It ain't jewelry; what the heck IS it???

[koolbraider]

Okay, I've seen these posts on Linda's Crafty Inspirations Linda's Crafty Inspirations and am at a loss to why they seem to be so popular. Eni Oken has several tutorials on them. They look like an attempt to create a coloring book for adults. Opinions?

[caeterle]

Do you mean Zentangle?
I have never done it myself, but know a lot of people who have done or do it. It has been around for many years.

People say it helps them concentrate and relax at the same time. As far as I know there can be color or not.
An online friend of mine sells prints of originals that she made using Zentangle methods. This one is my favorite.





I keep thinking if I should try it myself because I can't make jewelry at the moment, but miss doing something creative. Just for myself, mind you.

[DawninCal]

I am not familiar with zentangle, but I love the fish print. Is it similar to the adult coloring books that were all the rage the last few years? I think that is starting to lose it's popularity.

I do know a couple of women who are really into it because they say it helps them retain their fine motor skills. They both have fairly severe arthritis in their hands.

Somehow, I think what I'm talking about is not the same thing though.



Dawn

[caeterle]

It doesn't have anything to do with the coloring books. In those you have very intricate pictures, but you only color them, you don't make a pattern yourself.

Zentangle is more like advanced doodling, advanced because you don't do it while doing anything else, you concentrate on it. This is the original site for those who are interested.
As I said, I only know it through others, I haven't tried it myself.

The fish is an original pattern by Diane that she also colored herself. The "filling" of the individual parts just reminded me of Zentangle, I don't know if it's something she has also done before. I love the shading. She also has a feather print that's gorgeous.

[gbobmi]

I bought that fish print from your friend, Cat!!! I love it!

Her feather print tempts me....

[caeterle]

Oh, so you actually did! I only didn't because my walls are so full, and I'm not sure of a spot it would really fit.

[koolbraider]

Cat, thanks for the beautiful pic. I have only seen weird non-colored geometric designs and couldn't figure out why they were so popular. I have bookmarked that page and may try this myself. I saw a beautiful black and white one on "The Bloggess" blog. (Warning: it's an incredibly funny blog written by Jenny Lawson who suffers from practically every mental condition there is but combats it all with a wicked sense of humor and many "F--" bombs. If anyone wants a good laugh try her "Furiously Funny" book.) So, maybe I'll do a bit more research and give this a try. My school note books were always doodled too.

Cat, who is your friend with the prints?

[DawninCal]

Very cool that Gayle has the fish print!

That looks like it would be a fun thing to do. If I ever find a spare minute (which I don't see happening anytime soon) I might look into that too.



Dawn

[caeterle]

Dawn, maybe this could be a non-jewelry challenge for us?

Sue, her name is Diane, an American living in France, very artistic, she sews, embroiders, hand dyes fabrics (I have a beautiful velvet scarf she made), draws, started wire wrapping. Originally I met her on ArtFire or Plurk, I'm not sure at the moment. This is her new website.

[gbobmi]

I love, love, love my print and Diane is very sweet!

[DawninCal]

Cat, I will add that to the list of challenge themes. Great idea!



Dawn

[autz]

oh that's cool. It's awesome art. thank you so much you have shared post here.

[michelle]

Very cool! Now I am curious! Hmmmm, an additional hobby?

[lotty64]

I have done Zentangle and still have a little play every so often. If the beady mojo leaves I find it helps to stay creative with other things.

[michelle]

I love the idea of Zentangle being a challenge!