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.

Holiday Season is Around the Corner

The Holiday season is around the corner. It feels like it has snuck up on us this year. The weather has been so warm, it has not felt like winter is coming at all.

My daughter keeps reminding me it is Christmas time though. She wants me to go shopping with her, and plan holiday cookies, and gatherings. She seems to have more of the "spirit" than I this year. She even created Zentangle Christmas cards for all her friends. I must say, it makes me proud to see her using and enjoying her creative talents.

I have a few ideas for you at the Christmas time. One, take a Zentangle class and create some of a kind gifts and cards for your family and friends. You will feel blessed creating, more peaceful in the time spent tangling, and those who receive these will feel the peace and power from your creativity.
Second, you could also plan a Zentangle party with your family, hosting a Zentangle class at your house, or taking a class and sharing it with family and friends over the holidays. It will be so beneficial to all of you to receive a gift of togetherness and creativity.
Third, purchase a Zentangle kit to give as a gift to a loved one or your family, like a game.

I also created a wonderful little Doggie jacket that I can customize to your little friend. See it here:

I'm busy quilting for customers, but I still saved some time for myself. So keep a look out for a table runner I quickly sewed... coming soon.
Stay warm. Deb

Thank you Zentangle Students!

Thank you all my Zentangle Students! It is a joy for me to teach you. Your enthusiasm and creativity inspires me.

Recently I had held a booth at my Quilting Guild's show. I gathered a lot of interest in the Zentangles and a lot of questions about what it is. It was a helpful exercise for me.

 Bloomin' Quilts and (Zen)tangle booth at Yorkshire Rose Quilting Show Sept. 17 & 18, 2011

The same day I had a birthday party Zentangle class. It was intimate and great! The group were a Mom and her grown kids. Many zen moments were shared. A they all anticipated using the Zentangle activity in numerous ways: Beautiful Wall Art, journaling, centering, inspiration for quilting pattern.

Zentangle 1

Zentangle 2

I have a Zentangle 101 class this Saturday, Sept. 24 at 1:00, at my house. I will be doing several guild presentations as well, the next being for the Pomegranate Textile Guild. November 16 http://www.pomegranateguild.ca and go to the calendar of events.
Take Care. Deb

Zentangle, CZT

Greetings, I have been busy - but not on this site! Besides a trip to Vermont skiing, another trip to Mexico, sunbathing, and putting together two pieces for entering into shows... i've sprained my ankle, and did my first presentation on Zentangles.

Zentangles. A great inspirational, relaxing and creative pastime hitting the creativity world. It is a phenominal new method of drawing. By completing small pieces of art with simple strokes, you both relax, and release creativity.

In May I will become a Certified Zentangle Teacher. and I will be able to teach this fabulous technique to many different types of people. Please see the Zentangle site: http://www.zentangle.com/ for more information. I want to bring this to arts and crafts people but also health and community members. It is meant to encourage new creative expression, but also helpful in enhancing the mental health of all. I look forward to bringing you examples of this helpful skill.
Blessings. and Draw on.