Diva Challenge 147 & Splice

I had a wonderful day teaching new tanglers last Saturday. Here is one of the comments. "I just wanted to drop you a note thanking you for the great class this past Saturday. I had a lot of fun and was very inspired."; 
and another comment from a previous workshop: "I just wanted to thank you again for the wonderful instruction you provided for our staff.  It was a very unique experience and very, very well received by all."

Consider signing up for a workshop and increase your creative life.


Here is the Diva Challenge 147, using her new pattern (Great pattern Laura!) Boo Kee

Here is my Zentangle pattern "Splice". It is a variation of Oof.

Enjoy!

Challenge 146 & Something Different

And now for something a little different... okay first the Diva Challenge #146. I did two, and I am posting my second first, Because that is my favorite. I do not like either of these Zentangle patterns. Period. So good challenge. Using a tangle that I do not like is more of challenge to me than working in colour or on a circle or on a black tile. I don't like limits. In the language of psychology, I am full of counterwill. Tell me one 'must', and I will resist will all my effort. More than necessary. A waste of energy really. So, note to self - Grow UP! Suck it Up! Because, as you can see in the tile below, when I followed the rule, it actually turned out darn well. I like it. 

The different? Well, my original hobby. Here are photos of a quilt I'm working on. The purple theme fabric has a lovely tree as its feature. I loved it. But not sure about what I have done with it. A customer came and said, "Oh, I like it. It looks like underwater." So with new eyes I looked again, and yes, it has the feeling of underwater and the bright colours from coral and fish. So, it will be my "Coral quilt". First photo is as I am laying it out. Second photo is semi-complete. I am still deciding on more borders. The quilting will finish it off, and I will post again.

Then I have posted a photo of my first quilt for my daughter. It is a couch quilt. Laura wanted to have a brown quilt. I couldn't bear to have no punch of colour, even though the browns/beiges look quite classy. So I added a punch of red. It turned out quite nice. Maybe 1 colour quilts are not so bad after all.

Still doing Long-arm Quilting and loving it. Still teaching Zentangle classes - and Loving it!
So do what you love. You will be happier. I promise. And it will spill over to your life.

Crispness & Diva Challenge #145

Ohh, the crispness in the air. I am a cold weather lover. I enjoy the feel of the coldness on my cheeks, and the warmth of the sun beating down on my gloved hands. My friends in Edmonton are battling a winter blizzard, and I'm jealous. Wierd? maybe so.

Between my dog walks, homework, making roman apple cake, and working on several quilts (photos to come) I sat down to tangle Laura's challenge for the week. So here are two of my takes on the subject of "Quib".

A Christmas Tangle.... for upcoming classes?!!

Enjoy - There are still openings for this Sunday's Greeting Card Zentangle Class. deb@kopeschny.ca/

Diva Challenge 144 & Holiday Cheer

It is an interesting week here in Toronto. Amidst the allegations and comments from our mayor.. I have been finishing papers, seeing the horrific natural disaster in the Philipines, and tangling.
Here are my responses to the Diva Challenge 144.  The first one is my natural inclination to using colour on the tiles.

This second tile is with watercolour paint.... whoa! I'm not very satisfied, but I thought I would put it up anyways. I'm sharing my "imperfect" creations so others see it's not always going to come out the way we want it. But it is still fine.

Last Saturday I had a very excited group learning the Zentangle process. Here are some of their tiles.

The class wanted to learn more so I have decided to run a couple of tangling for the Holidays classes. Here are some prototypes. Join me on Sunday, Nov. 24, 3:00 p.m.; or Saturday, Nov. 30.

Join me to create some one-of-a-kind greeting cards. These are just some initial ideas. I have more plans up my sleeve....come find out!

Classes for Christmas

Yes it is time for Christmas planning, and joy.

I had a fabulous class with 6 tanglers yesterday. The tanglers were all very enthuisiastic and we practiced many different styles of tangles, as well as learning how to combine them. I mentioned using greeting cards as a way to share the new craft and they were all excited.

As the celebration season is upon us, I wanted to hold a special class on creating Christmas or Holiday Cards. This is one way to use your tangles or to create a special Zentangle card to share with others. I very rarely buy commercial cards, but create a Zentangled card to share. They are always appreciated.

On Sunday, November 24, from 3-5 p.m. I will be holding a Zentangle inspired greeting card class. Join me as we learn more patterns and how to share this inspired art through greeting cards.

On Saturday, November 31, I will be holding another Beginner (10:00-12 noon) and Second-level class (1:00-3:00 pm).

If you would like to join me and your fellow tanglers, please email me at deb@kopeschny.ca.

Zendala 2 & Diva Challenge 141

Zendala, Zentangle.  Hmm. I have been practicing new patterns and watching the work of Maria Vannekins, and her pattern step-outs. Some get a bit confusing for me!  Teacher?!!!  

The tangles Laura has chosen for this weeks challenge appear simple, but are still complex. The 141st challenge  is a Duotangle of Quandry, and Fengle. I quite like Fengle, but despite Quandry's simplicity, I have difficulty getting the pattern to "fall into line". However I like how this Duotangle looks.

Diva Challenge 141.

Below are Zendalas I have completed after working with Margaret Bremner. She has been an inspiration to me. I thoroughly cherish the time I spent with her. 

  This Zendala I completed on the plane home from Edmonton. Notice the 'lovely' inkblot. Due to plane pressure. But I still like it. It provides an interesting focus.

I have two classes upcoming. In Edmonton, on Monday, Oct. 28; 6:30- 9:00 p.m. Please complete the form here:  http://www.123contactform.com/form-722975/Zentangle-Class-Oct-28/
or contact deb@kopeschny.ca; or Kelly@wiens.ca.


Then in Toronto, I will be holding a beginner and second level class on Sat. Nov. 9. 10-3pm. Contact me for more details and to register. I hope to see you there.
deb

Time to Pause

School. Teaching Zentangle Classes. Birthdays. Dog Walks. It is a charmed life I lead. Then there are these assignments I need to complete, like writing papers, where I need to pause, and think over what I want to say. Then I am muddled with thoughts, not knowing where to focus.
   I remember my recent work to enjoy the moments of everyday. One of my recent calls to understand my connection with self and others is to live in the moment, and capture the narrative of my everyday life. For this is the real me. These moments are what make up who I am and what I live for. These moments identify my priorities and define where my hopes, dreams, goals and focus is. These moments are what the exciting activities and drama are part of.
   I practice these moments of pause when I lie in my bed, and notice the coolness of the sheets on my face. I relish the warmth of the blanket on my body, and feel my dog press against my legs. I enjoy with gratitude the safety of my home, the ability to live with these simple joys, and know that even the ability to enjoy these simple moments is a gift. I can let my worries, and pressing issues fall away, and enjoy the quiet and peace of the moment. How safe and happy I feel. Then I turn my legs from the covers and step onto the floor. Eager to wander to the kitchen to make coffee, to see the brightness of the day.
   Enjoying these moments is what living is about.
   And later I will turn to writing about how my initial Art therapy course has touched my life, and how my experience with art therapy will affect me and others who participate in it. But in the whole scheme of therapy the events of everyday life must be considered as the framework for the individual sessions. The work within the therapy sessions are part of the everyday drama of life. Together they express the narrative of one's life, including the focus, priorities, and mundane tasks. To consider one activity of Art therapy is to consider only a fragment, a paragraph in the story of my life. Art therapy and the moments must be considered together, bringing a fuller understanding of who I am.
Tangle on.
Deb

Zendala, Zendala

What a week in Edmonton. A full week of learning new-to-me art therapy techniques, and practicing. And then teaching Zentangles on the weekend to a full and enthuisiastic group. Wonderful! To top it off I enjoyed a relaxing afternoon learning Margaret Bremner's method on Zendalas. I am inspired. Rejuvenated.  So good. Now I have a bunch of homework to complete. And some inspiration to instill in others.

Here are some photos from the Zentangle classes in Edmonton. Keep an eye here. I will teach again when I return in late October.

Tangle Tiles # 2

Tangle Tiles # 4

Margaret finishing off Tangles # 6

Tangle Tiles # 6

Full size Zendala done with Margaret

Zentangle Challenge # 136  "a bit of colour"

It was a wonderful week. Full. Fun.
I would like to thank Margaret for being able to teach alongside her. It was great to hear another CZT's methods and style, and learn some new Tips and Tricks. Coming soon to you.

Relaxation

Summer has been a time of work --- studying, but also busy relaxation. We have had several visits at our trailer, which has forced "chillin". A worthwhile venture for someone who always thinks she should be doing something. Sitting with friends with a refreshing drink, and reflecting on life, family, and experiences is needed to provide a moment of pause for the next moments of growth. Reflection allows the incorporation of past experiences so that new ones can fulfill new focuses and combine old and new.
Loons share that moment of reflection, and pause.

Laura's challenge this week, a monotangle "Tipple" is also an example of taking that moment of Pause.

   
Here are a few Zentangles from past challenges, which I did not get up.


In Addition! I would like to share some details of the Zentangle Workshops to be held in Edmonton, Alberta. The following will be held on Saturday, Sep. 14 and Sunday, Sep. 15.

Anything is possible, one stroke at a time

Zentangle^® Basics and Beyond

Create beautiful pen-and-ink drawings entirely with structured patterns.

It's easy to learn, easy to do, and enjoyed by both artists and non-artists.

For some it's art, for others meditation, for others something else.

Time will fly!

Deb Kopeschny, http://bloominquilts.blogspot.ca/      

Margaret Bremner, http://enthusiasticartist.blogspot.ca/

Learn more at zentangle.com

Saturday, 14 September 2013, St Stephen’s College, U of Alberta

Date	Time	Description	Cost	Session	Max #
14 Sep	10:00-12:30	Zentangle: Introductions (Beginner)	$45*	A	35
14 Sep	1:00-3:00	Zentangle: A Bit More	$40*	B	35
14 Sep	3:30-5:30	Zentangle: Advanced	$40*	C	35

Sunday, 15 September 2013

15 Sep

1:00-4:00

Zentangle: Zendalas/ Developing Patterns

$50*

D

12

*Costs include supplies

To Register, CLICK HERE    

www.123contactform.com/form-666143/zentangle-edm-sep-2013

Summer Fun

 Greetings, Here is some summer fun. 
Summer has been a time of .... fun. Simple fun. 
Some of the first fun of summer is keeping up with the Diva's challenges. These are responses to IamtheDiva's Challenge 130. I like the Henna pattern idea. In fact I downloaded a binder's worth of Henna patterns as ideas when I first started tangling. This Zentangle pattern has both simplicity and elegance. I did find it difficult to work in background tangles, as you can see in the second photo. So I left the first tangle more open.

Diva Challenge 130

Diva Challenge 130

I have also been sewing. Just sewing and patchwork. That is fun too. This one was from an idea using simple squares and rectangles, and combining them with "mortar". It is neat. My husband liked the idea so much (I think he liked the controlled and consistent style) that he suggested I make a bedspread out of it. Hmmm. That would take a while. The pieces are all between 1" - 3" big. It would be very time consuming.

Bricks and mortor; 12.5" x 12.5 "

Summer Fun Summer Lightweight  66 x 90"

This second full quilt I did was a gift to myself. I often quilt for others, or for my dog, or out of necessity. This I made as a gift to myself for a summer quilt. I wanted something that had substance, but not too heavy, and was bright. I think it meets those requirements!
Also some fun at the trailer - Catching fish, and hanging out with friends. This was a small catch, but was still enough for an appetizer fish fry before dinner. Mhm. 

I am getting ready for the new season of classes. But I have not limited life to studying. In fact, I have a Zentangle class in Mississauga Ontario, on August 18, 12-3pm; at By The Lake Massage. If you are interested contact By The Lake Massage. (BY THE LAKE MASSAGE ), 905-271-8878.

In addition, I am arranging some Zentangle classes in Edmonton, Alberta with Margaret Bremner - the Enthuisiastic Artist. These would be held the weekend of September 14-15. If you are interested let me know, deb@kopeschny.ca.

I will also be providing an allday workshop at the Markham Quilters Guild on September 28. This will combine the basic Zentangle class with Tangles that are focused for quilting. Once again, contact me, deb@kopeschny.ca.

And as always, I am still long-arm quilting for customers. Nothing like a break from studying to help the brain flow again through Zentangles or Quilting.

Take care, and Tangle On.
Deb

Challenge 129 +

Greetings,
Following are my tiles in response to IamaDiva's Challenge 129. Laura, the author of the wonderful ongoing challenges, pulled out a string from a collection from fellow CZT, Linda Farmer, www.tanglepattern.com, 's site. This challenge uses String 004. For those of you who have not taken a class with a CZT, the string is the "guideline, or structure" on which the repetitive patterns you draw are gathered in. The string provides the formal and careful way of helping you provide some structure into your drawing. But remember, it is only a guideline, and really, your creativity can let loose on this structure too.
My zentangle(s) both include a bit of organic patterns, and a few graphic ones. I like to look at the zentangle half way through and decide... where am I going with this? do I want a more organic flow? because that is my usual tendency, or do I want to add some graphic structure to it? Both of these include a bit of graphic and organic shapes.

Enjoy, Tangle on!
Deb

Challenges (127) plus

Challenges. One way to stretch our abilities. Whether it is Zentangles, or a quilt that needs fixing, a homework problem, relationships, new technologies... These are all situations where we can either develop new skills, or a fall back into old patterns. Without challenges we would continue acting the same way, not seeking new ideas or patterns. Challenges help us grow. They push us out of our comfort zone and into unknown, and often unchartered waters.  May you welcome the challenges that come your way.

Here is my Zentangle Diva Challenge 127. Cirquital and Opus.

Tangle On!
Deb

Iamthediva #126 challenge

After ... how many years and I am finally posting a Iamthediva challenge. I've completed the challenge in the past, but don't take the next step. So here is my first!

Here is the Stencil I used: it was part of an old painting, and quilting stencil I had.

I have been taking the time to tangle again. Hmm. Really, I have been thinking of the future, and the next classes I will take, the break I will get in the summer, future zentangle classes....

It is interesting how the studying I am doing impacts my day to day life. I am finishing up my professional ethics class, which... of course, how can it not affect you? Integrity, developing ethical responses from internalized values, and understanding moral decision making is part of everyday life. It is not something that pops up when you deal with those you serve, but every person you meet, every interaction you have.

May your tangles take you to a thoughtful place. Deb

Are you busy? yes, you guessed it, I'm busy. But in the midst of all that, I continue to experience the Flow. Csikszentmihalyi, a psychologist and researcher, connects Flow with the ongoing positive experience of engagement and thorough involvement in an activity and moment. So in the midst of studying for exams, writing papers, reading books, attending classes, listening to lectures, participating in family life, walking the dog, I have practiced Flow. Flow and involvement in the presence enhances my life. It makes all the activities that I participate in so much more. Two of my most important activities that take me to Flow and provide a therapeutic outlet for me are quilting and walking Sadie, my goldendoodle. I gain valuable insights in my moments of Flow; new thoughts and synthesis of ideas happen. I experience relaxation and inspiration. All that reading and learning comes together so that my work is more integrated. I created a quilt, to practice my own Flow. The photo below is the gift for my mother and father-in-law, for their 50th wedding anniversary; the following quilt.

I have been quilting for years, but never created anything for them. So as a gift, I just went for it. I put aside my qualms about time, perfection, and decided, it is a gift, to them (and to me - ha, i got to create, :)) from my heart. let it be nothing more, nothing less. 

So often in the past, I get my knickers in a knot, thinking that I should be focusing on something else, a piece for a show, for a customer; that there must be a productive purpose to what I am doing. But I am beginning to practice more and more, self-care and experiencing the therapy of Flow. Taking the time to create, to be thoroughly in the moment as I am creating (Flow) provides numerous benefits in all areas of life. 

And of course, there is Sadie, my other important therapy. We just love her. Here is Thomas with the sweetie.

May you make a connection with your Flow and therapeutic beings in your life. It adds so much to you.
Peace. Deb

Some Recent Tangles

I have been holding a few small classes, with an enthusiastic bunch of Tanglers. It is always a joy to experience the excitement as the calm and contagious tangling happens.
Here is my last class.

 

And here is my large ZIA: Zentangle Inspired Art, which I did as a piece for my first art therapy class. I am posting it again, as it didn't work well from my ipad photo. The image represents myself as I enter the program.

And Sadie says, "What you looking at?!" She is such a happy energetic dog. Can you find some tangle patterns in this picture?