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.