Zentangle Tile #22 (Tangle-Pattern.com String #6)

Tile #22 and part of my Tangle Pattern.com String Challenge is complete!   This is "String #6" in the Strings sections of Tangle-Pattern.com, which is run by Linda Farmer.

This string, as you can see on the picture below, had an "s" shape to it. I wanted to use tangles that were not to intricate and give the tile a unclutter look to it.  Some of my other tiles had one too many tangles :(

Tangles used are:

Bales - on this tangle I omitted the small dot in the middle.  I found it a little distracting.

Cadent - this particular tangle had very versatile style.  If you click on the link you will see a few variations to this tangle.

Tipple - I drew a variation that resemble bubbles.  This a great filler for those spaces you don't know what to do with.

Is always very relaxing to create these little works of arts.  Give it a try!  have a great day and as always thank you for visiting!

WonderingMindField

Zenspirations Monogram "A" (Zens#29)

Colored

Boy was it a shock to me when all of a sudden on my lunch break at work and I grabbed a little square piece of drawing paper and drew this letter.  I had no thought or expectations and all of it sudden it all came together!

The short story is that I have been trying to draw the letter A in a Zenspiration style for the longest time and it was disaster uglier disaster.  I gave up!!!  What was different this time?  I think the fact that I did not have the book in front of me and I wasn't looking at anyone else's monogram as reference.  I just went with the flow and did not do too bad.  I did drew another just to reassure myself I could do it again.  :)ha!

With a yellow and blue gel pen I added some color.  Overall, I am please with my progress, maybe now I can move on and tackle the letter B!  Ahi!

Thanks for the visit and always remember that progress is better slow and steady than none at all!  Have a blessed day!

WonderingMindField

Zenspiration #27

More shapes and dangles to add to my repertoire! This one was created while taking a break on Sunday after some cleaning and organizing of my office/studio.  I swear no matter how much I try the mess keeps coming back.  The sad part is I can only yell at myself and no one else.  I'm sure many of you know what I mean.

I created this one with a Bic Fine Point Marker and some gel pens.  I am trying to incorporate more shapes to give these drawings more interest.  I do find the pattern drawing very relaxing and something that requires little thought.

Be safe and let those you love know that they matter!  Thanks for visiting my little corner and find some creative joy.

WomderingMindField

Zentangle Tile #21 - Challenge String #5

This tile started with an idea and ended with another :)  That ever happen to you guys?  I'm sure it has.  I love the tangle pattern "knighbridge," so I wanted to do this tile with just that tangle.  It did not come out as good as it was in my head but hey!! No judgement here, right?

I don't even know if the flower is an actual pattern or if it is what is the name. I'm pretty sure I've seen it somewhere but for the life of me can't think of it.

I followed the string lines and just tangle on knightbridge in different directions.  He great thing about Zentangle, there are no do overs, just continue on and see where it takes you.  I added some color with my gel pen and some shading and we're done with this string, on to the next!



Thanks for the visit and continue finding joy in the little things!

Wonderingmindfield

Click HERE for string link!

Creative Moment! Card Making Save!

I while back I was on the train in route to the airport to go on vacation (a very short one) and realized I had forgotten to mail some handmade card for a swap I had signed up for. They needed to be mailed by a certain date, the horror! 

What to do when you had no supplies with you and very little time?  First I needed to wait until I landed.  Which by the way was at 11pm! 

The next day as soon as I had a moment I googled Michael's^® and went for a quick trip. I purchased the following:

• Recollections™ Cardmaking Kit
• Recollection Ivory plain cards with envelopes
• Color cardstock
• Elmers® Rubber Cement
• $1 heart charms

I used the kitchen scissors to cut and a metal ruler my daughter’s friend had with her and I created some cards for my swap.  I used some of the materials from the card kit, like the hearts and banners and then decorated some plain ivory note cards.  I used the color cardstock papers to add more color and by cutting them in strips and banners it also added dimension and interest.  I decorated my planner with Heidi Swap washi tape, and what would you know I had some in my purse, used those to to decorate.

Not being in my studio and having limited supplies forced me to get creative.  And you know what?  I really enjoyed the time I spent making these cards.  And as I found later my swap partner liked them too!  Nice save!

Thanks for visiting, take care and here are some pictures of my mess and the cards I created!

This was my work area at the condo I rented!

Card #1 - The words are from
washi tape from my planner!

Card #2 Added some cardstock background

Card #3 Added some charms to the hearts.

Card #4 More washi tape, cardstock & hearts.

Coordinating envelopes

Zentangle Tile #20 (Tangle-Patterns.com String #4)

Here is another one for the challenge!

This tile was created out of String #4 on the Tangle-Patterns website run by Linda Farmer.

Tangles I used are:

• W2
• Pokeleaf
• Peaoo (by Damy)

I do want to make a note on the tangle Peaoo.  I found this tangle in Pinterest®and the link came from a Chinese site.  Click on tangle word for the tutorial link.  I did, however, looked in the Tangle-Patterns site I did not see this pattern.

Anyhow, moving on, I happen to like it and it completed my tile nicely, I think??  :)

Remember for tutorials on the tangles just click on the tangle's word and it will direct you to the tutorial.   Doing this personal challenge is turning out to be fun, I am enjoying getting back to Zentangle®.

Thanks for visiting and as always find your creative joy!

Wonderingmindfield                                                                    

Click HERE for link on this string.

Scan-n-Cut Marathon!

My daughter, the arts/graphic design student, just recently gave me a stack of paper she had colored with acrylic paint.  Vibrant and colorful and just jummy I kept thinking about what to do with them and then after a couple of days, Voila! It occurred to me to just do some cutting.

Space is limited in my studio/office.  I have good storage on the walls but not much working surface so I have to make the best of it.  One of the things I do often is go through a cutting marathon.  I take out my Brother Scan-n-Cut, my Fiskars Fuse, scraps of paper and assorted dies and I start cutting all kinds of shapes out of the scraps of papers I've accumulated from various projects or as in this particular case I used all the papers my daughter gave me.

I try to think about what I use often, such as dresses, circles, hearts, bookmarks, ATC, and greeting cards, and cut out all types of shapes and stored them in my photo containers.  This way I always have a nice stash of usable shapes and more room to accumulate more scraps for the next cutting marathon.

Here are some of the pictures I took of my cutting marathon!  Have a great day and when you have some time off do something fun!

WonderingMindField

Acrylic paint backgrounds

Pick shapes and feed background

Cut away some fun shapes built in in the Scan Cut

You can cut Pocket Letter size cards

Create!!!

Zenspirations #26 (Mini)

I have been a very bad blogger lately!  I've been so busy in the last couple of months that it has been a little difficult keeping up with my art.  I've finished school and am going on an internship as well as working, so it's been a little hectic!

I've been able to do a few little projects here and there and just finished writing the post for them, so I am pleased to get back in the blogging game.  I do enjoy talking in this tiny corner of the Internet world and look forward to getting back.

Let us begin with my Zenspirations.  One of the things I am not very good at is lettering. I'm a little addictive at watching YouTube videos with many great talented ladies (and gents!) using letters to enhance their art journals.

"Zenspirations: Letters & Patterning" by Joan Fink has some tutorials showing how Ms. Fink creates some of her popular lettering. I got a cheap drawing journal at my local Walmart™ and decided to start practicing.  Hopefully I can develop some skills at lettering.

I have also been taking mini tutorials on Photoshop® from my daughter, a dangerous task that girl has taken, and added the distressed frame to the picture to add some pizzazz or at least that’s what I told my daughter.   Well here is another butterfly for my collection of mini Zenspirations®.  I use Sakura Micron 05 pen and colored it again with my stash of gel pens.

Glad to be back and hope you have a great day and keep smiling, life no matter how bleak it seems will give you second chances.

WonderingMindField

Zenspirations #25 (mini)

Don't you love hearts!  been creating Zenspirations hearts and experimenting with color.

I am a fan of Nika in Wonderland on YouTube and she creates mixed media pieces that are whimsical and colorful.  I personally love her use of female profiles, specially her ability to draw eyes and add rich texture to the piece.

 One of the tools she uses a lot is the Neocolor water soluble crayons, which is a brand of crayon I also purchased and have been using a lot lately. 

For my hearts I used:  Sakura® Micron Pen 05, NeoColor “carmine” and “jaune citron” to add a touch of color.  With a water brush pen I dilute the color until I got a the soft look of water color.  Since I drew the hearts on regular drawing paper I started with small amount of colors.  I dried the color with a heat gun and then added another layer of color.  It would have been easier to just use watercolor paper but when I drew the hearts I was not planning to use color, this was an afterthought.

I do like the effect and will try using some watercolor paper or even mixed media paper to be able to add more color to my Zenspiration®.

Thanks for stopping by and make sure to enjoy your creative journey.

WonderingMindField

Zentangle Tile #19: TanglePatterns String #003

http://tanglepatterns.com/2012/06/tanglepatterns-string-003.html

Here is a tile I created using the tanglepatterns string #3 Linda Farmer's Tangle Patterns.com has published.  This time I learned from my last tile and decided to only pick 4 patterns and try not to overcrowd the tile too much.

Click on the caption for String 003 and it will take you to TanglePatterns.com.  Give it a try and see what you can create.  The great thing about Zentangle is that there isn't any right or wrong just where your creativity can take you.

Here is my take on string 03.

Since I ran out of Zentangle® official tiles I got an alternative tile I purchased a few months back.  This tiles are acid free and are made by Peter Pauper Press Studio Series Artist’s Tiles.  The are by no means the same quality as the official Zentangle tiles, but in a budget pinch they are not bad to work with, plus they are less than $5.00 at Amazon.

For this tile I used the following tangles:

     Shard – Zentangle® Pattern
     W2 – Suzanne McNeil
     BTL Joos – Sandy Bartholomew
     Merryweather – Sandy Hunter

Have a great day and remember to hug a loved one today for no special reason, just because they are in your life. 


WonderingMindField

Zenspirations #24 (Mini)

Home is where the heart is...the heart is with the ones you love.   

I enjoy making these little houses and adding all the dangles and color.  I wish it was my home for real!  Imagine that!  Here is another drawing from my Zenspirations® Minis!.  As I mentioned in a previous blog I cut squares out of drawing paper scraps and have been doing little drawings.

I used a Sakura® Micron 05 and a Sharpie® fine pen with an assorted brands of gel pens to create this little house. 

A small drawing for a small blog post!  Take care and as always thanks for visiting and hope you have fun with your art.

WonderingMindField

DYI Letter and Words Stickers

Ok…I really like incorporating words into my mixed media cards and bookmarks,  I think of them as  little burst of inspiration and encouragement to the ones who receive them.  

My dilemma started when I purchased these cute word stickers by Cosmo Cricket at a Tuesday Morning on discount and liked them so much that I pretty much ran of them.  I could not find the ones I like and except for Tim Holtz I could not find others with words I liked.  So after some random thinking I realized I could just make my own!  -party time!  This is how I created my own word stickers using few supplies and some old fashion typing.

Supplies: 

• Computer with Word® or a typing software
  
• White cardstock paper
• Xyron® 1.5” create-a-sticker with a sticker roll

Process:

1. Open a new Word® document and create a table by going to “insert,” then “table”". In my case I created three columns and 6 rows.  The reason I created the table is because I could print the grid lines and use them as guide to cut and know the correct width of the strip I need and be able to fit them through the Xyron 1.5” create-a-sticker.  I set the width of the rows to 1.3 to give myself some “wiggle” room (that’s a technical word ).
2. I used the “courier new” font in word to give it a typewriter look to the words.  You can certainly use any fonts and word art effect you want.  The idea is to create what you like and depending on what type of sticker machine or medium you have, just make the sizes accordingly.
3. Once you have typed all the words and/or phrases then print them on white card stock paper, or any other color card stock your little heart desires.
   
4. Once printed you can cut the words in strips and run them through the Xyron® of any other sticker machine you have.  Of course, you can just cut and glue, as well!  I like the little Xyron 1.5 create a-sticker because is just the right size for my stickers and take no space.  
5. Once all my words and phrases were cut out in strips I placed them on a photo storage case (5x7) box to have handy when inspiration strikes.

One thing I wanted to mention is that I printed the words in white card stock with a laser printer.  I tested the sticker with Golden® regular gel (semi-gloss) and the words did not smudge.  I don’t have an inkjet, so I couldn’t test it.  My advise is to print a word or two and them coated with your preferred medium and test smudging.

I hope you are inspired to make your own sticker words.  As always thank you for visiting this corner of my world and have a blessed day! 

WonderingMindField

My Very First: "Pocket Letters"

A little while ago I came across a YouTube video about a cool idea called Pocket Letters.  This was started by Janette Lane.  You can check out some of her videos by clicking on the link attached to her name.

The videos will show how it works and some ideas on how to create one.  The main concept is to fill a 9-pocket trading card protector with goodies and art, instead of baseball cards. FUN!


I liked the idea and decided to just decorate some pieces of paper I have on my paper pile and try a swap.

The first thing you need to do is find people to trade with, so go to the Pocket Letter network and join. They have all the information you need on how to start trading pocket letter as well as the rules of trading.  You can also do your own swaps with friends and family, It would also be a great activity with the kids! Just have them trade handmade cards with their friends or you.

My approach was to join an event.  An event is a one-time or an on going swap that someone in the network has already created.  The creator of the event or swap, states the theme, rules and deadlines for the swap.  I let the creator know how many people I want to swap with as well as, if I want to exchange with someone from the USA, international or both.  Just read all the rules because they contain good information and it will state the last day to sign up for the event and the mailing deadline.  The creator then sends out a listing to the members who join the event with the assigned partners.

This network works a lot like Facebook.  You have a profile page, you can upload pictures, make comments about other member's creations, and even befriend other members.  The big difference is that this site is for the crafty in you not for drama or bad gossip. :) I personally enjoy visiting and wish them all the luck in the success of the site.

For my pocket letter here are some of the materials I used to create the cards that go into the 9-pockets.

• Dylusions “over the edge” mini stamps and “Border Clear Stamps” from Oriental Trading.
• Cut outs:  mini dress and assorted hears sizes and shapes.
• Colored scraps background, dry wall tape, acrylic paints and washi tape scraps.
• BCW 9-pocket sleeves.

I liked the way it turned out and hope that my pocket pal does too.  Another thing I wanted to mention is that you’re suppose to fill the pockets with treats and also a letter with a personal message should be included.  I filled the back of this one with washi tape samples, decorated post it notes, handmade stickers, beads, and just assortment of treats, which included a Tazo tea bag. You must include something like tea bags of a small candy, depending on your partners preferences.

If you have tried it or would like to and want more information, leave me a comment.  I will post about the pocket letter I got when I receive it.

Thanks for visiting this corner of my world and have a great day!
WonderingMindField

Closeups:

Zentangle Bookmark #11: “Sea Horse”

Boy! you know you have a problem when you keep putting your art supplies away and then can’t find them for the longest time.  I had this stencil which I got about a year ago and put away for later use; the problem I forgot I even had it!   

Needless to say I was looking for some printed cardstock I had in some folders and there it was the stencil, among my cardstock.  Well I guess it’s never too late to create.  I always have bookmarks around my craft/office studio, waiting for inspiration to strike and in this instant it was Zentangle®.

Materials:

• 6 x2 bookmark
• dictionary page
• pencil
• Micron® pen

The only hardship on this piece was trying to do the patterns on such little spaces, but with some shading it worked out well.  This bookmark will make a nice reading companion this week.   I am reading “The Shadows” by JR Ward.  So let the adventure begins.  I love her Black Dagger Brotherhood Series and I hope this one does not disappoint!!

Thanks for visiting and remember that joy can be found in many places!

WonderingMindField

Zenspirations #23 (Mini)

A few blogs back I made some suggestions about using Bic® Fine Point because of my heavy hand and the way I keep destroying the Sakura® Micron 01 pens, and to my surprise the creator of Zenspirations™, Joanne Fink, actually posted a comment!!  Excited!!!!

Anyhow, she suggested that for those like me with a heavy hand, try using Sakura® Micron 05.  I must say the pen held up pretty well when I tried it.  I still like the Bic® but now I have more options!

I cut some squares (approximately 3.5 x 4 inches) from some nice drawing paper scraps I have from a journal project. They are the perfect size for my pocket in my planner and I can carry them with me when inspiration strikes.

What I have learned is that Zenspirations™ is not just about dangles.  You can incorporate shapes such as flowers and just add pattern to the design.  It is also about writing and incorporation positive messages into you drawings.

So I have been playing around with different shapes, such as hearts and little homes.  This is one of my first attempts with butterflies, which are cute drawings Joanne Fink uses in her art and she teaches how to draw them in her book, “Zenspirations: Letters & Patterning.”  I personally think the butterflies would be a great addition to a card or as an accent on an art journal.  I used my stash of gel pens to add some color.

Thanks to Ms. Fink for the suggestion about the Micron 05 and is definitely well appreciated plus a great addition to my favorite pens to use while doing Zenspirations™ and Zentangle®.

As always thanks for visiting and remember that with art the more you like your tools the more art you want to create, and even on a budget you can still create!


WonderingMindField

Zenspirations #22

More Zenspirations experimenting.  Lately incorporating words into my drawing and mixed media art has been a new way to express my thoughts and bits of wisdom.  With Zenspirations there are more chances to use handwriting in the art.

This particular drawing I created in the span or two days.  I wanted to have more patterns and curves.  The coloring as usual was done with an assortment of gel pens.  The dangles where all drawn with a Zakura Micron Pen # .05.

"It is better to have a heart without words, than words without Heart.."

I like this quote because as a person that words do no come easily to (unless I'm writing them) it is important to know that it is your actions that come from your heart that speak the loudest.  I can write my thoughts down or express my feelings better if I write them, but have a hard time telling those close to me in words what I'm feeling or thinking.  This is why I like doing this blog because I can express myself through my work and put down in words my thoughts or feelings about it.

I have found that the art community, especially crafters are a generous and giving bunch that accept and connect with you without prejudice or judgement.  Thank you for letting me express myself in this little corner of the World Wide Web and always remember there are others who will love to connect with you without judgement or prejudice.

Have a great day!
Consuelo
WonderingMindField

Zentangle Tile #18: Tangle String 002

This is my second tile of my personal challenge using the string in the TanglePatterns.com and I'm however a little out of practice.  I had decided to just randomly pick patterns and make them work in the tile and boy was that hard.  I wrote names on little pieces of paper and then would pick them and draw them on the string.

One thing I learned is that I don't always have to fill every space with a
different tangle, is ok to repeat patterns to make the tile more pleasing.  The good thing is that there are plenty of strings on Linda's web site to practice with.

If you click on the caption under the string picture it will direct you to it on the Tanglepatterns.com website.  Go check it out is a really nice website with lots of information.


Thanks for visiting and remember that mistakes are just occasions to learn.  Have safe and creative day!

WonderingMindField

http://tanglepatterns.com/2012/05/tanglepatterns-string-002.html

l

Mixed Media Bookmark #4

A little OCD dress!  I discover this dress pattern on my Brother Scan Cut and I swear I can’t seem to stop using it.  I am not a dress kind of girl but I do love using this little cutie on my art. 

I forgot to clean my hands, so when I was applying the words to the paper (of course, I was using my fingers) the paint on my fingers started rubbing on them, giving the words a bit of a dirty look.  Not quite what I was going for, but art is not perfect and sometimes you just roll with it.

Some general materials I used are:  mixed media paper, Cricket Cosmo Tiny Words, dry wall tape, Tim Holtz washi tape, modeling paste, acrylic paints, 6x6 Stencils, dress and heart shapes.

The general process here as with my other bookmarks is to just layer textures and shapes.  I was just experimenting and trying to come up with a different look.  One thing I realize was I was trying too hard.  It took longer that usual to create this piece and when I was done it I wasn't happy with it.

The lesson learned?  I can't always control the process.  Sometimes the best pieces come from your my subconscious, when I just let the piece come together on its own and not force the outcome too much...control is hard to let go off!

Thanks for visiting my corner of the world and remember that art can’t be controlled…let it happen and it will bring you joy!

WonderingMindField

Art Journal Page 30

I have been on a dress kick I can seem to shake! I’ve been cutting this dress from my Brother® Scan and Cut like you would’ve believe.  I’ve made cards, bookmarks and even a cover for a handmade journal I’m working on, so after realizing these are way too many dresses, I went and made a page for my art journal. Ha!

Materials:

• Dress and heart shapes from Brother Scan & Cut database
• Drywall tape, washi tape, and Golden Heavy Gel (matte)
• Dylusion spray inks: squeezed orange, calypso teal and white linen
• NeoColor crayon: white
• Reeves acrylic: deep turquoise
• Stencils: Dina W. “mini half tone borders” TCW419s
• Stamps:  Dylusions “further around the edge”
• Flower print scrapbook, music sheet scraps

Creative Notes:

Started by gluing  strips of music sheet and then painting the page with deep turquoise, sprayed a  little water so you can still see the paper.  After is dry I sprayed it with “calypso teal” and sprayed with water to add more depth.

Washi tape (Tim Holtz®) was glued on the edges, dry wall tape on each side of the page, and then stamped leaves from Dylusions set.

Cut the 2 hearts and then cut them in half.  decorated them with washi tape, little scraps of printed paper, and strips of dry wall.  They were colored with Dylusions “squeeze orange.”  Cut 2 other hearts (different sizes) and also decorated and painted them with water down deep turquoise.

Dress was done by using printed scrapbook paper with orange background tones and giving it a wash with a little water and “squeeze orange” spray ink.  Stamped leaves and glued strips of dry wall tape and washi tape.  My last touch was to glue the phrases and then finish it with heavy gel (matte). 

Let’s hope I know can think of something else that does not involve a dress!  Have a great day and leave a comment if you think I need to stop with the dress obsession! 

Be safe and enjoy your creative journey!

WonderingMindField

Zenspirations #21

A short post for today (ain't you glad?!) In this Zenspirations^™ drawing I got to play with different dangles.  I have been looking at the Zenspirations^™ workbook for practice and having a good time.  On my planner I created a section for drawings.  I cut Blicks^® drawing paper to the size of the planner pages and now I always have paper in hand.  By creating this section in my planner I don't have to carry extra drawing pads with me!

Have a great day and remember that even on the go you can find creative joy!

Wonderingmindfield 

Zentangle Tile #17: Tangle Patterns String Personal Challenge!

Back in January, I posted on my a blog about starting my own personal Zentangle Challenge.  Well life had many other ideas that got in the way and I honestly forgot about it until I saw the post while re-arranging my blog.  Well we can't have that!

I am following the strings published in the Tanglepatterns.com website by the wonderful Linda Farmer, CZT.  If you have not visit her website please do so, it is jam packed with tangles, string, and many other Zentangle related information.  If you go to the "strings" section and then to the last page you will find the first string published, which is where I am starting this challenge.

(click here to be directed)

You can also purchase Linda's e-book where she has all the strings and most of tangles offered in her website for a very affordable price.

I have been a little out of practice with the Zentangle, but hopefully I will be able to make more time for this great artistic venue.

Have fun and a great day and as always it is your creative soul that needs to be set free!

WonderingmindField

MixMedia Card #4

Well another day, another card and more fun making these cards.  They are much quicker

than doing an art journal page which makes them perfect for art on the hurry.  Like cards 1-3 this one also has a heart theme.   I've been debating whether each series should have four or five cards, so we'll see where my mind takes me, maybe just four cards per series.  

I do have an idea for my next set, to use dresses and let my inner fashionista come out!  Well, at least I hope...!  I only own one dress so what do I know!

Moving on...Here is the list of materials I used to create this card:

• Mixed Media Cardstock: Strathmore 400 Series
• Crafters Workshop Stencil:  TCW473s Mini Texturized Stencil
• Andy Skinner Stencil: Industrial Elements - Andy107
• Tim Holtz Layering Stencil: Chevron and Eye chart
• Dylusions: "further around the edge" DYR34513
• Book pages scraps
• Tim Holtz paper washi tape
• Modeling paste
• FolkArt HD Paints:  Magenta. licorice, yellow light, cayman blue, and yellow citron
• Cosmo Cricket Tiny Words stickers

 Have a great day and remember to always find your creative joy!!!

WonderingMindField