Normally I am not one to be trendy. However I have been observing so many people and blogs and items being "zentangled" that I just had to check it out. I have shared before that I never doodled ever because it was not allowed in my family as it was seen as a waste of time and ink. Funny as I come from an artistic mother and father. It was considered more important to be spending time reading or learning. Well...now that I am the mother of myself I can zentangle.So not knowing how to do it or how to doodle I need to learn. My girlfriend Lorraine gave me these two books for Christmas as she heard me whining one day about needing to zentangle. Here is a link to get more information if you are interested. This link is for the basics book.
Click this link to visit Sandy's blog. I already owned the perfect micron pens, the perfect paper and what could stop me now? Remembering my word for 2011 I decided to just do it. So while football was playing on tv I managed to zentangle the letters for my 2011 word. N O W These are actually small as they are done on ATC size (2.5 x 3.5 inches) cardstock. I am thinking of mounting them on this matboard and framing it for my studio as a constant reminder. This is merely a start and I am certain I shall get better with lots of practice. I like this craft as it is super portable and will travel very well. Easy to do anyplace and can be dropped and picked up at a moment's notice. 
I also spent time on New Year's day organizing some clothing drawers and donating items to charity. Worn items like t-shirts were cut into shop rags for Mr. C and his messy projects he does. When one has focus and the desire to get things done and not put them off until tomorrow it is amazing what can actually be accomplished. I am feeling quite happy about the beginning of this new year and all that will be possible. I am enjoying reading all the comments on my last post regarding the selection of a word for the year as opposed to resolutions. Thank you for inspiring me along this journey.
Now I am off to do something else today as I have a lot more time than I realize to get things done.
Mr. C and I also spent hours today cleaning up a disaster involving our well water tank and a water purifier that is housed in the downstairs mechanicals room which is between the office and my studio. Hmmm...fourteen towels, six giant buckets, a very long hose, a short hose, lots of tools and some fancy footwork we are back to normal and just fine. Maybe that is what I better go do is launder all those towels NOW.
Happy week everyone...
Welcome to the world of zentangle! I find it very relaxing and you are so right about just picking it up when you have the time. Iplay music when I really get into it.
ReplyDeleteGreat minds think alike. I spent a fair amount of time today looking on the net for the basic how-to of these zentangles. They sure are cute and my first one looks not too shabby!
ReplyDeleteI need to learn to doodle myself! I have been bringing my sketchbook with me everywhere and have yet to feel comfortable sketching in public. Time to get over myself and let the fun begin!
ReplyDeletexo
Oh wow!!! First, I think it is so interesting that you were not allowed to doodle. I guess it makes sense in a way to be reading and really being productive instead. But I giggled because both my mom and dad were artists too and drew beautifully. My dad LOVED those books that had the black and white pages of doodles that could be colored in! We had several of those books and used to color for hours. I also have several of my original doodles from when I was a kid.
ReplyDeleteSo interesting. Thanks very much for sharing. This has brought back great memories.
Hugs,
Holly
Look forward to seeing more of your zentangles - enjoy the process.
ReplyDeleteI love your word for 2011~ I could have exactly the same one! And I find zentangles intriguing as well...
ReplyDeleteYay!!! She's zentangling. So happy to see it. I look forward to following your future doodling.
ReplyDeleteI am so impressed with your first works of zentangle art! And I just read your NOW post...what a great idea! I think I'm going to rework my own resolutions and transform them into simple inspiring words.
ReplyDeleteYou're so much fun - Happy New Year!
I didn't even know there were books on the subject. I've never really tried the zetti stuff, sometimes I feel like I'm living under a rock!It does look like fun. Nice job.
ReplyDeleteOh my sounds like you had quite a time with the water situation.Glad all is well now!
What fun to play with a new toy! I like your first efforts very much and think putting them in your room as a reminder is a terrific idea. Trendy or not, it's often exciting and stimulating to learn a new thing, and I bet once you've mastered it, you will put your own unique twist on what you create.
ReplyDeleteI have spent the first few days of the new year cleaning, sorting and organizing as well and it certainly feels good to be in a tidier state - that may be part of my path to contentment - although I don't really think of it as a destination but more a state of being!
Sorry to hear about your water issues - thankfully nothing was damaged and all you have is more laundry...
Have only dabbled a bit with zentangles to date but plan to do more myself this year. I think it will really help with future designs.
ReplyDeleteThey look beautiful, sweet Mrs. Createology!
ReplyDeleteHappy hugs to you xoxoxoxo
You will love doing this! And you'll be amazed at how it expands your creativity! I have a whole book with nothing but Zentangles that I've done. It's also relaxing and kind of mindless sometimes, which can be a good thing.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy!!
Hugs,
Diane
Thanks for explaining the mystery of zentangle to me. LOL Have fun with it!!!! Sorry you had to deal with the house mess - I so know how that goes. What a headache. Hopefully, that is all over and done with. Have a wonderful rest of the week. Theresa
ReplyDeleteIt's not something I've ever got into I'm afraid, but have seen some beautiful examples. The only doodling of sorts I do is when I'm on the phone.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your endeavours and you've made a wonderful start with 'now'!
Happy creative crafting to you x
One of the reasons I have resisted Zentangle is that I am afraid I will love it too much. I love pen & ink & doodling, and I just don't need one more thing right now!!! But I love your zentangled word of the year!!!
ReplyDelete