Diva Challenge #130

This week's Diva Challenge asked us to work with a tangle that I've seen and really wanted to try - Henna Drum.  I will definitely be experimenting more with this tangle, as I love it, however my tile seems too busy.  I'm thinking an aura around the henna drum pattern might help to break it up a bit.  Next time! 

Henna Drum, Flux

Zendala Dare #58

Last week I attended a beading class during which I made necklace charms with wire-wrapped beads.  It was interesting, and since I had all kinds of wire left over, I've made a few since then.  Here are the ones I made at the class... they turned into mother's day gifts for my mom and my boyfriend's mom.

My first attempt

My second attempt

I also recently tried my hand at embellished letters using zentangle and colour.  I think I need to play and experiment with them a bit more - I don't like to make mistakes, and I need to let myself so that I can learn how to play with my artwork.  I like how they turned out (Sakura gel pens are so much fun!).

This week's mandala challenge was a lot of fun for me - I loved the design and the combination of curves and straight lines.  Here's my submission - thank, Erin, for doing this every week!  I don't always get to them, but I always go and check out everyone else's!

Crescent Moon, Flux, and a bunch of other ones!

Diva Challenge #116

I loved this week's Diva Challenge!  The blind string - one of my favourites.  My string ended up being a really closely drawn circle/loop.  I wasn't sure what to do with it, but it ended up kind of creating itself.  I think it has an underwater-type feel.

Striping, Flux, Dragonair, Nipa, Verdigogh, Tipple

Something else that I had wanted to share was my new found love of beading.  I went to a "beginner" workshop last Monday, and began working on a bracelet that required several different bead types, fireline, and A LOT of skill!  I'd never beaded before, and was completely overwhelmed, but when I finished it yesterday, I was so happy with the result, that I'm planning another visit to this little bead store soon (tomorrow or Wednesday, perhaps!). Great - another hobby that prevents me from marking! 

My first-ever beading adventure!  More to come - I've already signed up for another beading workshop!

Diva Challenge #109

I can't remember the last time I participated in a Diva Challenge - thank goodness for March Break!  This week's challenge saw us creating a 3-D effect using parallel lines.  I felt my tile was very busy, because I think I tried to put too much into a small space.  No worries, though - I really liked the end result.  In contrast, I've included a tile that I did on the weekend with a group of ladies who also enjoy tangling!  My weekend tile was quite simple and reminded me a bit of Laura's "Biggify" challenge (which I loved!). 

Feels good to be back in the tangling saddle! I think I'll be busy with it this week :)

Opus, Flux, Tipple, Ahh, Onomato, Shattuck, Hibred, Sanibelle

Web, 'NZeppel, Nightsbridge, Ennies, Opus

Zendala Dare #47

 Wow!  It has been a looooong time since I've posted (or even done a zentangle anything!).  I've been busy busy busy - but decided to finally make time today to tangle :)  The Bright Owl's challenge this week was to NOT use the entire template of the zendala.  I usually print & use - this time, I couldn't do that! 

Thanks for the great challenge, Erin! 

Striping, Nipa, Flux, Meer, Beadlines

The original template

Zendala Dare #29

Didn't make it to the Zendala Dare on Saturday this weekend.... report card mania has taken over!  Fortunately, I'm actually somewhat on top of things this year, so it hasn't been too bad (and I had a marking date with a friend at Starbucks this morning, so that made for a fun day!).  This is the result - it's a little busy, but there are some new-ish (to me) tangles in there, so it's fun and a bit different!

Coaster, Web, Nipa, Paradox, Ibex, Flux

I'm also including a mandala that I not only filled with tangles, but that I designed.  If you want to see the original, click on "Mandala Designs" here or above.  It's the star one :)

Gneiss, Paradox

 I'm also including my entry to this week's Diva Challenge (really late, though!).  Positive thoughts to Laura, while her little Artoo is recovering in the hospital. 

Coaster, Hibred, Nipa, Onomato

Diva Challenge #91 - Beads of Courage

This week, Laura's Diva Challenge was to incorporate "Beads of Courage" into our tile.  "Beads of Courage" is an organization that helps children who have chronic illnesses to tell their stories of courage.  Happy birthday to Artoo, who turned 2 yesterday!

The idea of being courageous was a theme at our school today, too - many classes participated in "Dignity Day", and one of my students was brave enough to share her story with a thousand people via webcam.  I was really proud of her :)  Click here to see her reflection of the day (and to check out her awesome tangles)!

This is my contribution to the Beads of Courage challenge - I was planning to leave the background blank, so that the beads would stand out, but I felt it was very stark and missing something.  I decided to go with a  lightweight tangle, and I'm really happy that I did, because Florz was perfect for what I envisioned.  Happy tangling!

Florz, Flux, Jetties, Striping, Echoism, Betweed, Tipple, Zedbra, Fricle, Hollibaugh

Diva Challenge #90 - String 01

Short post tonight - have to go to bed!  I've been itching to do the challenge this week, but just haven't gotten around to it - started at around 10:30 (it's now 11:07)..... kind of rushed, but fairly happy with the result. Happy tangling!

Crescent Moon, Flux, Sanibelle, Florz, Hi-C, Dragonair

Celtic Knot Challenge #8

This week's Celtic Knot Challenge was to use leaves in the Celtic knot design. I have to say, I loved this template, and I loved using petal-ly type tangles!  Thanks for a great one, Judy! 
After one heck of a week at work, I'm off to bed!  Please leave your comments below :) Thanks, and Happy Thanksgiving (to my Canadian friends!!)!

Flux, Opus, Fescu, Auraknot

The original design