Challenge #80 - Mi2 Explored

 The Diva's challenge this week asks us to explore MI2 created by created by CZT Mimi Lempart. It is a challenging tangle but lot's of fun. It adds a great sophistication to my arsenal of tangles.

I did 3 variations this week. The first exploring the tendrils and enhancing them and adding a little Florz. The second explores a little more contrast of the black negative space and using my white gel pen for accents. The third incorporates Sanibelle, Flux, and some organic textures and leaves, turned out sort of alien-like bird. Kind of fun, but don't stare at the eyes for too long! A fun exercise and helped me feel more comfortable with this versatile tangle.

Challenge #79 - Citius, Altius, Fortius “Swifter, Higher, Stronger"

This week's Diva's challenge was taken on by Roe Densmore, CZT. She challenges us to use the Olympic ring logo as the basis for this week's challenge. I'm not fond of recreating the logo, circles are so particular and show the wonkiness, so I just embraced it. As the Olympic motto states: “The most important thing is not to win but to take part!" I'm taking part.

My interpretation took on a graphic feel, I tried to let the elements shine: the rings, the year, an olive branch to represent Peace, a little touch of color, and it eeez complete (french accent)! The Knightsbridge woven pattern ties/quilts the five continents/rings together. It was an enjoyable process and I'm happy with the results. A little Photoshop color added to my scan finishes this challenge.

When I first began tangling I tried to make each tile as perfect as possible before presenting it to someone. I would erase any left over string/pencil marks, now I revel in the process. As I'm strolling through the weekly offerings I particularly enjoy being able to share in the process, the path that each of us travels when creating and tangling.


We all come to the Zentangle process using our own perspective and, if we listen to our bodies, and follow the path of least resistance the process becomes even more enjoyably. When we Relax, Smile, and Breathe we get the full Zentangle experience. It's a wonderful gift to ourselves!

I've Been Nominated, Please Vote for Me!

I'm so excited, I've been nominated for a Most Fascinating Blog of 2012 under Zentangle Teacher category. It's such an honor to have my blog recognized.
Voting begins today, July 16, I would appreciate your votes. I'm fourth down. There are 29 total nominations. How kool is that?

Challenge #78 - New Official Tangle: Auraknot

This week's Diva challenge asks us to try Auraknot, the new Zentangle tangle from Rick and Maria. I've practiced this one a lot and really enjoy the flow. Rick and Maria sent out and announcement newsletter to start off this tangle. They put out  a call for deconstruction and names we thought would be appropriate for this new tangle.

Now that I've done it a million times (see previous post), I love it! It has the feel and requires the concentration and practice of Paradox. In this version, I added the Sakura clear sparkle gel pen between the
auras" to add a little "bling". Doesn't come off very effectively when scanned, but it's fun to hold this tile in my hand and see the sparkle.

We were playing with the Sakura metallic and clear sparkle gel pens this weekend in my Zentangle basics class up north. I was very impressed with what the participants created with these gel pens so I Incorporated it into my tile. I do want to work on a black tile with this same process.

I played with overlapping the lines to create a stained glass effect. Not perfect, but it has possibilities.

My second version for this challenge morphed into a Zendala, sort of. A little wonky and wobbly but I still like it. I've purchased some of the Zendala tins for my classes and haven't done many myself. I may have to dive into Erin Olson's (Bright Owl) Zendala Dare and start playing! I love my tiles but it's time to branch/circle out!


Auraknot Zendala Sort of



Zentangle Zealots Unite!



My Zentangle Flag
Printemps, Shattuck, Zenplosion Folds (of course),
Sanibelle, Tipple, Pearlz, Crescent Moon, Knightsbridge,
Keeko, Verdigogh, Leaves, Mooka, and Pods - lot's of stuff!

 This week was the 4th of July and I spent some time up north with my sister Nancy and her husband Butch. I came up to visit but also to teach a class in Grayling at the AuSable Artisan Village Art Center Gallery. My sister Nancy is a jewelry artist and is very involved in the gallery. That gave me the opportunity to visit and teach, two of my favorite things.

A great time was had by all and, hopefully, new Zentangle Zealots joined our legion! They all created wonderful tiles. I've included a short video that we took during class (see below) disclaimer: We're not professionals but the IPhone video let's us pretend... you'll get the idea of the class!

I've also been inspired to create a flag to display at my classes. Janee Mackugler, fellow CZT, inspired me when I saw her flag displayed on her blog. It's a wonderful oppportunity to combine material and the tangling process.

I worked directly on white cotton sateen fabric. I ironed freezer paper to the back of the fabric for support. It's almost like drawing on paper once the freezer paper is applied. The freezer paper stiffens it and allows for a more stable surface to create with my wee crafty fingers and micron pens! I added shading with a pencil and then set it with the iron once I completed each section. Janee shared that she used fabricon grey markers for her shading so I may try that on my next flag.

I found a great stick to use as my "hanger" for the flag on a walk in the woods up at my sister's place. They have a beautiful spot on the AuSable river with lots of trees, flora, and fauna. The perfect "shopping place" for beautiful sticks. I love incorporating nature in my art!

The flag is still a work in progress, I think when it's finished I'll back it with a nice muslin to give it a little substance and create a little pocket at the top for my stick hanger. The binder clips are a nice touch but I thought I'd go the extra mile since I put a bazillion hours into this creation. But it will be more than worth it when done.

Thanks Janee for the inspiration!

Challenge #77 - UMT v. VI "Fiore di Pietro" - Peter's Flowers

This weeks challenge for the Diva's challenge is #77. She asks us to Use My Tangle (UMT) for this month and it is called "Fiore di Pietro". This tangle was developed in tribute to CZT Rho Densmore,'s brother-in-law, Peter, who suddenly passed away this month.

This tangle has a wonderful rythm and lends itself to many tangelations and possibilities. I enjoyed this tangle and I'm sure I will use it again soon. I would like her to use my tile if she wishes.

My version went a little organic and swirly, I do like the results. I also used Printemps, Betweed, Paradox, Beads, Float Fest, and Quabog.

The Sailing Ship

What is dying?

I am standing on the seashore.

A ship sails to the morning breeze and starts for the ocean.

He is an object and I stand watching him

Till at last he fades from the horizon,

And someone at my side says, “He is gone!” Gone where?

Gone from my sight, that is all;

He is just as large in the masts, hull and spars as he was when I saw him,

And just as able to bear his load of living freight to its destination.

The diminished size and total loss of sight is in me, not in him;

And just at the moment when someone at my side says, “He is gone”,

There are others who are watching him coming,

And other voices take up a glad shout,

“There he comes” – and that is dying.

-- Bishop Charles Henry Brent

This poem gave my sister's and me such comfort when my mother died we used "she" but the message is the same. Powerful and comforting. My thoughts are with Rho and her family.

Catch Up Challenge #73 - #74 - UMT V Bridgen and String Theory X Eccentric Circles

I'm way behind on my Challenges, so playing catch up. Here is Challenge #73 "Use My Tangle" Bridgen, and Challenge #74 String Theory X with eccentric circles.

Bridgen is designed by Carol Ohl's partner Dave. I also used, the yet-to-be-named tangle by Rick and Maria. I'm calling it Knot-wot but that's just my take on it. I can hardly wait to see what they name it... coming soon!

I used Brigden, Betweed, Hollibaugh, Tipple, (Knot-wot)?, and Paradox in this version.