Maria writes:
The other day, Rick and I were on our porch, enjoying talking with a friend. Of course, we ended up talking Zentangle. This gentleman was telling us about how his Zentangle practice was progressing. He was proud of what he had accomplished so far, and rightly so. We got on the subject of how forgiving Zentangle art is, always giving us opportunities to create beyond what we had expected was possible that day.
The Zentangle "no mistakes" philosophy is a gift that keeps on giving. We all can make so-called "mistakes" in our art (and in the art of life). As tanglers, we know enough to either put a tile aside for a while, or face it head on, figuring that there is always something (new?) we can do to make our creation sing . . . and perhaps sing even more beautifully than if that so-called "mistake" had not occured.
Speaking of which, Have you tried a bronx spear?
I find this new(ish) tangleation of bronx cheer to be highly adaptive to many situations that call for "Creativity (Wo) Man" to put in an appearance. Its elegantly elongated shape covers almost any faux pas that we might run into on any given day. I cannot believe Mother Nature has not followed my lead here and created bronx spears for us all to enjoy. Seems like such a duh!
Black raspberry on a stick. mmmmmmmm.
Well, perhaps we should just try them out in black and white, on a tile, when the opportunity presents itself. But, wait! Why wait? you can always enhance your practice by practicing this tangle before the emergency is in front of you. Just start a tile and when you get to a pause in the rhythm of your tangling, throw a (bronx) spear at it. It's as easy as that. You just might end up throwing spears willy-nilly all over the place.
But seriously, folks, in my excitement about bronx spears, I got myself off topic.
What I really wanted to tell you was that in that conversation with our friend about how Zentangle is forgiving, we realized that it is also . . . for giving.
"'Tis the season!" . . .right?
If you can part with your precious tiles, they do make amazing gifts just in and of themselves. A simple tile: no frame, no froufrou. The simple act of giving of yourself.
Try it.
It's a beautiful thing.
M
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Thank you to everyone who shared your favorite 12 Days of Zentangle memory on our last blog. We have randomly selected Pam Hartz Muller to receive a Zentangle Project Pack No. 16. Pam, please send your snail mail address to julie@zentangle.com
Naomi Frenkel on
Tania on
Suchitra Komandur on
Mary Ellen Ziegler Czt33 on
I have been “gifting” my Zentangles to family and friends since I discovered the “gift of Zentangle” in 2018! I love my tangles, and enjoy sharing them with those I love…
Jessica Dykes on
Forgot to say I am CZT14
Mindy Shapiro on
Just last week I mage my husband a Zentangle card for his 60th birthday and having just learned quilling, decorated around the tangles with quills. I make all of his cards.
Mindy Shapiro on
I probably make 98% of all cards that I give my friends and family. I tangle on the front of the tile, write my greeting on the back, punch a hole in one of the corners, and tie a short ribbon or twine through it. I started doing that several years ago when I noticed my friends were keeping out the tiles I had given them. So now they can hang them from door knobs, or Christmas trees, or whatever suits their fancy.
Ruth Osborn CZT36 on
Lisa Hoesing on
Rarely is someone disappointed to receive a piece of artwork, especially knowing it was created by the presenter. I have included a framed tile as a Christmas gift to a young relative that I rarely see. I believe she will realize how much she means to me when it is unwrapped. To the entire Zentangle family, may you be blessed now and in the future with love, peace and kindness. Merry Christmas.
LaJuania D CZT36 on
Rarely is someone disappointed to receive a piece of artwork, especially knowing it was created by the presenter. I have included a framed tile as a Christmas gift to a young relative that I rarely see. I believe she will realize how much she means to me when it is unwrapped.
LaJuania D on
I rarely buy a finished card these days, preferring to add a tile to a blank note card and personalizing it all I can. Do I worry that my efforts will be misunderstood? There’s a chance of that. But it is a sharing of the joy of creating, and there is no need for forgiveness there! Thank you for all you do!
Ginger White on
Paulette Kirschensteiner on
Karen Wyatt on
A lovely post. Thank you. I find when I don’t think something is a mistake, as when the direction I intended with my pen has veered off, then it isn’t. It’s just a happy coincidence.
Jackie on
Heck, I love all of you and I am so grateful for stumbling onto/into Zentangle. Looking forward to 12 Days of Tangles!
Rosemary Bogan on
Marsha
Marsha Campbell on
Forgiving myself was the most difficult part when I first started tangling! I kept telling myself, “there are NO mistakes—just opportunities!” With continued practice, I realized that I found myself more and more forgiving! The more I forgive myself the BIGGER my heart grows and extends to other aspects of my life! Thank you for adding Zentangling to my world! Happy Holidays!
Zipporah Rosenblatt on
Maria….thank you and your family for your wonderful tangles and projects. I have used Bronx Spears a few times. I received my new Project Pack. Looking forward to 12/11 for a new experience. Have a wonderful holiday. Stay safe. Barbara from NJ
Barbara Middleton on
Maria, thank you so much for all the beautiful tangles. I have used Bronx Spears a few times. I got my Project
Barbara Middleton on
I love this post! And of course I love a Bronx Spear! I’ve included it in my “No Mistakes” Beginner series class! I always discuss the No Mistakes philosophy in all of my classes and I cannot thank you for this gift! Embracing this has changed my life! Gifting tiles is something I’ve always done. It started with someone admiring one of my tiles and I just thought “you should have it!” People are always touched by this simple gift! They are easy to mail too so I often add them to a card or note to someone special. Who doesn’t love the gift of Zentangle®?!?
Brenda Campbell, CZT 29 on