Challenge #155 & Upcoming Classes

Thank you Laura Harms, for your latest Diva Challenge. This challenge was very well timed, as it coincided with some of my other homework tasks. Laura's challenge of leaving a large white space, provided an area for me to create a Zentangle that spoke to me regarding the philosophy of the therapeutic relationship. Yea. deep, I know. But that is exactly what art and therefore Zentangles does for us. It helps us integrate what we are seeing, feeling and processing cognitively in our world.

The space in the center spoke to me of the space that is between the therapist and the client. The outer patterns are the concerns, worries, thoughts and behaviours that are brought into the counselling relationship, and discussed. The space in the middle is necessary for the client to be heard and understood.

Secondly, I have a few spots this Saturday, Feb. 22;  for Zentangle 101 or A Bit More. email me. deb@kopeschny.ca. If you have attended either class before, you will learn more again - I always change the patterns in the classes to accommodate repeat tanglers.

Also, I have set a date for my next Edmonton class. Sunday, March 9; from 10:00-12noon; and 12:30-2:30 p.m.. I will be sending out more notices, but keep this date in mind for your next class.

Tangle on. deb

Play and Diva Challenge 154

Happy February. It is the middle point of the winter. We have peaked and are going on the way to warmer weather. Not that the cold weather bothers me. I quite enjoy the refreshing cold. I was in Edmonton this past week, and it was a -25'C as  I went to school.  It was a great week of learning, creative play, and student community.

I completed two Zentangle hearts in response to the Diva Challenge. I have also included some of my weeks work.

Valentine's for my Sweetheart.

Join me for a winter retreat inside Next weekend. Zentangle 101 and A bit More classes will happen this coming Saturday, Feb. 22. 10:00 a.m.; and 1:00 p.m. Come learn and expand your skills next week.
Deb

Diva Challenge 153 & a little free creation

Today is Feb. 7, 2014. It has already been an epic week, and I think it will turn into a very memorable month. I don't know how coincidental this weeks Diva challenge is for me, but it came at a time when I am very connected to Vermont. And the Diva Challenge brought in a tangle, "Jailed Johnny" from our fellow Vermont CZT, Sadelle Wiltshire. She lives very close to my parents, who I made a quick trip(to Vermont) to help set-up care for the final stage of life for my parents. Here is my response to the challenge.

I enjoyed the tangle, and was able to build on it very easily. It reminded me of quilting patterns I do. And on that note. Here is a piece I started as a free creative piece at the end of January. I am trying to "allow" myself the freedom and joy to create as I wish, and not feel it is a "waste of time". I am realising that it is and important part of my own self-care; just as Zentangle creation is. I didn't know what to call it, so I named it "Two Houses, Two Trees". Although there is a lot more going. I even coloured it in with marker. Please let me know what it reminds you of.

Cheers. Be good to yourself. You are the only one who will always be there to take care of yourself.
Deb

Diva Challenge 152 & Winter

Greetings friends far and near; it's still cold here in Toronto. It hasn't been above -5' C, in the last month. That is cold in Toronto. Apparently, the seasonal temperature is -3'C. It doesn't seem like much, but when it's been mostly -12'C. BRRRR. Generally, I don't mind cold weather. But a break now and then... oh yeah, I had a break, I went west to Edmonton. it was +5'C when I was there !!!!

So now for a few items that will warm your heart.
The first is my response to Diva Challenge 152, Aquafleur. I enjoy making this tangle. It is straightforward, organic and beautiful.

The second is a quilt I quilted for a customer. I just love the 9 patch pattern of lights and darks. Very cool. I will have to do this some day!

And a little therapeutic quilt I did in random log cabin style. Two Houses Two Trees. I still need to quilt it.

Stay warm and tangle. Deb

Diva Challenge 151 Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day

Today is Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day, January 24. Our blogger and CZT friend, Laura Harms has brought attention to this syndrome which affects 1 in 1 million people. Laura's son has this syndrome. According to her blog, "Moebius Syndrome is a congenital nerve disorder affecting cranial VI and VII nerves controlling the lateral movement of his face. Moebius is a spectrum disorder - so some cases are more severe than others." For more information check out, www.iamthediva.blogspot.ca.

Here are my tangles in response to her challenge to use the Moebius Syndrome logo.

Thanks for  checking it out. 

Deb

Happy New Year!

It's a New Year that started with a crack here in Toronto.

Iced branches in our backyard

The weather, as you may have heard, has been quite unique. A week of Cold and Ice, followed by a thaw, and then another freeze.

Typical tree damage in our neighbourhood.

I barely made it out of Toronto in my travels to school in Edmonton. I was on my third strike and praying on the Tarmac of the Toronto Airport, when we finally achieved liftoff to .... Winnipeg. With some creative thinking the Air Canada rep was able to get me on a flight that we hoped would leave Toronto, on that fateful Tuesday, Jan. 7. It did not matter that I would be spending 12 hours in the Winnipeg Airport, and it sure felt weird as a 40 year old adult to be sleeping on benches at an airport. But it worked, and I flew out to Edmonton at 7 am. the day my class started. With the time change, I got to my class just as it was introduction time. It couldn't have been better orchestrated.

Once again, a little creativity goes a long way. So here is to some creativity, and photos of Toronto's icy experience. Please take a look at upcoming Zentangle class dates. Deb
 

Bush in the front yard

Bent Birch Trees

 

An obstacle course through our ravine. Sadie is in heaven, enjoying all the sticks and snow.

Another encapsulated tree branch

First Zentangle of the new year for a paper.

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!