“For everything there is a season…”

 “For everything there is a season…, “ and after much deliberation I’ve decided to move away from teaching and put my creative energy into my personal art.  I have not come to this decision easily because, as you know, I have put my heart and soul into the preparation and delivery of our classes and I have enjoyed every precious second of it!  It has not only been a joy to know each and every one of you, but so fulfilling to be with you on your Zentangle journey.  Some of you have just started this journey and most of you have been with me for many years and I treasure the friendships that have developed.

I hope you continue your Zentangle journey.  There are so  many excellent on-line classes with lots of wonderful teachers … just google “on-line Zentangle classes.”  And Carson City has 3 active CZT’s from whom you can take classes:  Kathie Taylor and Deb Page of Tangled Sisters, and Kim VanZyll of Tangle Wonders.

I am looking forward to having the time and space to focus on my own art.  As I said at the beginning of this letter, “for everything there is a season …,” and now is the season for me to nurture this part of my creative soul.

Thank you for sharing your love of Zentangle with me.  I hope we can find ways to stay connected as you all have been such a major and special part of my life over the past 12 years;  you are all forever in my heart.❤️

With much love,

Audrey

P.S.  I will continue to use this blog as a way of  updating my “doings!”

 

Just for the YIN & YANG of it!

Yin & Yang are two halves that, together, represent a whole.

When you divide something into Yin & Yang, it upsets the balance and equilibrium of wholeness. That is why it is believed that both halves chase one another to seek a new balance.

So Just for the Yin & Yang of it, let's create a piece of Zentangle Inspired Art that will serve to remind us that the key to life is balance. We will create lots of wonderful tangles on one side of our Yin & Yang symbol while blending water colors on the other half to create a stunning piece of art.  As always, you will be guided along the way with the design, tangling and application of water colors.  And there will be opportunity for you to add your own creative touches, if you wish!  YAY!

This photo will give you an idea of what we will be creating ...

although our project will be a bit different from my original. 

You will be able to choose your color palette!

This will be a Zoom Class on either Thursday, March 3 OR Saturday March 5 and will run from 10 am to 2 pm.  Registration is $40.  And you will receive a copy of the videotape to keep!

To register, click on the link below:

https://square.link/u/MZDRAgqB

A supply list will be sent once you register.

I'm excited, (of course 😍), about getting together and creating this piece of art with you ... just for the Yin & Yang of it!

Hope you can make it!

By the way ... I think this is our 15th Zoom Class together since we began them in June of 2020!

Thank You, Reflections, and Wishes!

As 2021 winds down, I want to take time to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of you for sharing your Zentangle journey with me. 

Looking back at photos from our Zoom classes this year, I'm so grateful for all the memories we created together!  Your enthusiastic participation and beautiful execution of the different projects continues to fill me with MUCH joy!  Here are random snippets from the class collages that I have sent you over the past year.  They are a wonderful reminder of the different and beautiful pieces of art we created together!

The joyful nostalgia associated with looking back at this year's classes compelled me to look at photos from our last "in-person" class pre-lockdown.  It was the "Gilded Hearts" class in February of 2020.  Here are a few photos from that class, as well as a couple from our retreat at the spectacular Camp Galilee on Lake Tahoe.  I did try to get all your beautiful faces in ... and I think I succeeded!  Rita Lee, Mariann, Liz, Marjorie, Linda K. and Annina , you started your Zentangle journey with me in February of 2020 (or later), so your wonderful faces won't be in these class photos.  I will et you next time!

Once again, thank you for your support, trust and friends over the years.  I am so excited about making new memories with all of you in 2022!

May the coming year bring you and your loved ones good health, lots of love, laughter, and joy ... as well as new adventures, hopes and dreams come true, and inner peace.

With love and hugs (have definitely missed those real live hugs) and a huge YAY for each one of you.

Audrey🤗

 

The New Normal ... ZOOM!

Who knew when we woke up on January, 2020 that we would be in store for a year like the one we are experiencing!  It is now July 30th and I can only hope and pray that you are safe and healthy; and, that you  are doing whatever you need to do to keep joy, and happiness and sanity in your life!  For me, it is teaching Zentangle ... it is truly my passion!  I had never used Zoom before this year, but I found myself strongly motivated to stay connected with my students;  and, to continue teaching them what they love (Zentangle).  So I downloaded the Zoom App, watched a lot of "how to" videos, played with all my equipment and eventually figured out how to take what we do in the classroom and transfer it to Zoom!  Well, I am now 7 classes in!  And it has been wonderful! 

 The upside:

1.  I get to see everyone of my students' beautiful faces!  (Wearing masks and sitting 6 feet apart from one another just doesn't do it for sharing the joy of tangling!)

2.  Students can see each other and friends they've made over the years of Zentangle classes.

3.  Students can watch close ups of what I do;  this can be even more effective than watching in a classroom.

4.  And most importantly, students can enjoy what they love, tangling, without putting their health and safety at risk.  

The downside:

1.  We can't hug each other. (This is definitely the biggest downside!)

2.  And, as a teacher, it is obviously more difficult to see what everyone is doing and get a pulse for timing ... but we work around it and have found ways to overcome those barriers.  When everyone is ready to move on, they give me a verbal and/or non-verbal "thumbs up!" And if someone needs help or has a question, I can spotlight them on the video, look at their work, and try to help.

So, the upside definitely outweighs the downside!  

Being engaged with what you love doing is the best way to combat the anxiety and stress associated with the difficult time we're living through.  And being grateful that we CAN engage in what we love is also important!  I never forget that for a minute!

My students are a blessing!  And I thank them for being on this journey with me!

Audrey🤗

   

  

Thank You and Happy New Year!

As 2019 comes to an end and we look forward to all the adventures that life will bring us in the new year,  I wanted to take a moment to extend a heartfelt thank you to each and everyone of you for taking the Zentangle journey with me.  You've supported my classes and I am so grateful ... thank you!  But more than that, I feel overjoyed and so fortunate to know each and every one of you.  You always bring your own special creativity, friendship, charm, insights, spirit, humor, passion, and energy to each class.  All of this is contagious!  And has made me feel like one of the luckiest gals ever!

So as I look forward to 2020, I want to wish each and everyone of you your dreams come true.  May your smiles and laughter far outweigh the tears that life so often brings.  May the new year bring you and your loved ones good health and an abundance of joy.  And may peace fill your heart and overflow to those around you.

I enthusiastically look forward to a new year in which we can tangle,  create beautiful art, and share the fun and joy of being together!

Much love and a HUGE hug,

Audrey

P.S.  Keep your eye out for new classes as well as a repeat of some of those you might have missed!

YES!!! More NEW Classes!!! YAY!!!

June 25, 2019

I have been inspired, overjoyed and delighted this year by two things:
1. Participation in two amazing teacher conferences that have resulted in this new class line-up for the fall;  and,
2. ALL OF YOU WONDERFUL STUDENTS who have taken part in my Zentangle classes with your enthusiasm and beautiful, beautiful tangling!  So now, just for you, 4 more new classes scheduled for the Fall ... with 3 additional classes in the works!!!

Here's what's on tap for September, November, and December!  Full class description, dates, and costs along with links to register can be found on the "Classes" page of this blog.  But here are the titles and photo of each new class.

Beyond Renaissance Tiles ... WAY BEYOND!

Tangled Labyrinths - A-MaZentangle! 

Meaningful Mantras 

The Guilded Heart ...                                             and other "golden" possibilities!  

    

FIVE New Classes!!! YAY!!!

I know, from many of you, that you are enjoying your Zentangle journey and want to continue to explore!   So, based on your feedback, I am so excited to be offering the following classes:

"Made in the Shade"

"The Dark Side of Tangling"

"Going in Circles - Zendala Art" 

"A Tangled Hair Day!"

"Make a Zentangle Explosion Box!"

You can read a detailed description of each class, dates, cost, registration information etc. on the "Classes" page of this blog.  

Update:  These classes filled so quickly!  Please don't be disappointed if you got closed out -- I will be offering them again!!! 

Audrey 

Another Joyful Year!

Okay, I know it's been a while since I posted!  It's been a really busy year, which is a good thing!

This summer gave Tom and I the opportunity to see our kids, grandkids and my new great granddaughter! You can imagine how precious and special this was!   And we got to take Sophie, our Goldendoodle, to Carmel, Ca for a couple of days and spend 24/7 with her.  Right from the lovely dog-friendly inn, to the dog beaches where dogs can run free, to all the dog-friendly restaurants,  it was pure heaven  -- and, we all had a fabulous time!  Especially Sophie!

In April I went to Tangle University which provides classes for all of us Certified Zentangle Teachers and a chance to connect with teachers from all over the world. This proved to be a validation of the amazing Zentangle classes offered here at the Brewery Arts Center!

And Fall Zentangle classes, have started with a bang in that classes have been filled to the brim, and then some!  Teaching Zentangle is truly one of my most favorite things in the world!  Here are some photos from class projects which were created by some amazing and extraordinary women!!!

"Advanced Zentangle" class
Notice how when student tiles were put together they created a gorgeous new design!
Thanks Debi C!

"Zentangle Inspired Art" (ZIA) class

"Renaissance Tiles" class

"Zen, Gems and Tangles ... Oh Boy!" class

"Zen, Gems and Tangles ... Oh Boy!" class

And now, for this month's new tangle:  PARADOX.   PARADOX is a Zentangle original tangle design by Maria Thomas.  Rick writes, "We named this tangle 'Paradox' because it consists only of straight lines which create beautiful spirals."  Here is a step-out:

Here are a couple of ways I've used PARADOX

On a tile

And, on the lid of a hat!

Play around and have some fun with PARADOX!  The key to this tangle appears to be the ability to remember to turn your tile (or whatever you're working on!)  If you look at my hat I have filled some of the inner triangles within each PARADOX shape with black.

So, until next we meet, happy tangling!
Audrey

New Classes ... Inspiring Student Art!

Oh yes!!  Winter Zentangle  classes have started with all the zest and enthusiasm and fun they usually do!  Thanks to all of you!  The new classes, "Zen, Gems, and Tangles ... Oh Boy" has been so popular that I will need to add a couple more this spring!  And The "Grow Your Own Tangle Garden" has also filled up quickly and we will need to add another section as well.  I am so thrilled that you have enjoyed these new classes!!!  I am posting some pictures from the first Gem and Garden class:  the students outdid themselves and the results are spectacular!

Though the tangling is not yet finished, you can see the truly fabulous job that students did creating these gems once they learned the color pencil technique!  Exquisite!!!

And here is a look at the amazing and beautiful art created during the "Grow your Own Tangle Garden" class:

And last, but not least, is a photo of the awesome and inspiring art created by folks in the Advanced Zentangle class:

And now ...  for this month's tangle!  One of my new favorites:  ROCK 'N ROLL an original tangle created by the founder of Zentangle, Maria Thomas:

This tangle is part of a "trilogy" of tangles that Maria created entitled "Diva Dance."  There is a tangle called "Waltz" and one called Fox Trot."

Here are just a few different places where I've tangled "ROCK 'N ROLL"

On a cap

On a sneaker (Shading is on the inside perimeter of the tangle)

On a stone pendant (That's a crystal in the middle of the stone.)

This tangle is so much fun to do!  So play around with it and enjoy!!!

I will keep you posted of the dates that are added for extra "Gem" and "Garden" classes!

In the meantime, happy tangling!!!

Audrey

Zentangle Blessings!

Hi Everyone,

I haven't blogged since July!!  I know it's been a while!!  In September I lost a dear friend to cancer and my time for the months leading up to her death was filled helping with her care.  It was a privilege and a blessing to help in whatever way I could as she was positive and tough and full of life until the very end.  What helped me to be strong and positive and keep my sense of humor during this difficult time was a combination of the love and support from  my husband and friends;  the kisses, cuddles and sense of unbridled joy from my puppy Sophie;  and the passion, pleasure, and love for tangling.  Not to mention sharing this love for Zentangle with my students!  The day after my friend died, I had a class to teach and between the physical exhaustion and emotional sadness of the past few months, as well as the loss, I wasn't sure I'd be able to do it.  But, teaching the class was the best thing I could have done for myself.  It was a reminder that filling yourself with that which gives you joy is one of the most powerful ways to keep a full heart,  stay happy and healthy,  and feed your passion for life!

Speaking of joy -- this fall season of Zentangle classes has been exceptional in so many ways.  All the classes have been filled to overflowing (we had to open up double sessions for most of them).  And the lovely group of women who have participated in these classes have been fun and warm and talented and wonderful!  They have fallen in love with tangling and each, in their own way, have explored their creativity and taken pride in their accomplishments!

What follows are some pictures that capture the beautiful art created by students this fall. The first one is a photo of the amazing gems created by the students who helped launch my new class: "Zen, Gems, and Tangles...Oh Boy!"  These gems were created with color pencils!!!  Unbelievable, huh!!!  I will add a couple of extra classes next year as I know many of you want to take this and I'm keeping the class size to 6 for this one.

Artists:  Suzy Musil, Robin Clark, Georgia Kinkella, Jeannine Kecheley,
Ann Essex-Bankston and Betsy Kosier (Names are not in order of art.)

Then Robin Clark went home and created this gorgeous Xmas card using the colored pencil technique learned in class!

Artist:  Robin Clark

Renaissance Tiles Class - November, 2016

Zentangle 101 Class - October 2016

Artist: Anne Essex-Bankston ("Zentangle Inspired Art" Class.)

Artist: Sandra Chamberlin ("Zentangle 101" Class)

Artist:  Celia Nase ("Tangling on Fabric" Class)

Artist:  Linn Rippi (Zentangle 101 class)

Artist: Jill Elliot  ("Advanced Zentangle" class.)

Artist:  Jill Elliot ("Zentangle Inmspired Art" class.)

Artist:  Caroline Konecry ("Advanced Zentangle" Class)

Getting ready for the "Zentangle Inspired Art" class.

What a beautiful job they did! ("Zentangle Inspired Art" Class)

Just gorgeous! ("Zentangle Inspired Art" Class)

Artist:  Georgia Kinkella ("Sneakers with a Soul" class.)

Artist: Suzy Musil ("Tangling on Fabric" class)

Artist:  Marilyn Brainburg ("Sneakers with a Soul" class.)

Artist:  Patti Rodriguez

Artists:  Linda Kijanka, Theresa Breeden, Sofia Breeden, Darci Hayden,
Sonja Strom, Karen Guerin, Bonnie,  Pat May and Lin Riippi
("Tangling on Fabric" Class)

And I could go on forever with pictures of amazing and wonderful folks who've shared these magical and joyful times with me!  I wish I could have put a picture of every one who has taken the Zentangle journey with me on this blog!!

This month's tangle:  MOOKA

MOOKA is an original created by the founder of Zentangle, Maria Thomas.  It's a fun one and a bit different because the entire tangle component (called a "pod") is completed in one continuous stroke.  The a look at the step out:

Rick and Maria posted this video of their pattern MOOKA, inspired by the art of Alphonse Maria Mucha (pronounced MOOKA).  Watch it and enjoy!  The possibilities with MOOKA, you will see, are limitless. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-d2UdXAD7k

I love the organic nature of this tangle and tend to use it as Rick does.  Here's a picture of a piece of art I recently created for my new "Zen Gems, and Tangles ... Oh Boy" class.  Notice how I used MOOKA (it's between the gold and turquoise gem).  Instead of turning inward, my two pods turn away from each other,  And, I've filled the middle with different tangles and topped it off with Fescu.

My warmest wishes for a safe and wonderful holiday season.  May the new year bring you and yours good health, an abundance of joy, and all your heart desires.  

Happy tangling 😍

Audrey