Category Archives: From My Sketchbook

Sketches, tangles, and doodles from my sketchbook.

Mandala Magic Taster Event

Have you ever wanted to learn the basics of mandala-making, or to find out about the symbolism and history of the mandala? Here’s your chance!

Circles Cycles Symbols
Circles Cycles Symbols Mandala Course

Right now there is a FREE taster event being offered at the Mandala Magic School. It will run from December 5 – December 15, 2023. To learn more and to sign up follow this link.

Currently I am participating in the event. My plan is to blog about my progress. Unfortunately I got a bit of a late start last night, but hope to catch up. At any rate, all of the lessons will be available for the entire length of the event.

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It’s A String Thing #121 – Aquafleur

String Thing Challenge 121 Entry
Tile for It’s A String Thing #121

This week’s string thing challenge #121 is tree themed to mark the occasion of the lighting of the National Christmas tree in Washington,  D.C. The challenge is to create a tile using a triangular tree-shaped string and fill it with the official Zentangle pattern Aquafleur. Adele was inspired by a beautiful Aquafleur tree tangled by CZT Carole Ohl (link).  A step out for Aquafleur (by Maria Thomas) is available here.

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Diva Challenge #246 – Monotangle Trees

Diva Challenge #246 Entry
Twiggy monotangle tree – Diva Challenge 246

Diva Challenge 246 Entry
Wist monotangle tree – Diva Challenge 246

Dilip Patel, CZT09 is the guest blogger for Diva Challenge #246. His challenge is to create monotangle trees as a way of artistically expressing and supporting the global need for afforestation. What a lovely challenge!

I made two tangles. My first tile features Twiggy, a pattern by Sandy Steen Bartholomew. I added the green branches to symbolize new growth.

My second tangle comes from my sketchbook. This monotangle features Wist by Shelly Beauch. The tree shape was modeled off of a Yoshino cherry tree that is in my front yard.

Thank you Dilip for such a meaningful and beautiful challenge this week!

 

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Diva Challenge #243 – Just A Tiny Taste

For this week’s Diva challenge we are asked to intentionally leave most of the tile blank, and to give “just a tiny taste” of the tangle. Laura points out that there is usually a tendency to fill up every space when tangling, so the idea to not use up all or most of the space is indeed a challenge.

I have two entries. My first tile features a pie-shaped grid using the tangle Heartfully by Helen Williams of A Little Lime. I love this pattern, so it seemed a natural one to draw for this challange. Also, I am intrigued by Helen’s wonky grids, so I thought a pie-shaped grid would fit the bill for “wonky” here.

Diva Challenge #243 Entry
Tile for Diva Challenge #243

And wouldn’t you know it, Helen posted a brand new heart shaped tangle pattern last night. So of course I had to try it out! The “just a tiny taste” theme seemed to call out for Heartswell. Here is my first attempt at drawing this lovely pattern. It is taken from a page out of my stetchbook. (I’m also experimenting with a new signature).

Diva Challenge #243 Entry
Tile for Diva Challenge #243

As always, thanks to the Diva for another fun challenge!

 

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