Helloooo! I'm Still Alive!

I don't even know how to explain why I haven't posted in...gulp..over three years. I don't really have to explain to you, though, do I? You know. You know, because your life is just like mine. So we'll just move along, OK??

I haven't been creating much this year. Been a tough year, and my creative bone has been, well, a little broken. I did make some bookmarks, which is kind of my favorite thing the past two-three years. They're small, don't take much time, and I really enjoy personalizing them and giving them as birthday and special occasion remembrances.

This year I made one for each of my oldest three daughters. My youngest daughter's birthday had already passed when I had the idea, so hers is coming next year. I find bookmarks for guys a little trickier somehow, so my son's is still in the offing, too.

I got out my calligraphy stuff last May and enjoyed practicing and piddling with it for a few weeks, so I used my lovely brush markers for their names. When they were small, I had a plaque in each of their rooms with their name and the meaning of their name on it. Name meanings are important.

Number One is the picture of diligence. So faithful, so steadfast, such a strong woman of conviction. Her favorite book is The Count Of Monte Cristo

Number Three is truly a "Bright One". Brings light and love and laughter everywhere she goes. She loves gems and sparkles (like me!), so I created some tangled gems for hers.

Number Two is our darling peacemaker. She was the middle child for seven years until Number Four came along. Middle children learn a lot about getting along. Such a precious, tender heart...but more grit and determination than can be measured. Her great love is horses. These last two were my first foray into tangling with just pencil, for a lighter, ethereal look. Kind of cool.

Thanks for bearing with me over these dry years. You're my kindred spirits. 

I Did It Again

I've entered a tile in the Diva's Weekly Challenge. It is her 155th Challenge, but only my third time to venture out of my comfort zone and enter my work. You can see my two previous entries here and here...and you'll also see why I don't enter the challenges often! I always read (and love) Laura's posts, but there are SO MANY incredibly talented Zentangle artists out there, that I usually just enjoy looking at everyone elses' entries. Not today. Today, I loved her notion of leaving empty space in the tile, so I gave it a shot.

Betweed, Mooka, Hibred, Aquafleur

This is also my first time to use Aquafleur (in public)! I've been wanting to try it since its debut from Rick and Maria in their Jaunary 19 newsletter, and finally did. I did a practice monotangle tile a couple of days ago, and liked it so much, that I've been playing with it in my bookmarks.  Here's my practice tile:

Here are the bookmarks with a little Aquafleur:

THANK YOU for stopping by! I'd love to hear from you, and visit my Facebook page!

I'm In!

I've only done the Diva's Challenge one other time in over three years of tangling. I love looking at all the entries, but am often intimidated into...silence. This week's challenge appealed to me in its simplicity. Just use one of the strings from Linda Farmer's marvelous blog Tanglepatterns.com, String 004. So I did it.

Sand Swirl variation, Mooka, Auraknot variation, Betweed, Paradox, Pearlz

And it was fun! I so seldom actually do the traditional Zentangle Method on a lovely Zentangle tile - I've been doing more ZIA (Zentangle Inspired Art). Fun, fun, fun. Man, I love this art form! :)

In other news...

I'm offering a new class!

Tangled Garden Classes August 10 & 31

10:00-noon HOBBY LOBBY EAST

I am now taking registrations for my new Tangled Garden Classes! I've been really loving drawing the organic tangles on the Strathmore Toned Tan paper, and can't wait to teach YOU how to do it, too! So fun, and the results are so satisfying and lovely. Intro to Zentangle is a prerequisite, but for a small additional charge I'm willing to do a one hour intro for newbies just prior to the class. Email me for more info and details or look here.

The possibilities are endless!

To Infinity...and BEYOND!

I held a Beyond the Basics class last weekend with a Fantastic Foursome! These lovely ladies all attended an Introduction to Zentangle Class held at Hobby Lobby East in December, and decided they wanted more. More Zentangle is my favorite thing! They scheduled a Class Party, and our Hostess With The Mostess, Terrie Parsons, received her class FREE!  Each student received a Tangle To Go case which contained 2 white Zentangle tiles, 2 black Zentangle tiles, a round prestrung Zendala tile, and a white Gelly Roll Pen. These CD size cases are perfect to slip into your purse or pocket to take anywhere.

Working with a group of friends is always fun. They had a blast and so did I!

They requested the Private Lesson package (scroll down on this linked page to read about private lessons), so we tangled away for three hours! They had been practicing, so we were able to cover a lot of ground. I taught them more than a dozen tangles. They learned, Paradox, Betweed, Mooka, Flukes, Zander, Coil, Pokeleaf, Linked, Msst, Sand Swirl, Featherfall, Vertigogh, and XYP. I also showed them how to use pearls (beads) as a beautiful filler, decorative border, or pretty dangles. What fun! 

They all got a chance to try their new Gelly Roll Pens on the marvelous black tiles. You can see Sonja's (far left) beautiful "Featherfall" on the black tile. I love Featherfall...and these great gals!

These ladies are already planning another Class Party to learn Zentangle + Lettering. As always, all supplies are included, and each student takes home a project suitable for framing, displaying, or giving as a gift!

CONTACT ME to schedule your own Class Party, Private Lesson,  or to register for a class at Hobby Lobby East or the Mulvane Recreation Center

Learning to Network

I recently met the delightful president of the Derby Arts Council, Cheryl Bannon. She was intrigued by my Zentangle® art, and invited me to submit a piece for the upcoming art auction. This auction serves as a fundraiser for the Derby Community Foundation, and takes place at an annual gala event called "Uncorked".

Here is the piece I donated...

"There's No Place Like Home"

In exchange for the donation of art, I will receive a free ticket to the "Uncorked" gala. I'm hopeful about meeting some folks that may be able to help propel me to fame and fortune....well...at least spread the word around town that I offer Zentangle® classes.

I wonder if this hand-wringy, insecure, uncomfortable, embarrassed feeling will ever go away? I wonder if other people who draw (see? I find it virtually impossible to call myself an...artist) have this gnawing, deep-seated need for approval? This fear of rejection and vexing consciousness of...exposure?