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Saturday, September 24, 2011
Diva Challenge #40 - Pinwheels for Peace
The challenge this week is in honor of International Day of Peace on Sept. 21st and Pinwheels for Peace. Please follow the links to read more.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Zentangle Diva Challenge 39 Love Is All You Need
This zentangle may be the oddest one I have ever done. It's not that I don't like it - it actually looks a lot better in person than the scanned image - albeit in it's own quirky and odd way. The whole process of creating a piece for this challenge was just odd from the start. When I read the challenge I had an instant picture of a completed piece - this one (mostly what I remember of it). I definitely prefer the zentangle way of creating as you go so I am not sure where this image came from or why. Initially I rejected and resisted putting it down on paper. Unfortunately my attempts to create a challenge piece were getting me nowhere so I decided to create the image just to get it out of my system. My hope was that I would then be free of it and move on to creating something for the challenge. No luck there - did create a few pieces but none felt like they had anything to do with love. In the end I decided to show a little love to this piece and post it anyway. Still looking to find the message here - maybe it's that love is the universal language and we all might be better off if we spoke more of it?
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Friday, September 9, 2011
Diva Challenge #38 - Better Than a Pair of Ducks - aka Paradox
What's that quote about life happens while you're making other plans? That's exactly what happened while working on this challenge. I had yesterday all planned out - lots of time spent at the studio working on tangles and this challenge, get home to post it (before the last minute!) and then kick back and enjoy a little football. Oops - not gonna happen - little did I know that when the power went out about an hour before I was going to head home that it would turn into a long but OK evening with no power for me and about 4 million other folks in our region! Power back on during the night - all is well but they are warning that the system is fragile from a total blackout and power up so it's nice that the temps dropped about 15 degrees from the last few days.
Back to the challenge - first up I decided to break out the pyro pen and woodburn one. It is burned on a 4" basswood tile. I rather like the way it turned out. Used a template to draw the initial octagon and then freehand from there.
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This one I used a pentagon as the string and then let the experiment begin. It's not a typical Paradox in that it does not spiral into the center in the traditional way of drawing it. Instead I used the Paradox stroke - first by drawing 5 lines all the way around each leg of the shape. Then reversed course and drew 5 lines going in the opposite direction. Next just repeated the 5 lines and the reversing it until reaching the center and completed it the standard way. Does that make sense - easier to do than write it out! Have not decided how I want to shade it so posting as is - for now.
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This last one - an old one - not really for this challenge - just because I like it and wanted to include it here for future paradox reference.
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Love Paradox - did a few others but will need to scan and post later.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Diva Challenge 37 Kiss My Grids!
The challenge this week - use only grid based patterns.
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Where did August go - or maybe the correct question is where did I go in August. It's been a wild month. The highlight was teaching a wonderful ZIA (zentangled inspired art) Workshop. Lots more to post about that in a separate entry later. The not as bright event - I had to relocate my studio. When I moved in six months ago I did so knowing that I might have to move out now. It's been a great 6 months being associated with the Shepherdess bead store in Old Town - we both wanted the arrangement to continue but the situation was out of our hands and control. The scary part is that I was not having any luck finding a suitable new space. As it got closer to the end of the month and no place to go I decided the best option was to rent a storage unit and just pack it all away until I found a suitable space.
Funny how life works - or maybe it's just another example of the Magic of Zentangle - but the Saturday morning I decided to go in search of the best deal of a storage unit I decided to check craigslist one more time. There was one new posting that looked intriguing. I called - the first good sign - they were not put off by the idea of an art studio since the current and the previous tenants were using it as studio space. Made arrangements to see it that same afternoon. The landlord had made arrangements for the current tenant to have me come by and see it and then let him know if I was interested. Enlisted a friend to come along in order to have another set of eyes so I didn't miss something in my desperation at wanting to find a place. Thanks Kristy! We walked in and both knew I'd found a space that would work out very well. Had a great time talking with the current tenant - she's only moving because she needs a bigger space for her growing business. Here is part of the magic - she had only given her notice the day before (Friday), the landlord posted it early Saturday morning and I saw the ad within about 30 minutes of it being posted. I signed the lease on Sunday! Had a little over a week to to get things packed and arrange for the move.
Everything is in the new place still a bit chaotic getting it all unpacked and set up. I wasn't sure that I could find a space at a rent I could afford where I could also teach classes. The good news - it's large enough that I will be able to accommodate small classes of 6 or 7 students. The other exciting part is that I can use the small second room to work on my wood projects. Will be fun to finally get the saws and carvers unpacked. Haven't been able to do that work since I closed the gourd studio over 2 years ago.
For those that have inquired about classes - I will be in touch and will be posting a new schedule soon.
Funny how life works - or maybe it's just another example of the Magic of Zentangle - but the Saturday morning I decided to go in search of the best deal of a storage unit I decided to check craigslist one more time. There was one new posting that looked intriguing. I called - the first good sign - they were not put off by the idea of an art studio since the current and the previous tenants were using it as studio space. Made arrangements to see it that same afternoon. The landlord had made arrangements for the current tenant to have me come by and see it and then let him know if I was interested. Enlisted a friend to come along in order to have another set of eyes so I didn't miss something in my desperation at wanting to find a place. Thanks Kristy! We walked in and both knew I'd found a space that would work out very well. Had a great time talking with the current tenant - she's only moving because she needs a bigger space for her growing business. Here is part of the magic - she had only given her notice the day before (Friday), the landlord posted it early Saturday morning and I saw the ad within about 30 minutes of it being posted. I signed the lease on Sunday! Had a little over a week to to get things packed and arrange for the move.
Everything is in the new place still a bit chaotic getting it all unpacked and set up. I wasn't sure that I could find a space at a rent I could afford where I could also teach classes. The good news - it's large enough that I will be able to accommodate small classes of 6 or 7 students. The other exciting part is that I can use the small second room to work on my wood projects. Will be fun to finally get the saws and carvers unpacked. Haven't been able to do that work since I closed the gourd studio over 2 years ago.
For those that have inquired about classes - I will be in touch and will be posting a new schedule soon.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Zentangle Diva Challenge 32
Challenge 32 - Zentangle is for Everyone hosted by Carole Ohl of Open Seed Arts.
The Challenge - Use any string you like with these four tangles: Pais (by Mikee Huber), Zedbra (by Laura Harms and Margaret Bremner), Keenees (by Donna Hornsby), and Baton (by Carole Ohl).
The Challenge - Use any string you like with these four tangles: Pais (by Mikee Huber), Zedbra (by Laura Harms and Margaret Bremner), Keenees (by Donna Hornsby), and Baton (by Carole Ohl).
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Read additional details about the challenge and view the other entries here.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Zentangle Challenge 30
Diva Challenge 30 - String Theory v. V Initialize brought to you by guest host Christina Vandervlist at stART.
The challenge this week - use your first and last initial as the string. Overlap the initials either script or block letters. I tried several different layouts but nothing really appealed to me. As block letters too may small areas hard to get a flow going - as script they just looked plain weird. I had the most trouble with the "W". Time was running out when I finally stumbled on the combo in the image below - and then the patterns just got a bit out of control and odd. When I started out I was hoping I might find the answer to my on-going search for a satisfying way to add my initials to my finished pieces ;( still searching.
The challenge this week - use your first and last initial as the string. Overlap the initials either script or block letters. I tried several different layouts but nothing really appealed to me. As block letters too may small areas hard to get a flow going - as script they just looked plain weird. I had the most trouble with the "W". Time was running out when I finally stumbled on the combo in the image below - and then the patterns just got a bit out of control and odd. When I started out I was hoping I might find the answer to my on-going search for a satisfying way to add my initials to my finished pieces ;( still searching.
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Saturday, July 9, 2011
Challenge 29
Diva Challenge 29 - String Theory v. IV Creative Genesis brought to you by guest host Sue Jacobs.
The challenge this week was to attach a weighted object to something that would act as a string - could be string, yarn, thread, ribbon etc. Then place the weight on the tile and let the string fall on the tile creating the string for this challenge. I have an interesting relationship with strings. I don't have a problem creating strings, I just don't end up following them all that much. I select a starting area and the first tangle and it just grows from there. That first tangle may not even stay within the bounds of that initially selected area. Sometimes the string will dictate what comes next but more often than not it doesn't.
Right out of the gate this was a challenge. I could not get the string to drop in anything other than just a clump on the tile. I changed weights and string material - no success. I finally removed the weight and just dropped the string - YEA - I had a string on the tile I could use!
To remain true to the spirit of a string theory challenge I tried very hard to stay within the limits of the string. I did manage to create tangles in the three areas of the string and mostly stayed within the lines, but as you can see I could not leave it at that. Oh well.
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The challenge this week was to attach a weighted object to something that would act as a string - could be string, yarn, thread, ribbon etc. Then place the weight on the tile and let the string fall on the tile creating the string for this challenge. I have an interesting relationship with strings. I don't have a problem creating strings, I just don't end up following them all that much. I select a starting area and the first tangle and it just grows from there. That first tangle may not even stay within the bounds of that initially selected area. Sometimes the string will dictate what comes next but more often than not it doesn't.
Right out of the gate this was a challenge. I could not get the string to drop in anything other than just a clump on the tile. I changed weights and string material - no success. I finally removed the weight and just dropped the string - YEA - I had a string on the tile I could use!
To remain true to the spirit of a string theory challenge I tried very hard to stay within the limits of the string. I did manage to create tangles in the three areas of the string and mostly stayed within the lines, but as you can see I could not leave it at that. Oh well.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Tripoli in Detail Tutorial and Diva Challenge 28
The Diva's Challenge this week is to use the newest official tangle Tripoli.
When I first started working with Tripoli I struggled with maintaining consistent size and spacing. Most of the time creating the first circle worked well. Even the start of the second circle went fairly smoothly. However without fail when I would get to step 9 (in the illustration below) things would start to break down.
First I was trying to draw one large triangle in the remaining spaces of the second circle. If I kept the spacing between triangles the same I ended up with large out of proportion triangles. If I tried to keep the triangles the same size then the space between was larger, not consistent. My first attempts at putting 2 triangles in the space did not go well either.
When I first started working with Tripoli I struggled with maintaining consistent size and spacing. Most of the time creating the first circle worked well. Even the start of the second circle went fairly smoothly. However without fail when I would get to step 9 (in the illustration below) things would start to break down.
First I was trying to draw one large triangle in the remaining spaces of the second circle. If I kept the spacing between triangles the same I ended up with large out of proportion triangles. If I tried to keep the triangles the same size then the space between was larger, not consistent. My first attempts at putting 2 triangles in the space did not go well either.
Not sure how or at what point but I had very bright light bulb moment - clarity with no doubt - one of those times where everything clicked into place and changed my whole approach to working the pattern.
The key - I was not seeing triangles I was seeing just the lines.
I decided to post the details of how I draw Tripoli after reading on several blogs that others were having some of the same issues. Hope you find it helpful.
The key - I was not seeing triangles I was seeing just the lines.
I decided to post the details of how I draw Tripoli after reading on several blogs that others were having some of the same issues. Hope you find it helpful.
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1 - 2 - After drawing the initial triangle, the first leg of the next triangle is drawn parallel to the line of that first triangle.
3 - In this step the line drawn next, for me, seems to be the easiest way to repeat and maintain a uniform size for the triangles. It also eliminates having to determine the correct angle if the outside edge leg had been drawn second.
4 - 5 Close the triangle and repeat 1 - 4 for the remaining triangles in this first circle.
6 - 8 Again - think lines - start the next triangle as a parallel line to the flat edge of the existing triangle followed by the other 2 legs. Repeat all the way around the circle.
9 - Solving this step changed my whole perspective - instead of thinking/drawing a triangle the starting point is drawing 2 parallel lines that are an extension of the lines of the triangles in the first circle!
10 - Repeat step 9 to complete the second circle.
One note - Continuing to build out the circles from this point changes the structure slightly so the 2 parallel lines are not always the best option. In that case just look for the next best option to start with a parallel line and you will be good to go.
Before filling in Tripoli - liking the simplicity of this - has a filigree look to it.
After adding patterns - it's ok - really need to watch density - I do get carried away sometimes!
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Friday, June 24, 2011
Diva's Challenge 27
Duo-Tangle
Dex and Verdigogh
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Very difficult challenge this week - use only two tangles Dex and Verdigogh. Straight lines, grids - my kind of tangle. Verdigogh - have always liked it but have always struggled with it so haven't used it much. Combining them really taxing! Lots of discarded tiles littering my desk and this one needs a bit of cleanup - decided to post it because it's the best verdigogh I have ever drawn. That's the good news and the joy to be found in this challenge - finally learned verdigogh!!!! Nice to have another tangle to use with confidence. Thank you, Laura - would not have happened without you.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Diva's Challenge 26
Spiral Out - Keep Going
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The Diva's challenge this week - use a spiral as the string. Right from the start I wanted to use paradox in some form. Can there be a more "spiral" process than the constant tile turning with paradox - but it just wasn't happening. When I was finally able to let go and just watch to see what would show up, the first tile appeared - not a hint of paradox to be found! I didn't post it right away as it felt like it needed something in the background - wasn't sure what - just didn't feel complete.
Tonight while prepping for tomorrow's class I was creating several strings to share as examples. I wasn't looking to tangle any of them. One of the two-pencil strings just happened to be the spiral above. I'd found my string for paradox without even trying. Or maybe it found me!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Diva Challenge 25
Zendala Magic
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Something different for the challenge this week. Guest host Genevieve Crabe, at TangleHarmony and a fellow CZT from Class 4, (Hi Genevieve) provided a template for creating a Zendala - nice fusion of Zentangle and Mandala. Lots of wonderful creations to check out on the Diva's site - or maybe it's time you joined in the fun. The new challenge for the week is posted on Monday.
The mosaic pattern in the inner ring is a technique/pattern I often woodburned on gourds. Lots of small cuts with the pen but it was almost a mediation while doing it. So simple but always a big hit at the shows - never took one back home at the end of the day.
The mosaic pattern in the inner ring is a technique/pattern I often woodburned on gourds. Lots of small cuts with the pen but it was almost a mediation while doing it. So simple but always a big hit at the shows - never took one back home at the end of the day.
Mosaic Gourd
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Sunday, June 5, 2011
Diva Challenge 24
String Theory - Stripes
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Nice to be back in the challenge game this week - rather it's a good thing to be back in the blog posting game. I've done the challenges - have not made the time to get them posted. Off to take a look and see the other entries.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Diva's Challenge Week 22
A Little Help from My Friends
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The Diva's challenge this week - have someone else draw the string. On Monday when the Challenge was announced I taught a small private class - 3 students - that afternoon. At the end of a very fun class I gave them each a tile and asked them to draw a string. They did a great job as you can see above. Below are the results. Thanks Anne, Theresa and Laura for a great class and fun strings.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Zentangle 6 x 6
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I really like the zentangle tile paper - Fabriano Tiepolo - it's not readily available but I've managed to acquire a few sheets in order to work on some larger pieces. This is the first - still a bit small at 6" x 6" but larger ones are in the works.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Diva's Challenge Week 20
Royal Wedding
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Have been absent from the challenge for a few weeks and so wanted to get started again. I'm not sure how this work relates to the topic of the challenge - Royal Wedding. I didn't follow it closely other than to see bits and pieces on the news so not sure where I drew my inspiration. Looked at a few photos but . . . In the end decided to just channel it and see what would appear. My first and last take - lots of subtexts and mystery. I think I do better work the less thought I put into them - would rather just enjoy it for what it is - another Zentangle!
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