A Tipple Play!

This week the Diva posted a Tipple challenge. No typo here, it's not triple, it's tipple. As the Diva says, the tipple is a pattern that most seem to love or hate.

I remember it being one of the first patterns I used, when trying to teach myself Zentangle. Learning from a teacher was much better! But I'll save that for another post.
I'm the meantime, here is my tipple entry. The string was just a scribble, I had lots of fun.....more fun that the left hand challenge! :)

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Zenstones

Zentangle aka Rick and Maria, :) has introduced a new product: Zenstones.
In a recent newsletter, zenstones are explained:

Our Zenstone almost feels like powdered butter in your hand (it is called "soap" stone for a reason) and it settles into the texture of our black tiles with a buttery smoothness. Just wait til you get to "smudge" it with your finger tip! You will be thrilled with the subtle gradations in shading possible when a Zenstone meets a black Zentangle tile. (There are many more than 50 shades! :-)

How is the Zenstone different than the White Charcoal Pencil?The Zenstone and the White Charcoal Pencil each have unique characteristics. The Zenstone offers a soft mark which smudges smoothly with a gentle gradient. The White Charcoal pencils tends to leave a whiter, more precise line and a more abrupt falloff to smudging.

I finally got to play with my zenstones last night. Here are my results:

I don't do a lot of white on black work, so I have some learning to do, but the zenstone was fun to use!

They're now available in the store!

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Life's Lessons: Perfection.....or not?

Life's Lessons: Perfection.....or not?

I have another blog, in which I haven't written very often lately. One post that I did write a few months ago was a bit about Zentangle and it seems very fitting to this new blog, so here is its link

Practicing Mindfulness

When practicing the art of Zentangle, it is fun to spend time challenging yourself to create some really fun images and tiles. I love seeing the beautiful work of various artists.

I also value the practice. It is definitely what gives me some Zen. I find that I am able to experience mindfulness when practicing Zentangle.

 

There are lots of stories out there about benefits people experience through Zentangle. Likely everyone has their own. My practice has aided my sleeping and helps to lessen headaches and body pain. There's no scientific study that proves my own personal experience, but since I live in this body, I know what it does for me.

 

If you're ever interested in understanding mindfulness, I've found a nice article, recently. It's probably one of many and not the definitive guide, but it is a lovely start to understanding mindfulness if you've never thought much about it before.

 

Here is a link to the article I mention above. Improve your Focus and Cognitive Function with Mindfulness

 

Diva's Challenge, part 2

So, I was very disappointed with myself for misreading the challenge and doing a monotangle of striping instead of bales. No big deal, obviously, but if I'm going to finally take the challenge it would be nice to actually do the right one!! :)

So, here is the BALES non-dominant hand monotangle. Whatever the tangle, what a challenge!!!

DONE.

The Store Is OPEN!!

Well, I've done it! I've linked with paypal, set up a cart and I now have a store. Currently the store allows you to register for classes and buy Zentangle supplies and books. You can access the store by clicking on the red button at the top of your screen. Take a look and let me know what you think! L

Diva's Challenge left handed monotangle = HARD!

I've never entered the I Am the Diva's Weekly Challenge...too nervous.
So, what do I do? Enter the week the challenge is draw with your non dominant hand....using only one tangle pattern, a monotangle. I didn't vary it at all, just drawing one pattern on my little tile was CRAZY.
I don't know if I can honestly say that I found my zen with this one. My mom watched and she kept giggling at how my tongue was stuck out. Then there was the fact that my hand not being used was clenched in stress to keep it from joining in!

Guess what....I just realized that I was supposed to do BALES! Oh brother!

Oh well, here it is! Striping at its left handed finest!

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The Diva's Weekly Challenge

Fellow Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT) Laura H, has a great blog I Am the Diva on which she posts weekly Zentangle challenges.

Each week the Diva posts a new challenge for Zentangle enthusiasts.

 I'll be honest, I've never ever attempted the challenges....I guess I'm a bit of a chicken!

All sorts of people post their work, and this challenge is week 132! Her wonderful work is to be applauded and I'm not sure why I've never had the guts to post, beginners to veterans participate, I shouldn't be intimidated. 

This week's challenge has some fun in it, by asking you to use your non dominant hand.
If I try it, will you?

I'd love to see your entries! Maybe I'll post mine!

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Zenned Pen Fall 2013 Schedule

Zenned Pen's Fall 2013 Schedule has been posted!

Click on the Classes Tab (above) to find out what is being offered!