Tangling, Space & Mistakes

Today’s card is from my latest obsession. It’s a reminder that space is a good thing. I have a confession to make. Are you ready? It’s a big one.

I can’t draw.

Well, I couldn’t draw. Now I can. On August 5, 2012, I took a class from Ginny Krauskopf, CZT. I went in with the hopes that I might learn a new thing and maybe, just maybe, come out with something cool that I made myself.

I came out with so much more, y’all! I’ve been tangling ever since. By Thursday, I’d done a total of 11 of these. It’s been doing some strange things to my brain. I close my eyes and I see patterns.

Just walking around, I see patterns. I nearly mugged a co-worker to take a picture of her shirt for the patterns. I type and I see the way the words could connect together in patterns.

It’s been an education for me in letting go of my own perfectionist tendencies. It’s done in India ink with pencil for shading. I can’t erase. I can’t go back. I can only go forward. So I’m learning to let go.

If you want to tangle with me, bring it. πŸ˜€ You can learn more here. All you need are:

  1. Some pens (these are the ones I use)
  2. Charcoal pencils, a blender thingy and a sharpener
  3. A book like Design Originals Zentangle Basics
  4. Some tiles
  5. And/Or a small sketch pad (this is the one I use)

And maybe something to carry it in. It’s really not that much and I didn’t find it to be cost-prohibitive. Mind you, I didn’t buy the tiles. I just have the little sketch book with me.

So, let me know if you try this or already do it. I’d love to meet my fellow Zentangle fans.

18 thoughts on “Tangling, Space & Mistakes”

  1. You are such a treat. Every time! Yeah!! Love this! I just picked up a set of knitting needles yesterday. Feeling the urge to be crafty! I am going camping next week so I think that I will bring them and see what I can make.

  2. Thank you, Amy. I love your blog as well. I’m learning so much about the Tao through your daily posts. I also crochet although that’s been put aside for tangling lately. I’m a bit obsessed. I post each of the tangles on my facebook (the personal one.)

  3. Cathie does the tangles too and I love to see the designs as they come to her. I wish you much happy time tangling. *grins*

  4. I love it when someone manages to break through one of those “I can’t…” loops! I did something similar for myself with drawing mandalas a few years ago – really liberating πŸ˜€

  5. There’s a variety of tangles called Zendalas. I haven’t ventured out there yet, but soon. πŸ˜€ Do you have pictures of your mandalas where others can see them? I know sometimes they are more powerful left unseen.

  6. Arwen, you are such an inspiration to so many of us. I just adore you!!!!!! I love patterns. I notice them in live everyday and they are addicting when you start noticing them.

    I can’t wait to get started!!!!!

    The art that you do is just amazing!!!!

    You go girl!!!!!

    1. Tanya, I’m loving the 40 Day Gratitude challenge. πŸ˜€ Doodling is fun, yes?!

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