Diva Challenge #300 - Moebius Awareness Day

Moebius Syndrome Awarness - version1
Dancers, Smiles, Hearts, Mooka, Tipple, and Printemps

Moebius Syndrome Awarness - version 2
Moebius Awareness logo with Tripoli, some Hearts and Purple!

The Diva Reached her 300th Challenge this week, congratulations to her. For this week's challenge we revisit the Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day. Her son Artoo has this syndrome and through her blog we have seen his progress and amazing development.

This is the fifth Moebius Syndrome Awareness Challenge I've had the honor to participated in: Challenge #55, #103, #151, #251.  I chose to use a 3Z tile size and shape. The slogan "Smile With Your Heart" is a wonderful uplifting message so I used that as my inspiration.

Check out the other wonderful tiles for this week's 300th Diva Challenge.

 

 

 

   

 

 Challenge #299 - Drawings and Triangle Exploration

Combined Triangle Tiles, Common String, with touches of blue

triangle tiles 1-5

triangle tiles 6-8

Last week I decided to try my hand at triangle tiles. Mine are not equilateral (only 2 sides are 3.5") since I cut them out of a divided circle. but it gave me the basic feel. I created a template and I cutout my in the "fashion of" the official Zentangle® 3Z triangle tiles.This was more of an exploration in sections. I used the Zentangle blog Twelve Days of 3Zs Christmas Challenge as inspiration. Things got way out of hand and I couldn't stop myself. I finished up my pieces Sunday night.

Lot's of tangles and techniques for these pieces:

1. Shattuck, Cresent Moon, Drawings, Tripoli,
2. Lolliwhop, Knightsbridge, Mac-Ra-Me, Gourdeous
3. ICanThis, Poke Berry, Knightsbridge,
4. Drawings, Tipple,
5. Marasu, Poke Leaf, Molygons, Printemps, with Bijou's cousin
6. Tripoli, Crescent Moon, Moowa,     Knightsbridge, Purk beadz
7. Tripoli, Hollibaugh, Tipple
8. Drawings, Diva Dance

This is over the top for me but what the heck!

Challenge #281 - Tangle ING

ING with Knightsbridge, Zenplosion Folds, Hollibaugh and Fracus

The Diva's challenge this week revisits the tangle ING. This is an official Zentangle pattern that was introduced by Molly Hollybaugh during CZT training 15. This tangle lends itself to lot's of variations, it works well as a straight laced,  structured tangle, but also works as a loosey goosey (my fave), organic tangle.

Check out some of the other submissions for this week's Diva Challenge #281.

Here's a link to my 2014 challenge piece using ING.

Challenge #256: - DuoTangle: Boo*Kee and Artoo

Almost a Duotangle... Artoo and Boo*Kee
with lot's of Auras and embellishments

My New Version - 2/24/2016

Original Version - 8/2/2010
Can you see the Toad?

The Diva's Challenge for this week #227: is to create a piece using two tangles: Artoo and Boo*Kee, Laura developed these two tangles for her boys.  The focus for this challenge was to unite these two tangles in one piece. I tried to let the tangles speak to me and keep it fun and "sunny" for the boys. I tried to incorporate the feel of sunlight and spring in this tile; out of the winter doldrums and into spring. It was a fun challenge and I hope all our efforts bring smiles to these two sweet boys. Here's to a quick  recovery, and health, and smiles for those two cutie pies.

Check out all the wonderful solutions for this challenge.

Challenge #255 -
Ghosts of Tangles Past

I didn't get my piece posted for last week's Diva Challenge #255, so here it is.

When I was first exposed to the Zentangle process in 2010, I became obsessed. Everywhere I went I carried my drawing pad and created a new Zentangle piece several times a week. I scanned in one of my first pieces 8/2/2010. I had titled this piece "Thru the Garden" and tried to incorporate all the things I would experience in a garden. I tended to fill every nook and cranny and began each piece with a familiar object or place to inspire me. 

I was using a Kohinoor Rapidograph pen for most of my work. I was fascinated with line quality, textures and the detail tangling brought to my creative process. No shading.

For my redo, I retained the original string. I scanned in the original piece in and looked over all the elements and chose the ones I was going to keep. My work is now more open the tangles and textures more defined, shading is a Major part of my work

I had written a poem for this piece but I couldn't find the Toad until I looked at the scanned image on screen:
Through the garden,
Walking tall,
I see a Toad,
He's following me,
The Koi in the pond,
Greet me.  

.

Through the Garden 2016 - outline,
without much shading or contrast

Challenge #245 - Back to Basics

Hollibaugh is one of the foundations of tangling.  It is literally the first tangle I teach when I am sharing Zentangle with someone new because it uses the drawing behind method that so many other tangles use as well.

You can see step outs of Hollibaugh here

This tangle, in particular, really lends to that complex look that tangling can have, but in reality it is really quite simple.

This week's challenge is to use one of the foundation tangles, Hollibaugh. It's a great basic tangle that enhances and adds a wonderful addition to any Zentangle. I use it often and choose to go the organic curvy, durvy route with this tangle. I love to enhance it with Mooka like appendages and varied sizes when creating this particular tangle.

Challenge #183 - UMT, X-Did" by Annette Carlo

X-Ing tangleations on ribbons of  Hollibaugh

This is the first Monday of the month and it's a Use My Tangle challenge. Annette Carlo has the featured tangle this month with "X-Did". It's a geometric pattern, which are not my favorite, but adding some geometric lines worked for me. I found it fascinating to play with this tangle and see where the tangleations would take me. It was much more enjoyable than I expected.

To see the step-outs for "X-did" by Annette Carlo, click here.

I tried to work with the basic structure of the tangle and  then stretch and bend the envelop a bit. Fun to look at and explore what those lovely little triangle shapes and overlapping lines can turn into.

V2 - X-Ing tangelation with some Beadz, floral
Purk pearls, Crescent moon loops and leaves

The first version seemed to work using lot's of overlapping ribbons of Hollibaugh, adding texture to the overlapping lines with X-Ding, some shading contrast and touches of Auraknot seemed to work well in the structure of this tile.

My second version I tried exploring the structure and it reminded me of a stained glass window, added some thickening and rounding in the style of Betweed, some floral accents, Black Beadz, Crescent loops, Purk Pearls, and organic leaf shapes. I tried to concentrate on the interaction of each tangle with the next to form a cohesive structure. It feels like a bejeweled crown with an art deco quality. Adding a few curves puts an interesting twist to this tangle.

Check out the other submissions for this week on the Diva's site.

V3 - X-Ing line play

Challenge #182 - Stripes

Version 1 - ING variations, Knightsbridge, Flux, Crescent Moon,
Hollibaugh, Tipple, with lots of shading and auras

The Diva's challenge this week #182 asks us to do Stripes, a great way of layering tangles next to each other. No straight lines for me but letting each tangle "spoon" with the next. I used several variations of ING, Printemps, Crescent Moon, Knightbridge, Flux, Hollibaugh, and Tipple. I tried to play each tangle off the next. I feel the beauty of the tangling process is allowing the tangles to "dance together". I'm pleased with this busy little ZIA.

For my second attempt I used my bar coaster circle tiles. I kept it pretty simple, a few hollibaugh-ribbons overlapping, kept the top simple since underneath my focus was emulating the feel of Army stripes. One of my best friends, Suzy, has a son in the Army, so this is an ode to Justin and his army life. I just wanted to focus on the feel of those Army stripes. Scanning the tile on the camouflage background seemed appropriate.

Version 2 - A couple of Hollibaugh ribbon stripes,
with the Army Stripes inspiration shapes

Check out all the wonderful submissions for this weeks Diva challenge.

Challenge #168 - Tangelation Nation - Rain and Others

Rain tangelations, with Hollibaugh, shading, White Gel Pen,
Beadz, and lot's of Auras!

This weeks Diva's challenge is #168! I can't believe I've been out of the challenge loop for so long. I've been working on stuff just not posting or participating. It feels good to be back in the fold again.
This week is Laura's birthday and she chose Tangleation Nation to celebrate her birthday week with  "RAIN" and all the fun tangleations we can come up with. What a lovely way to celebrate and a Happy B-Day to the Diva.

Rain is a very simple tangle that lends itself beautifully to oh so many tangleations.

I chose to play up the curves and Aura the heck out of Rain. It turned out taking on a pointy little Crescent Moon flair in the main focus area. Straight lines are not my thing, but these little triangles allow themselves to bend and morph into lovely organic shapes. It feels like it's spinning into the atmosphere.

I used some wonderful tan paper I found at our recycle place in the area called the Scrap Box. Companies and individual donate all kinds of kool stuff. You can buy paper by the inch and it's quite a deal. Whenever I visit the Scrap Box I have my trusty Microns in hand to test the quality of the papers available. This paper has the rich look of the Zentangle Renaissance Tiles and I love the subtle way my white Gel Pen adds luster and pop. I want to get some sepia pens and start playing with that on tan papers and Renaissance tiles. This just adds one more dimension to the black and white.

Challenge #156 - Curvy Gridlock and #155 - A Little White Space

Grid-based, Knightsbridge, Copada, MI2
Scrolls, Beadz and strings, and
Molding

The Diva's Challenge for week #156 asks us to create a Curvy Grid-based work. I don't usually use many grid-based structured tangles but I'm always up for a challenge.  I used MI2, Florz, Copada, Knightsbridge, some beadz and baubles, curves and rolls. Then I added lots of shading and volume play. I'm not a grid gal, but adding the curves made it much more palatable for me.

I wasn't able to make comments this week because of my computer. This piece took me many days to complete but I'm happy with the results. I used a simple string and then penciled in a grid for reference. I began tangling my little centered egg shape, then worked on the right side with beginning with MI2. The molding tangles developed from the grid, I just divided, auraed and repeated. Not sure if it's an official tangle.

This piece was much more involved than my usual process. It is grid-based but not very "structured". Organic is always my end result but I used a confined organic to keep to the letter of for this challenge.

My second piece is from last week's #155 - "A Little White Space" open-space challenge. My computer has been wonky so I didn't get it posted last week. I am very comfortable with open spaces in my work. I think it gives my pieces breathing room. I love to let the viewers mind/eye complete the spaces, not filling every nook and cranny is my preference. I get involved in so much of the detail when I work. I love the textures, shading and levels we can create with the Zentangle process and our beautiful tangles so leaving open space, for me, is very important. Check out the Diva's site for more wonderful work and join in one of the Diva's challenges yourself.

Hollibaugh, Knightsbridge border, Beadz, Tipple
Lot's of contrast and shading

Challenge #133 - Tipple, I LOVE It!

It's so nice to be back into the Diva's challenge and using one of my favorite tangles, Tipple. I have definitely have a love relationship with this wonderful little orb full of goodness and curves. It makes me feel happy and centered like I'm getting back into the flow.

I began with a simple string and, of course, Tipple, added some Printemps, Auras, Betweed, Hollibaugh, and swirls. I relaxed, smiled, and breathed. Lovely, soothing, mind-relaxing tangling.

Last night it became dark early and the upcoming change of season loomed in the horizon. I decided to add a little green to my tile to enhance and encourage the lengthening of Summer and stave off the impending winter gloom. Water, flow and green things were my focus.

So Happy to be back in the nurturing fold of the Zentangle community and the Diva's challenge! Sitting here with my pens and pencils, ahhh....

Dex with Tipple, Hollibaugh, and line work

Trying to do a little catch-up and get back in the Groooove. Combined Tipple with a little Dex for Challenge #131, it's not a monotangle but a great opportunity to play with Dex. I don't usually use structured tangles, much more of an organic gal, so this was a great opportunity.

Tipple is so versatile, makes a great background fill/texture, especially when I keep it light and sketchy.

Two very different feels. In the first tile Tipple is the "star", the second, it works as a great supporting player. What a great little tangle!

Challenge #117 - The New Official Tangle Schway

Version 1 - Schway with Hollibaugh

The Diva's challenge for the first Monday of the month features Rick Roberts new tangle "Schway" which was released by Rick and Maria this week.

This is a very structured, symetrical tangle that doesn't come naturally to me, OG (Organic Gal) that I am. I used this tangle in last week's challenge, so I was feeling pretty comfortable using it. Even though my version is not measured and perfectly spaced it works, very fun, versatile tangle. I tried to make this tangle flow and go with the banner curves, it really helped give a 3-D quality to my tile.

It was fun to play with different tangleations and embellishments with this new tangle. Hollibaugh seemed like a good accompaniment for this tangle, they "play well" together!

Version 2 - Schway Landscape with Mooka, can you see the little folk?

I did a second version of Schway and the curve looks like a landscape, so added some Schway houses and blue sky, I think it's going to be a bookmark. Tangles: Schway tangleations, Mooka, Paradox, Tipple, BTL Jooz, and Beadz with little fun folk and Schway houses. Size 3.5 x 8.5" with black micron pen, Derwent Watercolor pencils, and graphite

Challenge #112- Use My Tangle - Tuxedo by LeAnn

The Diva's challenge this week is a Use My Tangle first Monday of the month challenge using LeAnn (Ledenzer) tangle Tuxedo, check out her directions. It's a pretty structured tangle that is not in my comfort zone. So I was a little trepidatious especially  after viewing some of the wonderful solutions for this week. So, I took a deep breathe then jumped in and tried to go with the flow (as is my nature). I just concentrated on the lovely curves and overlaps this tangle creates. My version is wonky and only slightly resembles LeAnn's beautiful tangle, but I enjoyed the process and the exploration. I let it flow and tried to breathe and relax, "there are no mistakes in the Zentangle process" right?

So here it is, sort of, Tuxedo, Lampions, Beadz, Float fest and lots of leaves, Aura's, and Perfs, who knew Check out all the wonderful solutions to this week's challenge at the Diva's site.

Version 2 - Tuxedo with Inapod centers, Hollibaugh
with Flux, Paradox, Crescent Moon,
Spinning Squares, and some Beadz.

Challenge #104 - String Theory v. XXIII - TanglePatterns String #003

Laura Harm's Challenge this week #104 asked us to use one of the strings from Linda Farmer's TanglePatterns.com. It's a straight line string (String #003), not one of my usual choices since I'm usually a curvey gal - when it comes to strings. It's been quite a while since I've posted for this weekly challenge. I've done many of them, just not posted. This was a fun process and I let the tangles and the process lead me. The string went a little Wonky but my heart was in the right place. I had a blast doing this, can't really explain the outcome, but the journey was wonderful. 

I began with Spikey Wire, trying to return to my steam punk study, then added some Keeko (with ripples), Printemps, some Hollibaugh with Tipple, a little Crescent Moon gone organic, and then some twigs sprouting Poke Leaf. Added shading with pencil and lines and it felt complete. I'm teaching a Zentangle Basics course tomorrow night and I wanted to have some current examples to share. 

It is what it is... and It was fun!

Challenge #89: UMT v. IX: "Sankegg"

This week's challenge #89: UMT v. IX: "Sankegg".It was inspired by the world's largest Pysanka Egg Laura and her family saw on their way back from Edmonton.  Laura posted a picture putting out the challenge to anyone wanting to figure out the Y pattern on the Egg and deconstruct it. Maria Vennekens, CZT from the Netherlands emailed the breakout instructions for the tangle she named Sankegg the next day.

Not one of my all time faves but it was interesting. I found it very challenging (not enough room for the wonkiness of my style, I'm not a straight-line gal!). Many renditions later... I finally came up with something I didn't totally hate.

I started this tile with a zig-zag string, created a triangle crescent moonish tangle with lot's of auras on one end. Next, an unsuccessful attempt at Sankegg with triangle (morphed into little dangling spears). Since there are no mistakes in the Zentangle process, I went with it and embellished. When in doubt, embellish and shade the heck out of it! FINALLY, a tangle that actually resembled Sankegg, added Paradox in the negative spaces, some curvelinear Hollibaugh and Tipple to offset the spikey tangles, topped off with a little Zedbra to balance and add contrast. Voila!

Challenge #86 - Break Free!

This weeks Diva's challenge #89 asks us is to break free of our tile border! To create a tile or ZIA where SOME element of your work goes beyond the border and stretches or expands out. This direction is not out of my comfort range at all. I often go off the grid with my work.

I used Hollibaugh, Tipple, Beadz, Tripoli which morphed into a viney flower with some decorative leaf patterns. 

  

Zendala Dare #19

Version 1: Lot's of Mookas', some Beadz, Flux and "Perfs"
add a  little shading and eet  eez complete! (French accent )

Okay, I'm jumping on the Zendala Dare bandwagon! Erin Koetz Olson, CZT of Bright Owl hosts a new Zendala Dare/challenge every Friday, and I'm joining the crowd. She does all the hard work for us and develops and supplies the templates in a variety of sizes and shapes. There is some inspirational work from all the participants, Check it out.

I've been putting this off as long as possible but I need to start working on more Zendalas. I'm all for freedom of tangles and forms so I was apprehensive about the confinement of the template, but this was a lot of fun and the template gives me freedom to play! I basically used the template as a string. Kept very close to the original form but my stuff will never look perfect and pristine. It's organic and wonky and wobbly but I still like the results.

I appreciate all those that have perfect lines and forms but mine doesn't go there.

I want to thank Erin for all her hard work and inspiration. I hope to learn a lot as I add this challenge to my weekly tangling assignments! Whoo-hoo! I enjoy the fact that these two pieces are so different.

Version 2: Paradox, Aura Knot Cross, Hollibaugh,
Sez, Auras, Rounding, and some Meer-Like forms.
I'll spare you the French accent again!