Julie writes...
As we were preparing for a month-long celebration of Zendala tiles, I found myself reaching for more and more to tangle on. Almost every single time that I put pen to paper, a blossoming tangle came out of my pen.
What is a blossoming tangle? These tangles tend to radiate out from a center point and plant themselves like an island or a blossom on a tile. They build upon themselves either inwardly or outwardly and present as a concentrated form. They tend not to rely on string lines to hold them together. They are often bold and thrive as monotangles because they usually like to take center stage. This makes them perfect for Zendala tiles. The larger, round shape allows these tangles to grow uninhibited and free.
When I think about blossoming tangles, I think about what a beautiful metaphor they are for our creativity, especially for those of us who previously felt we were not artists. Given the right space and the right opportunity, we can find our inner artist and we, too, can blossom and thrive.
Great examples of blossoming tangles include: ellish, marasu, fengle, drawings, aquafleur, wyfore, spoken, rumpus, and many more...
If you are following along with the Zentangle Journal Project, this month's prompt is all about blossoming tangles.
Open up to a blank spread in your Zentangle Journal (I am using my Zentangle Shades Journal!) and, if you want, trace a Zendala tile on the page. Inside the Zendala space, choose your favorite blossoming tangle and let it take center stage.
As we head into the end of the year, take a moment to reflect on all of the ways that you have blossomed this year, both on and off the tile. Share these thoughts on your page around your tile.
Looking for more Zendala tangling inspiration?
Julie! I love your Aquafleur. It’s a tangle I don’t teach or use often enough. Thanks for the inspiration.
Ann Baum on