Zentangles

In the last few weeks, it seems there has been a renewed interest in Zentangles. I wrote about this art form in the June 2008 issue of Crafts 'n Things. With limited supplies, Zentangles provide an easy way for busy people to find time to be creative.
One of the hardest things can be getting started. Belinda Spiwak has a nice tutorial on her blog, and this video of a Mandela Zentangle will definitely make you want to give this a try.
Now for a few Zentangles of my own. Although there appears to be variation in their color, these were all done on the same basic white paper. The sunlight was definitely playing tricks on me today when I was trying to take pictures.






Now that you've seen how easy this is, grab that paper and pen that you already have on hand and make some marks!

A Pineapple Blessing

Pineapples have long been considered a symbol of hospitality and welcome making the pineapple stamp (Rubber Cottage) the perfect complement for this blessing sentiment (Stampabilities). This was a quick and easy card to complete with Archival™ Ink, a Big and Juicy™ Rainbow Pad, and Inkssentials™ Gloss Paper. Wouldn't this card make you feel loved!

Look for the details of this "Brayered Texture Background Card" on page 87 of the October 2008 issue of Crafts 'n Things.

Random Arts: Going with the Flow

I finally had the time to finish my wall hanging from the June workshop at Random Arts with Katie Kendrick. I posted earlier about my lack of experience in drawing faces, and that is probably obvious here. Katie's instructions were helpful, but do you ever have one of those days when you just want to go with what you've got?

When Katie demoed mixing flesh tones, her results were lovely. There was one problem: I hadn't brought the colors she used with me. Now, artists are most helpful people, and Katie would have shared her paints as would the people on either side of me. I was just having one of those days when I just didn't want to be bothered, so I used the colors I had. Besides, I really wanted my face to have a more earthy tone. And she does.
You may wonder why the bird and heart appear suspended. That was intentional on my part although I don't think that I could have made them look attached if I had tried. I enjoyed using my Inkssentials™ White Opaque Pen for the lettering around the heart and to highlight the outline of the bird.

I intended to cut the threads between my words but decided that I liked the way they tied the thoughts together. The picture below also shows the subtle stamping I added to the background with my Adirondack® Pigment Ink Pads.

I don't think that wall hangings are destined to become my newest passion, but this was definitely fun. I know that I will put the knowledge to use in further projects. This was another great day in Saluda!