with, and not like my usual strings.  I must remember to do this more often!  Thank, Laura!

TANGLES: Braze, Shattuck, Isochor, Hollibaugh,
and variations of Cadent, Paradox, & Yincut

Pastels on 5th - Sidewalk Art

I participated in a wonderful  all -day event on Sept 13th, in my home town of Loveland CO.  The event is called Pastels on 5th because it's located on 5th Street.  This event started in 2011 and it raises money for the local Alternatives To Violence organization.  (Alternatives to Violence educates and empowers victims, survivors and the community to break the cycle of violence).  Business owners sponsor the event by donating money for a sidewalk square, and artists donate their time and talent.  The community comes out and pays $1.00 a vote for their favorite sidewalk square.  The event was so well organized and included breakfast and lunch for the artists and volunteers.  There was a wide variety of music from local musicians too. 

Holly Williams (friend and soon to be CZT) and I decided to do a Zendala (Mandala with Zentangle patterns) together. This was the first time participating for both of us.  We had one of the biggest squares at 6x6 foot.  We practiced for a couple of weeks ahead of time, and we still learned a lot about working with sidewalk chalk the day of the event. Many thanks to our family and friends (including 2 CZT's, Pat Mathes, and CJ Petersen), who came off and on through the day to support us.  It was a long day, and we discovered muscles we hadn't used in awhile, but all in all we had a blast!  Now we are looking forward to next year!

 

 

DIVA Challenge #186 Leaves

This past week's challenge from the DIVA was to use leaves as your string and tangle.

We took a trip to Idaho 12 days ago to help move my father-in-law from his home since 1960 to a independent living apartment in a senior complex.  He is 92 and still able to care for himself, but the family home was just too big to keep up with.  Our days were very busy, sorting, selling, packing, and making many trips across town in our pick-up truck. We hired movers for the big things.  At the end of it all, we unpacked every box, found a place for everything, hung pictures, and made his new apt. comfortable and cozy.  It was a labor of love for us, and we feel so blessed that we were able to be with him and help with this transition.  It was also nice to be able to get all of this done in the fall before the first snow starts to fly. 

I think fall is one of my favorite seasons too!  I love the changing colors and the cooler, crisper feel to the air.  On our way to Idaho we stopped to take pictures of the gorgeous colors in the Snake River Canyon, so I am sharing with you below.  So glad we did, because on our way back yesterday, we drove through pouring rain for half of the 10 hour drive.  We made back to Colorado safe, sound, sore, and tired, but thankful we are home!

I did this weeks challenge in our hotel one night, but never got around to posting it.  So, better late then never!  I have always loved the work of  Helen Williams from A Little Lime Blog, so I used her pattern Gumleaves as my string and tangled in them.  I would have liked to use a brown colored pencil to shade with, but I didn't have one with me, so I used what I had. 

KERMIT AND ME (THE BEST FATHER-IN-LAW A
GIRL COULD ASK FOR)





DIVA Challenge #185 Phicops & Diva Dance

This weeks challenge from the DIVA is a Duo Tangle challenge, which is to use only the two tangles she has picked out. In this one we are using Phicops and Diva Dance.

I am out of town, so I am attempting to try something new! Doing a blog post from my iPad. I have the Blogger app on my iPad, but don't know how how to add a picture. The only option I could find was adding it from my phone, but I don't want to download every picture from my phone on to Blogger. So, I am trying a new app (for me anyway) called Blogsy. I took the picture on my iPad and hope I will be able to add it from my Camera Roll. If there are any of you techies out there, and you know an easier way, please let me know! Here goes........

 

Square One: Purely Zentangle

There is a new group on Facebook called Square One: Purely Zentangle.  This group was created by CZT's, Jenny Perruzzi and Chris Titus, but you don't have to be a CZT to join and participate.  This group takes Zentangle enthusiasts back to the basic's of Zentangle.  No color, no ZIA's, no frills, purely Zentangle, black ink on white 3.5" size. 

In addition to posting your purely Zentangle tiles, they have started a weekly focus on ONE tangle pattern each week.  The ONE tangle pattern must be included in the tile, but can be combined with others. 

This group is growing fast and already has over 1000 members.  It's a great place to get inspiration, learn, and appreciate getting back to basics of Zentangle!  Come join us! 

TWING

VERDIGOGH

BRONX CHEER

AURAKNOT

AURAKNOT

QUIB