Consider A Doodle

Consider a line, a squiggle, a full-blown doodle...or a Zentangle!

We've all done it...doodled on something...the margins of a bill while talking on the phone, in a magazine, your school notebook, or in the Yellow Pages.

You might want to take it to the next level and try a Zentangle.

(Photo courtesy of Jane Monk Studio)

A Zentangle is simply a way of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns. 

(Photo courtesy of Jane Monk Studio)

Amanda first introduced our group to Zentangle last year.  Even her children and their friends were "Zentangling" and having so much fun.  Upon doing a Google search, I was amazed at how extensive this art form is. 

(photo courtesy of texasdoxiemama)

(photo courtesy of Mariët of Studio ML)

I love this clockface!

(photo courtesy of Sandra Kay Strait)

(photo courtesy of Sandra Kay Strait)

The art of Zentangle is more than just basic creativity and artistic outlet.  It can also help with hand/eye coordination, insomnia, stress and anxiety reduction, anger management, relaxation, and is even used as an addiction therapy tool. Zentangle can be used as a stretching exercise for artists, as well as help with inspiration and self-esteem.  After learning that, who wouldn't want to give this a try.

Here's a few gorgeous Zentangle blogs to visit:

tanglebucket

Studio ML

French Zentangles

Sharing The Passion For Zentangles

A book for beginners is one way to start.  There is also a kit you can purchase, designed by the creators of Zentangle. 

The Zentangle® art form and method was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. Zentangle® is a registered trademark of Zentangle, Inc. Learn more at zentangle.com.

happy Friday everyone!

warmest wishes,
Marilyn :)

Time to Plant?

Ancient Chinese Proverb Says:

“The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. 

The second best time is now.” 

I have thought about this quote in relation to creating. A lot.

You know, sometimes life just gets in the way, doesn't it? The demands of work, family, responsibilities, and community can sometimes leave the balance in my creativity completely out of whack! As a result, I find that weeks (and sometimes months) have passed without creating a single thing.  


Nothing. Nada. Zilch! 

How can you get the creative juices flowing again when you only have a small amount of time or feel burned out from the heavy load of the day? 

Good question. And it’s a question I attempt to answer when I find my art heart wilting. Here are some ideas:

Some people enjoy doodling.

(Source: shellybeauch.blogspot.com)

Others discover that simply pawing through their art supplies 

helps jump start their creativity. 

While others find browsing inspirational sites helps awaken their muse.

(Can you say, "Pinterest pajama party, here I come?!")

As for me, I love to warm up by throwing some paint on a pristine piece of paper or canvas. Inevitably, when I am done, those splashes of paint end up becoming a painting of a face. (My favorite subject.)

Here are the results of a couple of those warm-up painting exercises:

Add a little plaster and beeswax to the mix 

(thanks to Stephanie Lee’s techniques) and you will discover messy bliss! 

I have found that simply hanging out in my studio and cranking up the music can awaken the desire to create something. And I find that no matter how depleted I felt before I began, the time spent creating always energizes me.

So, when is the best time to plant a tree? 

Today, you say? I agree. 

Let's get planting!

So come on, let's plant those creative seeds deep in the earth. Go get your paint brushes, glue, collage fodder, glitter, fabric, scissors, jewelry bling -- or whatever strikes your fancy -- and let the fun begin. 

I'm Rena Peterson, mother of two, printer, author, and artist. 

I love to create in a variety of mediums. 

And today...I'm gonna plant a tree! :)