DC 353 Heart String Zendala

I haven't made many mandalas and found this challenge to be quite challenging.  Working to balance out the various parts didn't create a place of relaxation, but I decided to post the finished product anyway.  On the other hand, I love hearts and am glad we've had a month of challenges dedicated to the shape. 

A much more personally pleasing tile was this simple shape which really came alive when I added the white swirls in the background.

DC 352 - Nested Hearts

Laura's challenge this week is to use a string of nested hearts.  Done!

DC 350 Heart String featuring Rimana

350 Challenges!  That's quite a milestone.  I wonder how Laura continues to come up with new ideas? 

This week's challenge includes a heart string and the tangle Rimana.  I love its simplicity.  I agree with my Mom.  It rather looks like marshmallows on a stick ... especially when using white pen on a black tile.  :)

I also decided to give the pattern Crazy Huggins a try.  And, why not use another heart string?

DC 349 Rumpus

Rick and Maria Thomas's granddaughter named this tangle ... because she liked the word.  Seems like a good reason to me! 

So I put the thought "no mistakes in Zentangle" to the test tonight.  After completing the black inked Rumpus, I thought I'd add a white pen Rumpus.  First I had problems with the pen, and then discovered I didn't really have room to add enough of the pattern for it to make sense.  But I pressed on and added the remaining white lines.  Some shading, some purple gel pen highlights, and voilla!  Done.  Not awesome, but lessons learned.  

Diva Challenge 348: Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day

It was because of Laura's challenge several years ago that I first learned about Moebius Syndrome. Laura's son Artoo was born with this syndrome and and together they have been teaching us about it - and about how to face the challenges it presents with courage and grace. 

DC 347 String Theory - Traced Objects

The objects I used to create my string were an eraser, a micron pen, a round tin, and a foil strip of decongestant tablets. 

Diva Challenge 346: Phicops & Huggins Duotangle

Almost didn't get the challenge completed this week ... but glad I've squeaked in under the wire.  Phicops is one of my most favorite tangles.  When completed, it is so striking - but in fact is quite simple to draw (one stroke at a time). I love the contrast and the depth you can accomplish with shading.