Best Supporting Tangle

Julie writes...

If you have been with us for a while now, you have probably picked up on what some of our favorite tangles are. You may have noticed Maria's love for mooka, Rick's preference for paradox, or maybe you have heard my campaign to rename marasu, marasuju(lie). 

We all have our favorite tangles, our comfort tangles and our challenge tangles, but as we were talking about tangles this month, we realized that we also had our supporting tangles. A supporting tangle is one of those tangles we reach for to add support to our tiles. They help build composition and continuity in our tiles. Sometimes they draw your attention, and sometimes they build up the tangles around them.  

I asked everyone here at ZHQ what they considered to be their best supporting tangle, and the nominations are... 

Rick: My “Best Supporting Tangle” has to be flux. More specifically, my version of flux (haha!). Although flux can be the main event on a tile, it is perfectly comfortable taking on a supporting role for another tangle. Flux can conform to fit any space. It enjoys dynamic shading and highlighting potential. You can tangle it from small to large, creating a subdued texture background or a more prominent presence when you prefer. 

Flux teaches a good lesson, too. Using similar approaches and strokes, it can take on the personality and peculiarities of each individual tangler. Flux is one of my all-time favorites!

Maria: I am honored to nominate my good old friend, tipple, for the prestigious Best Supporting Tangle award. This humble, old-world tangle has stood the test of time and beauty. I can always depend on the simple way it complements a flashy tangle when support is called for. Don’t get me wrong, it can stand on its own when called to perform in that arena. Tipple has never let me down.

Molly: I have two nominations for this category! Shattuck is one that I always lean on to fill and add to spaces that just need a little extra on my tiles. Its delicate, fine lines have just enough curve to nestle in to almost any space. Its graceful back-and-forth leaves the option for shading and leaves you with a graphic, textural effect. 

The other one that I love to use, which offers something very different than shattuck, is striping. Striping is exactly what it sounds like. Thick, bold and dramatic, this tangle gives any tile the extra punch it needs.I like to use curvy stripes to give the work dimension, adding heavy graphite on either side and allowing the center to come forward with highlights. It is playful and festive and dress up any ole tile. 

Martha: The consistent tangle that I find myself leaning on time and again is diva dance, and even more specifically, diva dance rock and roll. As I look back on my piles of tiles, I see good old diva dance rock and roll popping up quite often. It has incredible versatility and many shapes it can take and form. It supports and surrounds your tangles and adds drama and surprise wherever it lands. You’ll find diva dance lurking in the background on many of my tiles, just waiting for its next opportunity.

Julie: When I think of a supporting tangle, I think of a "best friend" tangle. A tangle that is always there for me, showing up in both big ways and small. A tangle that has been with me since the beginning and keeps coming around (and around) again. For me, that tangle is printemps. A few little printemps can make a great tile even better. 

And.. the winner of Best Supporting Tangle is.... (drum roll, please)...

All of them! 

Every tangler is going to have a different supporting tangle. What is yours? Let us know in the comments!