Monday, February 2, 2015

It's been a while!

Hi to all of my wonderful visitors!  It's been a long time since I last posted.  But, there have been reasons.  The first one is that after the rush of the holidays my mojo went into storage along with all the decorations.  That sometime happens to me after the hustle and bustle of Fall and Christmas. My muse needs a rest I suppose!  Then I caught a horrible cold.  It wasn't the flu, just a plain old head cold but it lasted for a long time and I felt I lost about 10 days because I really didn't have much energy.  I'm happy that it's gone!  I'm not sure my mojo is back but I feel like it's beginning to come out of hibernation. 

I saw on Julie Fei-Fan Balzer's blog a challenge she's sponsoring on Instagram called #28Patterns.  Now, I have to say I'm not a hashtag kind of person!  I'm not on Facebook or Twitter, I have enough to occupy my time, I don't need any other time drains.  Sorry if I've offended anyone by calling them that but that is how I think of them.  But, I do post pictures to Instagram, usually of  my projects or flowers from my garden.  Not very interesting stuff but I do have some friends who enjoy seeing them. Anyway, I thought this might encourage the muse to return.  The idea is to get down on paper a pattern a day for the month of February.  It can be any medium.  So, I'm giving it a try.  I'm not really good at keeping up with things like this but I thought this could work because I can always practice Zentangle.  And, even if I don't do a pattern a day, I'll do some days!!!

I resisted getting involve with Zentangles for a long time.  Patti Euler, my friend who owns the wonderful local  paper arts store, The Queen's Ink, is a Certified Zentangle Teacher and she gives classes from beginner on to more advanced instruction.  Her work is beautiful and I've been drawn to the clean black and white patterning even though I'm a color fanatic.  Finally, last summer my daughter and I signed up for the beginner class.  I've enjoyed it immensely and we've taken other classes since then.  I've been trying to keep up with doing it regularly so the idea of 28Patterns was appealing.  I could always do a Zentangle.  Yesterday was the first day of this challenge so this is what I did.



 
 
There isn't much to tell you about it.  Tangles are like doodling.  When color is added to the black and white they are considered Zentangle inspired art.  Since it's February and Valentine's Day is right around the corner I'm in full heart mode!!  I love Valentine's Day, and have since I was  a child, because it's a bright spot in the midst of a gray, dull winter!  So, I've been doing a lot of heart Zentangles and this is my latest!
 
 
I probably won't post these 28 patterns, or whatever I make, everyday, but you'll probably see some of them.  At least you'll be hearing from me more often :)! 
 
For now though, thank you for visiting with me today and reading all this!  Not much eye candy today and lots of words so I'll end for now.  Have a wonderful day, I hope it's a sunny day where you are! 
 

18 comments:

  1. Hi Maryanne,
    Your pattern is beautiful. I have been intrigued by Zentangles, but I have not tried one. I know what you mean about not posting, I have been a real slacker in the part for the past few years. I am going to be doing Sally Russick's 15 day photo challenge this month, so at least I will be posting once a week. I am looking forward to seeing more of your patterns.
    Therese

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  2. an intriguing challenge! I do like jotting down ideas and patterns, and when I sit down to create I usually go with what's in my head.... thus all those patterns don't seem to get used. Unless the subconscious is at work.Look forward to seeing more of what you're up to :)

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  3. Such an adorable little heart - I do love the frilly edging you gave it. I haven't given in to Zentangling yet but it's something I have on my list of things to do in the future - it looks fun yet relaxing! I'm looking forward to seeing your creations.

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  4. Black and White Zentangles always captivate me. I glaze over colored ones, as they are too busy and I like simple things. Yours here is so lovely ~ right from the start, the ruffle on half the heart and the little spray coming from the bottom tip grabbed my attention. I like the small amount of red in it too. Hope these 28 days tickle your muse!

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  5. I am so happy you are feeling better! Personally, I think colds are worse than the flu 'cause they tend to stick around FOREVER! As for Zentangle - this is so beautiful! I love just the subtle input of color you have added, definitely inspiring for this season! I have never even doodled, much less Zentangled! I think it stems from the fact that I cannot even read my own handwriting most days! :)

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  6. You've been missed for sure.
    I saw the pattern challenge too and was tempted by it, but already have so much I'm trying to get done that I knew I would fall off the wagon for the challenge. I've been wanting to learn to Zentange for a while and even asked for books for Christmas, but got some other items on my list instead. I'm looking forward to seeing what you create.

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  7. I have an instagram account, but have only posted one photo there!!! LOL! I love your heart and think this challenge sounds fabulous!! I look forward to seeing what you do with the challenge. I LOVE what you have done so far!!!!

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  8. Nice composition, especially the ruffle around the edge. I hope you'll continue to post some of your Zentange pieces.

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  9. I will second Jean. I love the ruffle and do continue to post your Zentangles!

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  10. Du hast ein sehr schönes Herz gezeichnet und die lockeren Muster gefallen mir sehr gut
    LG

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  11. Very Valentinesque composition. I also really like the ruffle tangle. I need to deconstruct it, so I can "borrow" it. ;-) I'm glad you're feeling better and on the hunt for your mojo. We are happy to have you back in Diva's challenge land.

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  12. A lovely valentangle!!!! Hope to see more of you.

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  13. This looks so light-hearted and fun! Lovely work.

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  14. Love the tangle heart pillow with frills ! beautiful

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  15. My favorite part is the frill around the edge! but I LOVE it all! Enjoyed reading about your journey too....

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  16. I love how you modified Dragonair for the ruffle around the heart. I also like the very clean look of this heart.

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  17. Your Valentangle is very nicely done...from the ruffled Dragonair on one side to the little hearts border on the other. Great work on this challenge.

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