DC 379

Really enjoyed this challenge. Used a prestrung Zendala tile, but no other preconceived ideas. 

Diva Challenge 376 - Mosaic

My take on the challenge this week was to use four tiles and create a mosaic.  Loved the idea.  Was happy with the result:

I used bijou tiles.  One thought was that if the strings were drawn from the center of each tile/side, the tile itself would become the reticula and some interesting meta patterns could be created.  (Probably don't need the center point for the string.)

DC 374 Splotch-Tastic

This week I completed the CZT seminar!  It was a great experience.  LOTS of tiles completed, met so many wonderful people, and I'm now certified to teach the Zentangle method.  Many thanks to my dear husband who gave this experience to me as a gift.

The Diva challenge this week is to create a "splotch" by squishing paint or some similar coloring agent between two tiles.  Once dry, tangle away!  Laura had used black gesso and I was happy to go with that. 

Diva Challenge 373 Non-Dominant Hand

The challenge this week is to complete a tile using our non-dominant hand.  It's a type of challenge with which I'm familiar.  For the past 14 years I've been using the "non-dominant side of my brain" for my work.  I am NOT a math person at all, but I've been working in finance.  It has taken years, but I'm finally somewhat comfortable with the credit/debit thing.  What I am very comfortable with is spreadsheets.  To me, spreadsheets are all about being able to see a pattern and work with it.  I leave the formulas to take care of the math.  :)

Well, all that to say that while using my left hand is definitely challenging, I've found that by working slowly, I can draw with my non-dominant hand.  I must say every time I switched patterns or moved on to shading, my right hand wanted badly to take over.  It was by no means as relaxing nor are the lines as smooth, but as with most challenging situations something can be accomplished by pressing on.  So, here's my tile ...

DC 371 Onion Drops

I'm not sure I've ever attempted Onion Drops before and it's really quite enjoyable.  Decided to use a black tile and a shimmery blue gel pen I purchased recently.  I'll definitely be using this pattern again.

Diva Challenge 370 - Mezzanine

This week's Diva Challenge is a UMT featuring Mezzanine by Heidi Sue.  I'd already started a Thank You card which needed a little something.  I decided that Mezzanine might just fill the bill and I'm rather pleased with the results.  Happy Tangling!

Diva Challenge 369

Last week straight lines, this week orbs, circles or all things round.  To be honest I tend to struggle to just draw ... instead I try to imagine what I "should" draw ... try to plan out the best patterns to use together, etc.  I seldom just let the patterns flow.  BUT, today I did.  I started with one little circle, then added another and another.  Then I added an occasional crescent shape.  Finally after all the black bits were drawn and shaded, I decided it needed something more so little red circles were added ... and then lightly colored with red pencil.  TaDa!  It was fun.

Diva Challenge #368

We've missed the Diva and we've missed her challenges ... but she's back and it's time to tangle!  My reality is that I have not spent much time tangling because I've spent most free minutes working on a baby quilt for my first grandchild (a boy) due in January.  What an exciting time!  I'm hoping to complete the quilt within the next few days.

Challenge #368 was to use straight lines only (with the possible exception of a curvy string ... which I did).  Here you go:

DC 364(B) Puf

Our challenge was to do a monotangle using the pattern Puf.  Indeed it is almost magical the way the final connecting lines change what we see.  Our focus moves and a new pattern emerges.

DC 363 Laura's Auras

The challenge this week was to use auras.  I nearly trashed this tile, but persevered.  

DC 362 Somnee

I really like this little tangle by Laura Harms.  I have a feeling it could be quite flexible.  Since I'm attending a baby shower tomorrow, pastel colors were on my mind.  Decided less was more.

DC 361 Amanda Day

Laura celebrates Amanda Day (otherwise known as Earth Day) every year by challenging her followers to tangle on recycled objects.

My tiles included two sides of the same piece of cardboard which had a grid already printed on one side: 

Definitely has some potential ... and some day I may finish it.  :)  Next I flipped over the above tile and following the Diva's sun and rays string idea, I drew the following:

Next, using a piece of paper cut from an envelope, I tried using layers of tangles for parts of the tile.

Finally, with the help of a tile cut from a National Geographic magazine, I added a few patterns onto the nose of a leopard.  I just realized I can't publish this as my work since in fact the photograph is not mine.  Alas, you will have to use your imagination and you'll have to trust me that the result was actually quite cool.  Next time I photograph a leopard, I will most definitely tangle it!

DC 360 Part 2 - Duotangle Shattuck and Tripoli

Decided to give this challenge a second try.  Still didn't do Tripoli "correctly" but enjoyed the process.

DC 360 Duotangle Tripoli & Shattuck

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but this challenge proved to me that you can indeed make a mistake in Zentangle!  Hahaha.  My first tile most definitely found its way to the recycle bin.  I find Tripoli to be challenging ... mostly in the keeping the space between triangles consistent.  I need to practice it more.

DC 359.2 Finger Strings

After completing the first tile, I thought about how I might have completed it differently.  And though I almost never create a second tile, I decided to give it a try.  I started with the background - then tangled the fingers.  When those were done, I decided to add the final bits over the existing tangles.  :)

Diva Challenge 359 Finger String

Using your fingers as a string was the challenge.  Here's mine:

Diva Challenge 358 - Pickpocket

I love this tangle pattern.  My first effort has quite curvy lines.  I reminds me of tree trunks side-hugging one another.

My second effort still highlights pickpocket but also features Yuma and Clob:

Diva Challenge 357: Paradox

Paradox is one of my favorite patterns for sure.  It is beautiful as a single piece, but when several are combined, there is a real surprise element.  I decided to try something just a little different ... by drawing paradox behind. 

DC 356 "What's in a Name" String

This week's Diva challenge required us to use our name or another word as the string that divides the tile.  Here's my "melissa."

DC 355 Verve

Verve is simple to draw for such a dramatic little tangle.  I love doing the shading.  It reminds me of one of my favorites - sand swirl.  Here in New England perhaps it should be called snow swirl!  Three Nor'easters in 11 days!  We got about 20 inches of snow yesterday ... so thankful for that snowblower! 

DC 354 Siri (Use My Tangle Week)

I started with a grid a bit too small for the pattern Siri.  It was difficult to be accurate in connecting lines, etc.  I think I'll try again on a larger scale.  Happy week!

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.