Zentangled Stencil...

This is from my little pocket journal. I used my stencils and filled my journal with some blank forms.
This camera looked like a fun item to tangle.
Because I am still learning how to tangle this is done very simply. I am hoping with practice that I can become much better. For now I am happy with the designs that appear here.
Zentangle is a rather calming activity. Once you begin to draw, your mind really does get in a calm zone. However at the same time this is an activity that is easily dropped and then picked up again when interruptions happen. That is why my little pocket journal is a great option to carry in my bag for those times when waiting is a must. My journal also holds the requisite micron pen. This is quiet and simple to do.
Have you tried Zentangle? If you quilt then you already tangle. If you doodle then you tangle.
I really enjoy seeing the fabulous designs others are doing with this artform.
Happy week to all...

Five Friday Finishes...

To borrow from my blog friend Elle I am posting five finished things in a day. Please check out Elle's blog elle in da coop. I certainly will not be able to post this each day as I cannot imagine being able to get this much done everyday.
My first of five is this cute little bird that I tangled. I actually not only tangled this little bird I filled a spiral bristol book size 3.5 x 5 inches with outlined items ready to tangle. Just like this bird I took a stack of stencils I own and copied them into my little book. Now when I am out and about waiting for appointments or such I can tangle to my heart's content. Since I am not artistic to draw I am using outlines as a way to get started. And it is true, a zen type of calm comes while inking tangles.

This is a card and mailing package that I made . Super simple and very flat for mailing purposes as the cost is so expensive when there are lumps and bumps felt through an envelope (at least here at our local post office!).

This is the inside of the card and is ready for signing and mailing in a simple bubble envelope.

I also finished some laundry I had been putting off.

Finished a wonderful dinner for Mr. C. This is not my favorite way to spend my time because after all the creative part of cooking the food is gone in just a few minutes after spending hours preparing it.

I sorted my card and stencil supplies and found I have a lifetime supply. Of course I did that after I brought some card packages home from the craft store. A bonus is that I found my very old Aleene's (remember the Queen of Crafts?) box scorer that has been missing for several years. Of course Martha (Stewart) has a new one for sale for about $20 but mine is just fine and I certainly did not want to spend money on something I knew I owned!

Well by my count that is five finished things and I am so pleased. Thank you Elle for the inspiration.

I did do more things but nothing worth mentioning. Oh maybe the making of two road trip CD mixes is cool. When you make your own music CD's you can mix up the artists and put approximately 18-20 songs on each CD. That way you have all your favorite songs on one disc.

What are you finishing this Friday?

Have a wonderful and peaceful weekend. Enjoy the little things...birds singing, sunshine, the ground thawing, and being in the moment.

Warm Hugs and Sunny Smiles...

Trendy? Me? No! Well...

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...