Ensemble Day 3

I am really enjoying these pre-strung tiles in the ensemble set.  It's nice not to have to draw my own string! 

Ensemble Day 2

The countdown through the end of May continues with day 2 of my ensemble.

TANGLES:  Florz, Knightsbridge, Betweed, Nipa, 'Nzeppel

Zendala Dare #6

Another fun template from Erin at the Bright Owl!  I seem to get these done right before the next one is due out.  Erin posts a new Zendala template every Friday, so join in the fun! 

Ensemble Day 1

Over the years, I have completed my own 4 and 9 piece ensembles, but I have never done one of the 9 piece pre-strung ensemble sets that Zentangle sells (although I have sold several of them to others).  I have also admired the completed sets that others have done and the ones that some of the CZT's did as a swap.  I decided that since there are 9 days left in May (yes, another month flying by), this would be a great way to close the month with a completed ensemble. So here is day 1:

TANGLES:  Paradox & Strircles

Challenge #71 Pea-Nuckle

This week's challenge from THE DIVA is to use the new tangle, Pea-Nuckle, created by Maria's daughter, Molly.  It is one of those tangles that you would never guess how it's created by looking at it, but when you know the steps, its rather easy.  I had to try it a couple of times, using different size S's.  Fun tangle, Molly...Thank You! 





Zendala Dare #5

I am loving these Zendala Dare's from Erin, at the Bright Owl!  The templates have all been so different and lots of fun to fill in.  Here's my entry for week #5:

TANGLES:  Betweed, Daggerly, Paradox, Chard, Gewurtz

Challenge #70 Sepia

This week the one and only Diva, Laura Harms has challenged us to use the color Sepia in our work.  I have discovered that just like any other color, Sepia pens come in a lot of varied shades.  The 1st tile I did is from a Sepia Micron Pen set.  I found that this shade of Sepia was so dark, it almost looked like the black pen I used.  To lighten it up some, I shaded with a brown colored pencil.  Then I found a brown Micron Pen and used that for my second tile.  I found that to be more the shade of Sepia that I was looking for.  Again, I shaded with a brown colored pencil.  I spent time the last 3 days, shopping for plants, and filling spots in the yard and flower pots, while Doug planted the garden.  We both love, love, love, this time of year and making our world a little more beautiful with plants! 






Challenge #69 GROOVY

For this week's challenge, the DIVA is having us try the new tangle, Groovy by Eden.  It's a fun tangle and I am seeing lots of great tiles with it!  It took me a little while to get the lines flowing right, but you soon get into a rhythm.  Thanks, Eden & Laura!



Zendala Dare #4

I had a really fun Beyond the Basics class on Saturday, with 3 lovely ladies that are tangle enthusiasts.  They all brought their beautiful work to share and it inspired all of us. Each one bought the new Zendala tiles, so I can't wait to see what they create with those! After class, I like to do some tangling just to unwind from teaching and I picked up the template,  that I printed the day before,  for the 4th Zendala Dare at The Bright Owl, and just started tangling away.  Later, as I was doing some computer work, I checked out Blogger and remembered that this Zendala Dare was supposed to have a Mexican theme, which I totally spaced out.  I thought about doing another, but really didn't have the time, so I just added a little color in the white sections of my tile.  While it's not as festive as I would have planned, had I remembered...it will have to do. 

Challenge #68 Duo Tangle Hibred & Strircles

Yay! Another duo tangle challenge from Laura at I Am The Diva this week.  I love the duo tangle challenges! 

As Laura so eloquently says "When you are limited you find creativity in unexpected places, and to me - that is the essence of Zentangle. Finding that beauty, that spark - in a place you weren't expecting, because there is no plan. What a wonderful piece of joy that is".

Thanks, Laura for another fun challenge!

Zendala Dare #3

If you haven't joined in on the Zendala Dare over at The Bright Owl, check it out.  A new dare is posted every Friday, with a template all ready to fill in with tangles of your choice.  Here is my contribution to Dare #3:

Challenge #67 Amanda Day

This week's challenge from The Diva is to use the prompt of the earth for "Earth Day".  Renamed by her son, Chewie, as Amanda Day. 

 I decided to use one of the blank Zendala tiles for this challenge because of the round shape and I love the bigger size.  As I was sitting there looking at the tile, I knew I wanted to use Verdigogh, because it more than any other tangle, is earthy to me.  At the same time, I didn't want to think symmetrical, balance, and everything that goes into making a Zendala, at that moment.  We all know one of the cool things about Zentangle is that there is no planning or preconceived idea of what you are going to draw.  Just make the tangles and let it unfold before you.  So that's what I did...I drew the Verdigogh first, then used a brown pen to draw 'Nzeppel around the outside.  Then I thought my tile looked very dark (almost post apocalyptic) and that is so not me....I am a glass is half full, upbeat, positive person, so I set the tile aside and though I'd do another later.

Yesterday, I took a ride up into the foothills with my husband, Doug.  He was gathering up so rocks to use in a landscape project he was doing in the backyard and I am always up for a ride in the mountains.  As he was loading rocks (this was an area that was dug up by the city and was okay to remove rocks from) it started to drizzle and I was looking at the trees and thought about how some trees seem to grow right out of the rock with very little soil or moisture.  Well, when I returned and took a second look at my tile, I knew that it needed color to come back to life.  While I am not very good or experienced with color, I gave it a try.  I used colored pencils to fill in Verdigogh and shade 'Nzeppel.  It needed more color, so I added a string of Poke Root and colored it (no idea what color Poke Root really is).  Now I feel like my tile is alive again!  Happy Day, Mother Earth!

Zendala Dare #2

This is my entry for the Zendala Dare #2 over at The Bright Owl....

Tangled Highlights

If only we could get.....tangled highlights!

Challenge #66 Laura's Auras

This week the DIVA, Laura Harms has us using one of the tangle enhancer techniques of creating an aura.  There are many different tangle patterns that use auras both outside a shape and inside a shape.  Adding auras are an easy way to add some drama to your tangle and add to the dimension of your tile. 

When I was in CZT class I created a tangle called Cheers (see instructions here).  This tangle is just 4 corners, 4 arcs, and a lot of auras.  I used Cheers, Crescent Moon, Opus, and Poke Root and created auras on each. 

Thanks, Laura for another fun challenge!

Get your Zendala Zen on!

Zendala'a are popping up everywhere these days, as they should be with the release of the new Zendala Sets from Zentangle. (See my earlier post here ) I am seeing some beautiful Zendala's on blogs, Facebook, Flickr, etc.  So, if you haven't been in the Zendala Zen yet...what are you waiting for! 
I got into the Zendala Zen this weekend, and I can tell you it's a wonderful place to be!  It was extra special because I also opened a new pen....I know I am totally a Zentangle geek, but it's a thrill for me to open and work with a new pen.....and on a Zendala tile....heaven!!!

Last Friday, Erin at The Bright Owl Blog introduced a new Zendala Dare.  Each Friday she will be posting a new Zendala template (in 3 wonderful sizes) for us to use, post, and link to her blog.  Also, as a kick-off she is giving a away a Zendala Tile Set!!!  Without further adieu, here is my entry for the 1st Zendala Dare:

While I was in the Zendala zen, I did my 2nd pre-strung Zendala tile:

Wooden Treasures

I love tangling on wood!  I found this tray last summer at a garage sale for $1.00, and just knew that it had to be tangled.  Doug removed the old stain, I tangled (using the Sakura IDenti® Pen and sold at Zentangle®) and he applied a couple of fresh coats of polyurethane...teamwork :).  It was hard to get a good photo, so you'll just have to trust me that it looks great in person.  I hope you find some good treasures this summer at garage sales to tangle! 

Challenge #65 Huggy Bear

The first week of the month brings us the UMT (Use My Tangle) feature over at I AM THE DIVA'S blog and is part of the weekly challenges.  This week's challenge is to try the tangle, Huggy Bear (a play on the official tangle Huggins), by JJ LaBarbera.  This tangle is pretty easy and has lots of room for variation.  I tried it with two variations in my tile.  Thanks JJ and Laura!

Zendala Tiles

The long awaited Zendala tiles have arrived and they are wonderful!  They come in a beautiful round tin and are the same lovely paper as the square tiles, but bigger (about 4-5/8 diameter).  Each set contains 18 prestrung tiles (2 sets of 9 different strings) and 3 blank tiles, 21 tiles in all.  Through the end of April, you can only order them through a CZT.  They sell for $24.95.  Call me soon, if you'd like a set....you will be so happy you did! 

Challenge #64 Fortuneteller

 

This week's DIVA challenge is another in the "string theory" series. Everyone is to use the same string, using 8 special right triangles.  Read about the challenge HERE.  Laura named this challenge the fortuneteller because it reminded her of the paper fortunetellers we made as kids...fun memory!   Normally, in Zentangle you make your string in pencil and it disappears after you tangle.  For this challenge, I made my string in pen and shaded on the outside of the string to make it stand out.  I tried out some new tangles along with some oldies that I hadn't used in awhile.  I think it looks like a tangle sampler. 



Lokomotive, Tulips, Arckles, Paradox, Fungees, Kandysnake with aura, DL Sunray, Pinwheels

Challenge #63 Fengle

The DIVA's challenge this week is to use the new official tangle, FENGLE.  True to Zentangle's style, it looks complicated, but when you know the steps it's not.  You can find the instructions here.  I started out with a tile and wanted to do more.  I am really behind on Carole Ohl's, Tangle-a-day calendar, so this was the perfect opportunity to complete a page of Fengle's and celebrate the 1st day of spring....Fengletastic! 

Tangled Palm

Wrapping up my beach series with a palm tree that I sent to my friends, Sonia & John as a "Thank You" for their hospitality.  Since I don't live anywhere near the ocean, it was a delight to be inspired by all the palm trees there on Padre Island. 

Challenge #62 Spiral & Paradox

This week's DIVA challenge is brought to us by Marizaan van Beek/CZT from South Africa!  I am always amazed how far people have traveled to become a CZT, but not surprised, since I know how much I knew that I had to go to the seminar to become a certified zentangle teacher.  I am sure that I would have traveled far and wide to get there too!  Marizaan is challenging us to use a spirals and paradox, two shapes that you wouldn't think to use together often.   My 1st thought was to start with the tangle Marasu, which then turned into Paradox, and ended with Marasu again.  I peeked at some of the entries before I posted this, and I may need to try this challenge again, later this week.  Some beautiful work out there!  Thanks Marizaan & Laura!

 

 

Nautilus Shell #2

In keeping with my ocean beach theme from my recent vacation, I completed another nautilus shell.  I really enjoy this shape and it's wonderful to tangle.  You can see my 1st nautilus shell done in August 2011 with the link here.  We are having beautiful weather here in Colorado this week....70's all week...oh yeah, spring fever!

Challenge #61 UMT/GOLVEN

This week's DIVA challenge is another in the UMT (Use My Tangle) series.  I was happy to see that the tangle chosen was from Mariët.  I have been a big fan of her work for some time and love the tangle Golven (which is the dutch word for waves).

Coincidentally, I just returned from a trip to the ocean.  We went to visit a good friend of mine that retired the same time I did.  Her and her husband built a canal home on Padre Island off the coast of Corpus Christi, Texas. We took a couple of trips to the ocean to walk up and down the beach, looking for shells, and just plain enjoying the sound and sights of the ocean and each others company.   The beauty of the waves breaking, one after the other, inspired my tile for the challenge this week. 

Thank You, Laura & Mariët for another lovely challenge!