Tangled Thursday - Winter

Tangled Thursday is an occasional post on this blog. Heather at Books and Quilts is hosting these challenges in which we share our latest Zentangle inspired creations.

This week I challenged the other artists to use the word "Winter" as their inspiration. For awhile there I was thinking that I should have used the word "Spring" as we had several really nice days (above 0C). However, as predicted, today we are back in the deep freeze. Anyway, here's my version of a snowflake:

Tangles: Tipple, Zinger, Ionic, Worms, Inapod, Paradox, AAs

I thought I had a snowflake template to use, but no such luck.  Instead, I did a quick pencil outline of the spokes and went from there.  I'm kind of glad I didn't find a template because I'm rather pleased with how this turned out, even though you might not know it's a snowflake unless I told you.  The hardest part was finding suitable patterns to use. 

Be sure to check out the other "Winter" creations on Books and Quilts.   If you'd like to join us, please do so by linking your post to the Mr. Linky on Heather's post.  

Tangled Thursday - Arukas

Tangled Thursday is an occasional post on this blog. Heather at Books and Quilts is hosting these challenges in which we share our latest Zentangle inspired creations.

Wow! I guess it's been awhile since I've posted anything Zentangle related. That's because I really haven't had the time for drawing. I'd really like to get back into it, though, so when Heather suggested we try out the new Zentangle pattern, Arukas, for this week's challenge, I hopped onboard.  This week I managed two creations.   The first one using one circle:

The second one using multiple blacked-out circles.
 

 



I continued with the "arcs" (as opposed to spokes) further than I should have, but I sort of like the effect.  I wasn't sure what to do with the shading, so I'm looking forward to seeing what others did.  I was thinking of doing one more with other patterns, but maybe I'll save that for another week.

It's my turn to come up with the next challenge.  How about using the word "Winter" for inspiration?  We here in southern Manitoba are currently experiencing what we call a "bonspiel thaw" (warm weather in January/February when many curling bonspiels are taking place), but it's going to turn colder soon, so "winter" is appropriate, I think.   The date?  Next week, Jan 29, 2015, so get drawing. 

Be sure to check out the other "Arukas" creations on Books and Quilts.   If you'd like to join us, please do so by linking your post to the Mr. Linky on Heather's post.  

Tangled Thursday - P

Tangled Thursday is an occasional post on this blog. Heather at Books and Quilts is hosting these challenges in which we share our latest Zentangle inspired creations.

This week Elaine suggested using the letter "P" for inspiration. I chose to learn a few new (mostly) "P" patterns for my creation. Here it is:

 

Tangles: Puf, Puffle, Paushalöv (with Tipple and Zinger), Popsicles, Panthe

 

All of them are new-to-me except Panthe (bottom right), which I did only once before.  I wanted to do that one again because I wasn't satisfied with my first attempt.

I love Puf (top left) and will likely use that one many times.  Likewise with Paushalöv (bottom left), but here I think I left too much white space.   My attempt at Puffle (top right) is just a scribbled mess.   Meh.

Thanks for the challenge Elaine!!!

Be sure to check out the other "P" creations on Books and Quilts.   If you'd like to join us, please do so by linking your post to the Mr. Linky on Heather's post.  

Tangled Thursday - Starting Anew

Tangled Thursday is a new occasional post on this blog. Heather at Books and Quilts is hosting these challenges in which we share our latest Zentangle inspired creations.

In an effort to get back on track with these Zentangle challenges, I suggested that we all post something Zentangle related. Whether it be a new creation, a link to a Zentangle-related website or blog, or an old creation not shared before, it was all game.

Since I haven't drawn all summer, I really wanted to create something new, but first I had to find my Zentangle gear....pens, paper, patterns, etc. In case we got flooded, we had moved many items up from our basement, where my craft area is.  Because of that, I really had no idea where my stuff even was. As it turned out, it was easier to find than I thought. Since we couldn't realistically move everything out of the basement, I had just moved some stuff to a higher shelf in the cabinets hoping that would be enough. We did get a little water in the basement, but the damage was contained to the carpet and some drywall...no craft paper or supplies. What I didn't account for was the extra humidity we had in the basement. While the paper didn't suffer damage from direct contact with water, it did feel like it had a little more moisture in it. Next time, I'll be moving it!!! It was still fine for drawing.

Anyway, with my gear found and intact, I created two new tiles.  I figured I'd start with Paradox because that's the first pattern I learned way back when.  I tried something new (for me) with the shading, but it doesn't really show up too well in this photograph.
 

Tangles: Paradox

 

The second tile I did uses some patterns that I've done in the past. I wasn't up to learning something new just yet.

Tangles: Well, Tipple, Warped Eggs, Betweed, Hollibaugh, Purk

 

Sorry about the photograph.  The flash reflected off the shading and created a weird reflection in places.   I'm never sure how to end a pattern once it reaches the border.  Do I draw a line like I did on the left or do I just let the pattern trail off like I did on the right?  Not sure.  Likewise with the string.   Do I treat it was a hard edge or something more transparent? Maybe I'll pay more attention to those two things when I'm looking at tangles online.    

In addition, through my travels I have come across two Zentangle-related blogs. I'm sure most people already know about these, but I wanted to mention them anyway because both contain exquisite art work.  Tickled to Tangle by Adele Bruno and Enthusiastic Artist by Margaret Bremner inspire me every time I visit. If you haven't already, please visit both of these very talented artists.

Be sure to check out the other creations on Books and Quilts.   If you'd like to join us, please do so by linking your post to the Mr. Linky on Heather's post.  

Tangled Thursday - String 109

Tangled Thursday is a new occasional post on this blog. Heather at Books and Quilts is hosting these challenges in which we share our latest Zentangle inspired creations.

This week Elaine suggested we base our creations on String 109 from Tanglepatterns.com. This week, I had time to create two tiles. 

Tangles: Knight's Bridge, Warped Eggs, Paizel, Framz, Emingle, Zinger, Pippin

Tangles: W2, Hollibaugh, Bead Lines, Panthe, Ahh, Mr. E

As you can see for the first one, I ignored the border and run into some "interesting" challenges, which resulted in some "interesting" shapes.  ;)   For the second one,  I can see that I missed a few shading opportunities and part of a line.  The shading isn't that great, but until I added it I was thinking of trashing the tile altogether.   It's just meh. 

I guess it's my turn to suggest the challenge.   How about we work with some negative space?  That is, you draw a shape and tangle around it so that the shape in the end is white (or whatever colour paper you are working with) and the "background" is patterned.   I've been wanting to do this challenge since one of the other artists (Tami, I think) did one a number of weeks/months back.  Since it's summer and everyone is probably a little busy, I'm thinking we wait for July 10 for this one. 

Be sure to check out the other creations using String 109 on Books and Quilts.   If you'd like to join us, please do so by linking your post to the Mr. Linky on Heather's post.  

Tangled Thursday - My Favourite

Tangled Thursday is a new occasional post on this blog. Heather at Books and Quilts is hosting these challenges in which we share our latest Zentangle inspired creations.

This week Heather suggested we create our favourite Zentangle pattern, with some variations if possible, and present the pattern on a tile. We were also to explain why we like the patter and why we chose it.

I had a little trouble picking a pattern to work with because I have quite a few favourites. However, after thumbing through my tiles and Zentangle pattern examples one jumped out at me. Auraknot. I chose it because it was the first pattern that drew me into the Zentangle world. It was also the first pattern I drew. I also really like the repeating lines. I find that I really have to concentrate to get the pattern correct, especially when I'm doing one of the variations.

Here are my creations this week:

Auraknot with Ribbon

Auraknot variation - skip 2

Auraknot with "triangle" added after a few rows.

Auraknot on tile with Well and Tipple patterns.

Be sure to check out the other favourites on Books and Quilts.   If you'd like to join us, please do so by linking your post to the Mr. Linky on Heather's post.  

Tangled Thursday - Mooka

Tangled Thursday is a new occasional post on this blog. Heather at Books and Quilts is hosting these challenges in which we share our latest Zentangle inspired creations.

This week Elaine suggested we used the tangle pattern of "Mooka" as inspiration for our creations.

I admit that I was a little leary of this pattern. I had tried it in the past and wasn't that successful with it. However, this time, once I started I couldn't stop. I didn't plan on doing more than one,  but it turned out that way. I'd do a little on one tile, then get another idea, so I'd start another one. Then I'd go back to the first one, do a little, then get another idea...and start another tile....and so it went. I wasn't sure if I was going to finish them all or even present them all, but I figured I might as well.   So thanks a lot, Elaine!!!  This turned out to be my favourite challenge so far.   

Here are all of my "mooka" tiles:

I used only two other patterns besides mooka: tipple and zinger. The first tile I put down on the counter to photograph only to promptly get a coffee stain on it. I tried to fix it in Photoshop Elements...that's why it's a little rough on the upper right. The last tile is my favourite of the bunch. I toyed around with how to present it. Right now it looks upside down to me, but it didn't look right any of the other ways I tried, so I went with upside down.  ;)  

Be sure to check out the other "Mooka" creations on Books and Quilts.   If you'd like to join us, please do so by linking your post to the Mr. Linky on Heather's post.  

Tangled Thursday - On Friday

Tangled Thursday is a new occasional post on this blog. Heather at Books and Quilts is hosting these challenges in which we share our latest Zentangle inspired creations.

I'm sorry that this is a day late. I had completed my creations a few days ago, but I completely lost track of the week. Anyway, better late than never, right?

This week Heather suggested we tackle Easter. The first one I did features eggs. I had hoped they look a little more like pysanky, but I didn't choose the right designs. I think the one in front comes the closest. The design on the one in the back is completely screwed up. It was supposed to be look like weaving. The middle one is a "navajo" pattern, which was doomed from the start. I love the pattern, but it doesn't belong on pysanky. ;) Despite it's flaws, I like this tile.

The second tile features a cross.  I don't think I need to explain further.

Sorry, I didn't keep track of the tangles I used.  If I look them up now, this post is going to be even later.   If you are really interested, ask me and I'll figure it out for you. 

Be sure to check out the other "Easter" creations on Books and Quilts.   If you'd like to join us, please do so by linking your post to the Mr. Linky on Heather's post.  

Tangled Thursday - Weaving

Tangled Thursday is an occasional post on this blog. Heather at Books and Quilts is hosting these challenges in which we share our latest Zentangle inspired creations.

This week Tami challenged us to use Zentangle patterns that resembled weaving. Since W2 is one of my favourite patterns, I immediately knew what I was going to do. I had hoped to do a couple of tiles this week (and perhaps try a few of the other patterns), but I only had time to complete one.

 

 



I can see where I missed some shading spots, but overall I'm happy with it.  It's a little different than I had first imagined.  I was thinking that the smallest hole was going to be another layer, but in the end I decided to do a "hole" instead.  

Be sure to check out the other "weaving" creations on Books and Quilts.   If you'd like to join us, please do so by linking your post to the Mr. Linky on Heather's post.

Tangled Thursday - Winter

Tangled Thursday is an occasional post on this blog. Heather at Books and Quilts is hosting these challenges in which we share our latest Zentangle inspired creations.

This week I've challenged others to create Zentangle inspired drawings based on the word "winter". It's March already and it doesn't look like this winter is ever going to end. Our temperatures have just started to warm up in the last couple of days, but last night we got a big dump of snow. At least it's not too terribly cold for shoveling.

Anyway, this week I've created two tiles. The first one sort of looks like a snowflake.

Pattern: Paradox

For the second one, I used tangle patterns that "looked" like things I'd see in winter. To me, Bales looks like a patch work quilt, Tipple, like snowballs, Blink looks like my rain chain iced over, Ahh, like snowflakes, Candleglow is obviously fire, Nzeppel reminds me of a frosted window pane, and Chard looks like my boot tread print in the snow.   Sorry, they are out of order.

Patterns: Bales, Tipple, Blink, Ahh, Candleglow, Nzeppel, Chard

Be sure to check out the other "winter" creations on Books and Quilts.   If you'd like to join us, please do so by linking your post to the Mr. Linky on Heather's post.

Tangled Thursday - Jar Full of Tangles

Tangled Thursday is an occasional post on this blog. Heather at Books and Quilts is hosting these challenges in which we share our latest Zentangle inspired creations.

This week Elaine asked us to create a "jar full of tangles".   There are many different ways to that I could have approached this, but here's how I interpreted it:

Tangles:  Hollibaugh, Mr. E, Tipple, Poser, Bales, Knight's Bridge 

Please excuse the blueish paper (I was trying to use up a piece of scrap card stock), my wonky jar (I should have used a real jar for reference), and my inept shading.   I somewhat managed the in front/behind thing with the spheres, but I wouldn't work that in with making them round-ish.  Oh, well.  Something to work on. 

Next week, it's my turn to pick the Zentangle challenge. Have we done a "winter" theme yet? Since this crappy winter weather doesn't seem to know when to go away (we're getting another brutally cold blast of it this week and next), I think we should take this opportunity to do a winter theme. I'm hoping it's going to warm up soon and this will be our last chance!!! *she says with a hopeful sarcastic grin* I hope someone will let me know if we've already had a similar challenge. I do have something else in mind if that's the case.

Be sure to check out the other "jar" creations on Books and Quilts.   If you'd like to join us, please do so by linking your post to the Mr. Linky on Heather's post.

Tangled Thursday - String 058

Tangled Thursday is an occasional post on this blog. Heather at Books and Quilts is hosting these challenges in which we share our latest Zentangle inspired creations.

This week I challenged the other artists to use String 058 from Tanglepatterns.com.

Here are my creations:

Warped Eggs, Tipple, Poser, Holibaugh, Nine Patch, and something that was supposed to be Betweed. ;)

Inapod, ???

Be sure to check out the other "String 58" creations on Books and Quilts.   If you'd like to join us, please do so by linking your post to the Mr. Linky on Heather's post.  

Tangled Thursday - Paisleys

Tangled Thursday is an occasional post on this blog. Heather at Books and Quilts is hosting these challenges in which we share our latest Zentangle inspired creations.

This week Elaine asked us to create pieces that used paisleys. I didn't have a whole lot of time this week, but I did manage to turn out two works. The first one features the tangle "paizel", which essentially looks like paisleys. I had done this tangle before, but I wanted to try it again filling in a whole tile. Here it is:

The second one I did uses Purk, another of my favourites patterns, in the shape of a paisley. I didn't have a clear concept before I started, so it didn't quite turn out like I pictured. Here it is anyway:

Thanks for the challenge, Elaine! I hope you had a great birthday. :)

It's my turn to pick the challenge this week. As much as I've been enjoyed using these different shapes, my challenge to the participants this week is going to take us back to the basics, using a string, namely String 058. I purposely picked one that wasn't too busy. You can print it from the website or draw it freehand, which I plan to do. That's the only "rule". Size, colour and patterns...it's up to you at that point.

Be sure to check out the other "paisley" creations on Books and Quilts.   If you'd like to join us, please do so by linking your post to the Mr. Linky on Heather's post.  

Tangled Thursday - Sun

Tangled Thursday is a new occasional post on this blog. Heather at Books and Quilts is hosting these challenges in which we share our latest Zentangle inspired creations.

This week Heather challenged us to create works using a Sun.

Here's mine:

 

This is my second creation.  My first one was very similar, but about half way through, I made a major mistake and I couldn't figure out how to recover from it.  I actually tried to work with the mistake and was somewhat successful, however, 10 minutes later I botched it up even more.  *sigh*  So, I started again.  This isn't exactly what I had in mind when I started, but it's okay.   

This is such an appropriate challenge as we are once again being hit with a blast of winter. While yesterday was +3C, it didn't feel like that because of the wind and snow. Overnight, it was supposed to be gusting to 110km/hr. Hold on, Dorothy! With the 5cm of snow we got yesterday, today have major highways closed (TransCanada across most of the province, and parts of two major highways into the US) and wind chills around -30C. Enough with winter already! Bring on spring and sunshine.

Be sure to check out the other "Sun" creations on Books and Quilts.   If you'd like to join us, please do so by linking your post to the Mr. Linky on Heather's post.  

Tangled Thursday - Word

Tangled Thursday is a new occasional post on this blog. Heather at Books and Quilts is hosting these challenges in which we share our latest Zentangle inspired creations.

This week Tami challenged us to use a word or words in our tangle creations. Here's mine:

Tangles: Scrolled Feather, Beadlines, Auraknot

 

I really wanted to keep it topical this week and with Christmas right around the corner I thought "Peace" was appropriate. I had intended to do a couple more, particularly a few from Sandy over at Tanglebucket using a cool font she featured on her blog. However, time got away from me...again. Also, I haven't figured out a good transfer method for getting the printed out images onto the cardstock that I prefer drawing on. It's much too thick to see through or for use with a light table. When I'm feeling braver, I might attempt to run my cardstock through my printer. However, that might damage the print head, so I'm not keen on doing that. Perhaps a Google search will turn up some helpful information.

This will be my last Tangled Thursday post this year. With the busy holiday season upon us, I don't have enough time to devote to drawing. I will, however, be back on January 2 with another post....hopefully...or maybe January 9.

Be sure to check out the other "word" creations on Books and Quilts.   If you'd like to join us, please do so by linking your post to the Mr. Linky on Heather's post.  

Tangled Thursday - Monotangles

Tangled Thursday is a new occasional post on this blog. Heather at Books and Quilts is hosting these challenges in which we share our latest Zentangle inspired creations.

I'm sorry for posting this so late. I had my tiles mostly completed on the weekend, however, the week got away from me. What a stressful, crappy week!!

Besides accompanying my husband to the hospital yesterday for a medical test and having to drive Mr. Dopey home in near blizzard conditions (Did I mention that I hate to drive?, Did I mention that I've never driven in snow before?, Not even in pleasant snow conditions?, Did I mention I hate winter?), I spent part of yesterday shovelling off the decks and sidewalks, then again this morning because of the additional snow and the blustery winds overnight. Thankfully, Mr. Not-So-Dopey-Anymore was able to jump on the tractor/snowblower and do the rest of the yard. I'm not sure how much snow we got, but the forecast was around 25cm (9in). I'm sure we got something close to that.

Anyway, now that the near blizzard is over, we have these frickin' cold temperatures to contend with. This 'feels like' -30C (-22F) will be around for at least a week. Brrr...

Now onto the Zentangles:

This week I suggested we tackle Monotangles.

The first one I drew using Exis. Because of its numerous variations, it's one of my favourites. Because I'm self taught, I'm not sure what to do when two different patterns/variation meet at the string. I think the string is supposed to "disappear", but it just looks like the patterns come to an abrupt stop and doesn't always look great. On this one, I added some shading, but I'm not sure it works.

I knew that I wanted to do a tile entirely in Tipple. I drew a "string", but changed it numerous times while I was drawing because I got bored of filling in the large spaces. It's not at all how I envisioned it, but it'll do.

The next one is an old standby, Auraknot. I know I've done a few of these since we started these challenges, but it's one of my favourites. I did this one using a shape I hadn't done before. I was hoping to do a little more with this one, but I didn't get back to it during the week.
 

 

I've noticed that my creations are pretty sloppy compared to other ones I've seen.  I try to take my time, but maybe I'm still doing it too fast.   Like other projects, once I start I'm anxious to finish and get onto the next thing.  Hmmm...this week I'm going to slow down and be more "zen".  Well, at least try to be, anyway.   

Be sure to check out the other Monotangle creations on Books and Quilts.   If you'd like to join us, please do so by linking your post to the Mr. Linky on Heather's post.  

Tangled Thursday - Thanksgiving

Tangled Thursday is a new occasional post on this blog. Heather at Books and Quilts is hosting these challenges in which we share our latest Zentangle inspired creations.

This week's theme of Thanksgiving was suggested by Tami. Even though our Canadian Thanksgiving was last month, celebrating our thanks can be done at any time of year. Having said that, I drew a blank on this challenge. I think I burned myself out last week with too many ideas that this week I didn't have a clue what to do.

Nevertheless, I came up with a couple of tiles. The first one is supposed to be a leaf. However, it doesn't really look like one because of the patterns I choose. I added some shading to suggest veins, but it doesn't quite work. The only thing I like is the sparse colour I added:

 

 Tangles: Nine Patch, Riki-Tiki, Inapod, Ionic, Triadz, Beadlines, Ahh, Paradox

 

My second one is more successful, in my opinion, albeit plain. It's probably the best Mr. E I've ever done: 
 

 

 Tangles: Mr. E, Tipple

 

I also worked on my Zentangle project.  I have two more tiles to complete before putting it to bed.  I probably won't be posting any more photos of it.  I think it's run its course. 

Be sure to check out the other Thanksgiving creations on Books and Quilts.   If you'd like to join us, please do so by linking your post to the Mr. Linky on Heather's post.