ARTbar

Zentangle day at the  ARTbar.  

Once a month I drive down to the ARTbar in Santa Ana, California.  Yesterday was no different. Each month at the ARTbar we learn a different Zentangle pattern or different Zentangle technique.  The people there are wonderful and our instructor Nicole is not only a great teacher, but also inspiring.  We learn, we laugh, we play and we enjoy the camaraderie. 

So, yesterday, we learned all about stippling (making lots of little dots).  In honor of Valentine's Day, we created heart(s).  Although, each one of our designs were so different from each other, each one was just as beautiful. This is my Zentangle stippled design:

I have to say, we not only get to learn a new Zentangle pattern or technique every month, we get to make something out of them too!  I mounted my tile on red cardstock and an old book page. We could choose from either a "goodie box" or a "CD mailer".  I chose the CD mailer to mount my Zentangle tile, because I am going to make a book card out of mine.  

HAPPY TANGLING!

Artchain Art Challenge

Artchain Art Challenge - Day Five

Watercolor on Yupo Watercolor Paper

Artchain Art Challenge

Artchain Art Challenge Day Four

Here is a ZIA (Zentangle Inspired Art) I did with Alcohol Inks.  Drop some color down on the waxy side of "Freezer Paper" and swirl it a bit so that the colors blend a little.  Be careful what colors you put next to each other, so you don't create mud.  Take a piece of cardstock and lay it face down on the freezer paper.  Lightly press the cardstock down onto the colors.  Now, gently lift the cardstock up from the freezer paper and set it aside to dry.  When the cardstock has dried, TANGLE to your hearts content.

52-Weeks of Book Binding, Art Journals & more...

Week FIVE - WOW!

Here we are, already at week five. 

This week, I made a Sketch Journal our of a paper bag and Strathmore Sketch Paper.  I found the idea to make the Sketch Journal online.  It's called, "How To Make a Notebook In 5-minutes".  I must say, however, that it took me more like 30-40 minutes to make mine.

So, to make the Journal, you need a paper bag, and some sketch paper.

Cut the bag and papers down to any size you want your journal to be and fold the pages and paper bag cover in half.

I am going to punch holes for the binding and want to make sure that they line up when I do the stitching, so I marked "TOP" on both the cover and papers.  The is optional, but does help.

I punch five holes to stitch.  1-inch from the top and bottom, in the center and then again between the top and middle holes.  Same for the bottom.

The stitching is a basic in and out stitch, which is called a pamphlet stitch.

And that's it.  Your done!  Easy Peasy.  You can add a title to your Sketch Book/Sketch Journal, or not.  It's up to you.  Note: you can make your journal whatever size you want and add as many pages you would like to have in your journal.  My journal measures 6"X8" and has 10 pages (20 when folded).

Artchain Art Challenge

I was tagged by Deb Prewitt from Blue Twig Studios to participate in the Artchain Art Challenge.  You post your artwork for five days and then you tag someone to join in.

This is day two of my Art Challenge

Basic Zentangle 101

Yesterday I gave a class at Monica's Quilt and Bead Creations out in Palm Desert, California. Although the class was small this time around, it was still fun and we learned a lot.  Just because your the teacher, doesn't mean you can learn from your students too.

Zentangle Tile #1

Tangle Patterns: Crescent Moon, Nymph, Vega, Tipple and River.

Student's tiles from left to right: Leslye, Anne & Charlotte.

My students with great big smiles on their faces.

From left to right: Anne, Charlotte & Lesley.

My students were such fast learners, we not only had time to complete three tiles, 

we had enough time left over, we got to play after.

Next class: "OPUS Tiles"

52-Weeks of Book Binding, Art Journals & more...

Week Four

This week I created an Inspiration Journal.

Here is another super easy, super fun journal to make.

Supplies needed for this journal are Bristol Board, Photos (your own or from magazines), a paper cutter and prong fasteners.

The pages for the book are cut at 5" X 11".

Once all the pages are cut, measure the width of the fasteners, mark and  punch holes in each page.

Choose pictures that inspires you.  You can use pictures you have taken or pictures from magazines.

If you have chosen your own pictures, print them on photo paper from your printer.  Once you have all your pictures, cut each picture 4-1/2" X 4-1/2"

 

Glue each picture to the end of your pages, add lines for journaling (optional) and score 1" from the left end of your page.

Assemble your pages together.

Choose a front cover for your journal.  I thought this picture was appropriate for my cover.  I liked the idea of a door opening into the pages that inspired me.  As you look through your pages, look at each picture and tell a story.  How does the picture inspire you?  What do you see?  Does it bring back memories; good/bad?  Reflect and let each picture speak to you and see what happens.