Princess & the Pea get Tangled

August 29th, at North Clairemont Library in San Diego, we remembered an old Fairy Tale by Hans Christian Anderson, The Princess and the Pea. 

We learned 14 new tangles using the Zentangle Method. 

One of the ladies in photo below, was intimidated by art.  She said finally, at 81, she now felt like an artist.  Thank you Zentangle.  Zentangle takes the HARD out of art.

Remember to support your local library and FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY so they can continue to bring wonderful programs like Zentangle to your area.

Zentangle Meets Koi Fish

What’s elegant, regal, and can be found gracing outdoor ponds and water gardens throughout the world? The koi fish, of course! These big, bright fish have been around for hundreds of years and make a great addition to any suitable garden pond or large water feature.

Koi are an ornamental species of fish that descend from the carp. In the 1600s, Chinese farmed carp in rice paddies, a practice that traveled to Japan, where the Japanese noticed odd color variations in some of the carp and bred them, creating the koi species. Koi used to only be found in red, white, black and blue, but have since been bred in different combinations of all the colors in the rainbow.

Koi fish are quite large and, with proper care, can grow to be between two and three feet in length. They are a heavy-bodied fish with an average weight of around 35 pounds.


Can You Eat Koi?

Chinese farmers originally bred koi for eating, and it wasn’t until the 1800s that the fish was bred as a pet for its unique and striking colors. Though they aren’t poisonous to eat, it’s advised that the types of koi that are kept as pets in water gardens or backyard ponds shouldn’t be eaten.

The Zentangle class today at University Community Library in San Diego, CA was a bit fishy.  Well, I mean we tangled a fish - Koi Fish.  You can never walk by a pond filled with Koi and not stop to watch these beautiful creatures with their stunning colors, and interesting behaviors.  It is almost like they follow you around the pond.  

Tangles applied today:  Printemps, Feathers, Tipple, and Pais.

Zentangle Pencils & Things

August 16th, several ladies at Oasis (55+) in La Mesa, San Diego, got together for a Zentangle Pencil & Things workshop.  After choosing a color, we tangled patterns then attached to holder (can) from the kitchen.  A perfect place to put your colored pencils. Fun gift idea.

 I didn't put "pens and things" because most pens should be stored in horizontal position (not vertical) because they might dry out.

Ocean Beach Library Kids Get Hooked on Zentangle

Next to the beach is a quint little library in Ocean Beach - San Diego area. 

 

 I was invited to teach a Zentangle class to the kids they host often from the near by rec center.  Twenty two students joined me today to learn a fresh, new art method for all those intimidated by art and those that already engage in drawing. 

All participants enjoyed designing a Zentangle inspired dragonfly.  Even several of the counselors joined the kids.  One counselor said "I LOVE IT".  

I invited the kids to fill out a evaluation for form after the class with hopes the budget allows more classes. Here are a few of the kids replies.

Encintas Library Zendala

The view is breathtaking at the Encinitas Library in San Diego County.  

Twenty one students in class today were excited to learn about this new art method. Most were new to the method. 

I teach more than 30 different classes with the Zentangle Method in mind.  Today's class was a Zentangle Zendala class.  Zentangle is a meditative art method which fits right a long the line of Mandala's.  

The word Mandala (pronunciation mon- dah- lah) means "circle".  A Mandala represents wholeness, a cosmic diagram reminding us of our relation to infinity, extending beyond and within our bodies and minds.

The mandala appears to us in all aspects of life, the Earth, the Sun, the Moon and more obviously the circles of life encompassing friends, family and communities.

Mandalas are circular designs symbolizing the notion that life is never ending. Many mandalas have spiritual significance to an individual or group of individuals. The Hindus were one of the first people to use a mandala as a spiritual tool, but the mandalas most individuals are familiar with, are ones made by Buddhists.

Mandalas are used for meditation purposes allowing the individual meditating to become one with the universe. There are not many who are able to achieve this state of mind from just studying a mandala. The symbolism behind the creation of a mandala can have significant meaning for many individuals whether they are Jewish, Buddhist, Christian, Pagan or of any other religious orientation.

Mandalas can be created by individuals to symbolize their journeys through life. Mandalas can also tell a story of where an individual has been.  In some cases they will reveal the individual's path in life.  Groups can create mandalas that will reveal what they should be doing in order to grow and develop as a group.

Changing a typical black and white basic class, I choose gray tone paper with black pens and white Gelly roll pen to create a highlight.  Zentangle begins by making a "string", a place to apply the patterns. I created a string using a Helix angle & circle maker.

Bring on the patterns (we call them tangles).

There are no rulers, no erasers, no mistakes. It is more about the process while you are drawing, than the end results, but didn't they turn out beautiful?  

Each Zentangle class from a certified Zentangle teacher, you will learn new patterns and new techniques.  

Before class started today, two ladies sat next to each other and found they had a lot in common.  When I finished breaking down my class and left the library, they were still outside getting acquainted on a bench outside the library. 

Since becoming involved in Zentangle myself, I have meet a lot of wonderful people.  Zentangle brings folks together with a same goal, relax and enjoy.

Vista Boys/Girls Club Got Tangled Up Today

Lucky kids..... Soropotimist International of North County volunteered to treat the boys and girls to a fun Zentangle class.  Zentangle was new to all the kids.  We used the Zentangle Method to bling up a dragonfly.

Today was a big day for this little girl below.  Not only was she excited about learning Zentangle -

 it was the day to finally get her cast off.

At any age, Zentangle Method is for those intimidated by art. For those who are convinced they can't draw, Zentangle improves that barrier.   Zentangle looks complicated and intricate, yet easy enough for kids - seniors to complete.  If you can draw a circle and straight line - you can tangle.

Zentangle increases focus, creativity and provides artistic satisfaction.  Great early art development tool.  Zentangle also helps with:  handwriting, eye-hand coordination, problem solving, self-esteem, self confidence and IT'S FUN.

I taught the kids several Zentangle patterns (we call them tangles).  Each tangle has their own names  The names are unique to the pattern and nothing else. Being a meditative art, it helps to clear your thoughts when drawing.  Each pattern name should leave you thinking only of the lines and circles that are needed to create that particular pattern.  Here are a couple tangles we learned today:  Tipple, Keeko, Diva Dance.

When teaching kids, I like to leave one blank section for them to create their own tangle and a name to go with it.  Look how cool this "tangle" is a young girl designed.  LOVE IT.

Check out the other tangles they created.  Below, without knowing it, a boy created Knightsbridge tangle (looks like a checker board/black and white).

Below, this young boy started crying because he wasn't happy with his art and thought he wasn't doing it right.  I quickly went over to him and said "remember, there are no erasers, no rulers, no mistakes. That is the beauty of Zentangle - all our art will look different than each other.  Enjoy creating something unique and special".   He did stop crying and continued.  

It is about the process while you are drawing that is helpful to relax, focus and get into a "happy place".  No stress,

You can see from the pictures, as usual, they all loved Zentangle.  I asked them all to sign an evaluation of the class for the director and the results were all the same:  

                                          WE WANT MORE CLASSES

Best part of class for me is seeing all the happy faces.