Diva's Challenge #23

This week's challenge was to tangle a string that The Diva gave. It was so much fun, as coming up with a string is often the most difficult part for me. I may even do a second tile if I find the time!



This was the original string:

We will return to our regularly-scheduled programming...

...after my family gets through our 5300-mile move!  I haven't been able to finish up my posts about the CZT training or the steps for my pattern that I came up with there as we are living in a bit of chaos right now!  I promise to get everything up to date as soon as I can (which will be after the movers finally empty my house out and all I am left with is my Zentangle supplies, clothing, and a 16-day road trip).  I do need to say that I am so excited to be an official CZT...and after the training seminar, I am seeing potential tangles everywhere.  Even while mowing the lawn (1.3 acres on a riding mower!) I felt like I was making auras around the boulders and trees in our yard with the blades.  Rick and Maria may have created a monster.  I'm sure I'm not the only one...

CZT Training Day 2

Today flew by! In the morning, Rick and Maria gave us their version of a beginner's Zentangle class so that we could get a feel of how our own workshops should run. No matter how many times I take one of these classess, I am always amazed at how differently the students complete their tiles when given the same instruction. We of course put them together in a mosaic at the end (photo below).

The first part of the afternoon was spent discussing the business aspects of being a CZT, and then came the fun part--learning the tangles! It is amazing to watch Rick and Maria work.  They are just so fast! We made it through five tangles with the promise of more to come tomorrow.

Of course there was homework as well.  The training is held in a huge house built in the 1800s. We were to choose from the myriad of patterns found on nearly every surface and try to break one down into a tangle that is simple to teach. I chose some beautiful molding on the dining room ceiling.  Below is a photo of the ceiling and my resulting tangle, which I am calling Din-din.  I will post the steps after I return home.

Sorry the photos are showing up out of order, but I am blogging from my phone and can't figure out how to change it!

CZT Training Day 1

I realized today that I can blog directly from my phone, so I am going to post from the CZT training this weekend, partly so I don't forget the important things later.

This is the last seminar that is going to be held in Whitinsville, MA. Future classes will be in Providence. I am so glad I made it into this class! The town itself is in a very beautiful area of the state, with many lakes and hilly vistas. We familiarized ourselves with the grounds of the retreat center this afternoon and enjoyed the first very sunny and warm day of the month. After dinner, we walked a few blocks to Rick and Maria's home, which was chock full of all things Zentangle. There were so many works of art to enjoy in their home studio and gallery that I chose to take it all in rather than try to get photos. I did take a couple (below ) of a fabulous table overflowing with Zentangle tiles done by Maria and Rick dating back to 2004, where I spent much of my time filing away new ideas to try out later.

Tomorrow promises to be packed with everything Zentangle!

Diva's Challenge #21

I am preparing to go to the CZT training in MA this afternoon, but I can't resist trying out a new tangle. I love Oof...it is a great base for endless variations.  This is my entry for the Diva's challenge this week.

Why These Tangles Are Traveling

So, have you wondered the meaning behind the name of this "Traveling Tangles" blog?  Well, we are a Coast Guard family.  We move around the country.  And when I say around the country, I mean it!  We're originally from Florida, but have been stationed in Kodiak, Alaska, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, and currently in southeastern Connecticut.  My blog posts (and Diva's Challenge submissions) have been lacking lately because we are on the verge of another move, this time 5300 miles away to Homer, Alaska!  The movers arrive to pack us out in 2 weeks, so we are a little crazed right now.  Fortunately, I am attending the CZT(Certified Zentangle Teacher) training before we move on, so I'll be sure to fill you in on all of the fantastic details of the weekend seminar.  It really is great timing, and will hopefully be a great stress reliever.  Our military lifestyle is one of the big reasons that I am becoming a CZT.  Not only is it something I love to do, but once I am certified to teach, I will have a portable means of income.

So forgive me if there aren't many posts to this blog in the next month or two, but you can follow us on our cross-country adventure if you wish.  That's right, we are driving to Alaska from Connecticut.  With two kids (ages 5 and 3) and a yellow lab who happens to be an Alaskan Native.  We will be blogging our journey here.