Monday, February 16, 2015

So . . . What Can You Do With Your Tiles and Tangles?

                                                           ~~~Drum roll, please ~~~

Before I touch on my title subject, here's some 'show and tell' from two of my students who very recently took an Introduction to Zentangle class! I'm so happy when students become excited about Zentangle!
Steve Reeser did this beautiful tile a week after taking the Intro to Zentangle class.  He's a real tangler!

Karen Schaack collected shells and tangled on them. I **love** these!



I was asked during my last Intro To Zentangle class: "What can you do with your completed tiles?" It's a good question, and somewhat difficult to answer because there are so many possibilities!

One idea that I gave was to do a RAZ: a Random Act of Zentangle. Simply write a note on the back of your tile something like, "Smile! You have received a Zentangle tile! It is yours to keep, or give away! Enjoy!". Then, leave your tile in a public place such as on on the sugar/cream table at a coffee shop or sticking out (prominently!) on a shelf in a bookstore, etc. What a wonderful surprise for someone to find. You might just make someone's day a lot brighter!


A RAZ left in the waiting room of a doctor's office.

You can also attach your tile to card stock, write a message inside, and give it to someone. There's nothing like creating truly handmade work of art to share with someone!  A card such as this would have so much more personal meaning to it, as compared to a mass produced card!




 

You can use completed tiles in an art journal, as part of the illustration. You can simply attach your tile to the journal page, or incorporate it in more depth as part of a collage.










     This is an example of a Zendala
 ('mandala' + 'Zentangle' = 'Zendala') 
that was made from a snowflake template! 



  . . . and, of course, you can definitely frame those favorites of your, and display them for everyone to enjoy!

A true Zentangle advocate!

~~Thanks so much for visiting! I would love to hear your ideas or comments!





Monday, February 9, 2015

More Zentangle in the Nokomis/Sarasota Florida area!

     I am constantly amazed at how people who are new to Zentangle start out by saying, "I can't do that" . . . . and then end up saying, "Wow! I did that!".
   
SO ~ WHAT IS ZENTANGLE?
  1. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS: You don't need any previous training or "artistic talent" to learn this art form.  The process is created "one stroke at a time", where each step is just one line! If you can draw a line, a circle, and a 'S', then you can do Zentangle!
    "The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Almost anyone can use it to create beautiful images. It increases focus and creativity, provides artistic satisfaction along with an increased sense of personal well being." 
    Zentangle can: 
    • increase your focus,
    • help you relax,
    • inspire your creativity,
    • improve teamwork,
    • build your confidence,
    • change your outlook.
    Today a wonderful group of new Zentangle students came for an introductory class. We had a cozy time to tangle as it rained outside! Here are a few photos of our finished tiles ~ Each one is so unique and beautiful. 



    As a Certified Zentangle Teacher, I absolutely love seeing these tiles "come to life", with the individual styles of each student! We all learn from each other . . . . and then, when each tile is shaded, completed, signed, and admired, there is that "WOW!" moment. 

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Zentangle Classes in Nokomis, Florida!

     Yesterday, 7 new tanglers showed up to take a Beginner Zentangle class here in Nokomis, Florida! Everyone did a great job, and learned 8 new tangles, as well as a bit of the history and philosophy of Zentangle.
 
I'm so excited about starting this new adventure here in Florida. I've been grateful for the interest shown, and the enthusiasm of people in this area to learn Zentangle. It's true that Zentangle attracts some of the most friendly people: ones who want to learn a new skill, try something unique, and share new friendships!
After the 2 1/2 hour class, we put all of the tiles into a mosaic:


We're now looking at possible additional classes such as Renaissance Tiles, Organic Tangles, or Snowflake Zendalas! I'm looking forward to sharing more "Tangling Adventures" with everyone!
          If you're interested in learning Zentangle, (or just want to say, "Hi!") feel free to leave a comment below! I would love to hear from you!