So this past weekend I went to a scrapbook retreat (celebrating my 50th birthday!) and I told myself this was about my other addiction, scrapbooking, not tangling.  I had a couple of special projects I wanted to work on, so I didn't even pack my Zentangle supplies.  And I was content and happy focusing on my scrapbooks and thinking about getting caught up with my pictures.  I really wasn't having ZT withdrawal  until a very dear friend presented me with some of the new black and white ATC tiles.  I've been anxious to play with the sizes and have it on my to do list to order some.  But, oh, once I held them in my hands, I was dying to Tangle!  I stuck to scrapbooking and packed them away very carefully to enjoy when I got home.

And now, back home and back to reality - a little bit of laundry, grocery shopping, getting ready for the work week, updating this blog, etc. - and I still don't have the time to play because I want to take my time and truly appreciate the gift and experience.  So, tomorrow, the crock pot pork chops will be ready when I get home and as soon as dinner is cleaned up, I get to go to one of my happy places! And I plan to post those, too.

I did the piece in the photo earlier this week, and didn't like it at the time.  But after a second glance this evening, I decided I do like it, so here it is.

Good night!

Latest class artwork

Tuesday's students really caught on quickly and wanted more  and more patterns!

They did a beautiful job on their tiles, and we had a lot of fun.  I hope to see them again soon!

Gourds!

My mom grew gourds last year and when she and my son were painting them, of course I couldn't wait to tangle!  I love how it turned and would love to do another one!

From Tonight's Class

Just one student tonight, but a really fun one!  She did an amazing job.  I'm looking forward to seeing more of Charlotte's creations!

Basics class on June 21st

Did a wonderful job! We had a lot of fun and I hope I see everyone one of them again!  Plus, they all seem to have a natural talent for this (unlike me).  I'm so proud of my students!

From our Scrapbook pad

This of just one of the frames available in our Tangle Pad for Scrapbookers.  It was actually a lot more fun than I thought it would be, and I'm anxious to do another one.

For anyone interested in learning more, I have a Zentangle basics class on tuesday night, June 21st, at the Crafty Hen House.

Email me for more info!

Mavs win Title!

While the rest of the world (or at least Dallas) jumped for joy and yelled and screamed--including my family--I did what I like to do in honor of their first championship. Congratulations Dallas Mavericks, who showed that teamwork really does work!

United States of Zentangle

We just need one more state tangled and attached, and then we will have a terrific looking United States map.  Hopefully the last state will be done tomorrow and I can post pictures.

I'm also having a terrific time at our 2nd annual scrapbooking retreat at the Crafty Hen House in Bedford.  And Brenda (the owner) will have the website up in just a few days.  It's a great place to play and she has it very reasonably priced.

I also worked on a wooden cube - need to do a little more work on it before it's something to share!

Class pictures

From the basic class on June 7, 2011.

Two busy weeks!

I've done a lot in the past two weeks:  watched my middle son graduate as Valedictorian of his class, watched my oldest son play basketball (and win gold) in the Special Olympics Texas State Games in Arlington, celebrated Memorial Day, the next day celebrated my 25th wedding anniversary, spent four days at the Great American Scrapbook Convention sharing Zentangle® with scrapbookers, and taught another basics class as a result of the convention.  I am so tired, but I wouldn't change a thing!

The GASC in Arlington, Texas, last weekend was so much fun!!! Over 50 people took one of our Zentangle classes, either a basics or the Illuminated letters class, and many more were interested in learning about it.  So many people were so appreciative of the opportunity to learn, and I think a couple may even be signing up for certification!

I've got classes scheduled the rest of the month and have my July calendar started. 

I also discovered just how much I love to teach.  It thrills me everytime I see that proverbial light bulb go off over someone's head.  Both the students with natural talent and those like me who have to work at it get a sense of satisfaction as well as all the other benefits.

I'm putting pictures of the class artwork from the Scrapbook Convention - Enjoy!

Great American Scrapbook Convention

It's Official - Texas Lettering Arts Council (TXLAC) will be at the GASC in Booth 924 promoting Zentangle® in all its glory!  I've been working with TXLAC for several months and I'm really excited that we are getting our name out there.  Check us out at http://www.txlac.org/

In addition - We have classes for you to take! 
<b>Zentangle Basics</b>, the techniques to create your first Zentangle
<b>Zentangle Illuminations</b>, a really cool illuminated letter that would look great on the front of an album
<b>Monoline Marker Magic</b>, Great ways to use your round tip pens for titles and journalng
<b>Scrollbrush Lettering</b>, Great ways to use this kind of marker for unique titles and journaling.
Please stop by and see us!

Weekly Challenge 14

Here is this week's challenge tile - only using straight lines.  And then, I made this snowflake for a friend at work.

I'm so honored....

that Rick and Maria included pictures of my handkerchiefs on their blog!  I took them to share at the CZT-V training and then I saw them on their blog!  Please go to their blog (http://zentangle.blogspot.com/) and scroll down to March 10. I can't believe that I got behind in keeping up with their blog (and many others) and totally missed it!

And today I'm posting my first entry for the Weekly Challenge from Laura Harms at I am the Diva - CZT blog (http://iamthedivaczt.blogspot.com/).  This is Week #13 challenge - creating a Zentangle with your non-dominant hand.  EEEK!

But here it is and it's really not all THAT bad....

I'm Certified!

So life is pretty hectic these days, working part-time, still teaching Cricut classes, and still volunteering on a few projects, but I did manage to get to Massachusetts (by way of Baltimore and Providence) and become a Certified Zentangle Teacher!  I learned so much those three days (and nearly froze to death), and I can't wait to share with everyone else. I "co-taught" last Wednesday and really, really, enjoyed it. 

And I'm listening to the Spirit Wind cd as I write this.  It's the cd of Rick Roberts' original flute music played by him on flutes he carved (built?) himself.  I'm taking more pictures and I'm promising myself I will start posting more and including pictures with those posts.  So here are some Zentangles I created at the training and since I returned home. 

More Zentangle

I am so excited that I'm going to Massachusetts in late February to become a Certified Zentangle Teacher!  If you know me, you know that this must be very important to me and something I really, really want to do if I'm willing to go to cold Boston in February! I'm trying to finish some pieces this weekend to post here and on FB.

Zentangle!

I get to practice my new hobby Zentangle tonight with a few tangled friends.  Check out some of the "tangles" I've done under the Zentangle tab.  The best part is that you don't have to be an artist to create these.  And it really is very calming (hence, zen) to repeat patterns to create art.  This may be the only art I've ever created!  Go to http://www.zentangle.com/ to learn more and start your own tangles, or there will be some classes at the Crafty Hen House in the next few months.  Happy Tangling!

New Date for Cricut 101

Monday, January 17th!  6:30 - 8:30 pm at the Crafty Hen House.

I goofed!

I should check my calendar more closely when scheduling classes- I already have to change one!  The Cricut 101 on the 18th is moving to a different night - but I just don't know which night.  As soon as I find out, I will post the changes!  So Sorry!

Happy New Year!

...And only a week late!  Three days without internet has put me even further behind than usual, but that's okay - I WILL catch up.  I hope this year will be a good one for everyone.  This year is a really big one for my family – milestone birthdays, high school graduation, and our 25th Anniversary.  Gonna be busy!

I have updated my classes – if you or anyone you know got a new Cricut or Gypsy for Christmas – I can help you get the most out of your new  toy tool.  And don’t be fooled – the Gypsy and the Cricut will do so much more than shapes and letters for your scrapbook layouts!

The classes are on Tuesdays from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at the Crafty Hen House.  If you would prefer a daytime class, email me and we can work something out.

Gypsy – January 11

Cricut 101 – January 18

Cricut 102 – March 8

Happy Cutting!