Zentangles

Not sure if any of you have heard of these, but I came across them yesterday during a trek through Google. Don't even remember what I had googled first, but somehow I landed on a Web site all about zentangles. Since I've been a doodler from way back (my college notebooks were 2/3 notes and 1/3 doodles), I was fascinated by this art form. At least, I think it is an artform.

Here is what zentangle.com says about zentangles with some samples following:

Our Zentangle method is a way of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns. It is fun and relaxing. Almost anyone can use it to create beautiful images. It increases focus and creativity, provides artistic satisfaction along with an increased sense of personal well being. The Zentangle method is enjoyed all over this world across a wide range of skills, interests and ages.
We believe that life is an art form and that our Zentangle method is an elegant metaphor for deliberate artistry in life.

 

Of course, from this site, I went to amazon.com to see if there were any books on the subject. And, to my delight there were several. Here's what I got:

Sad to say, I'm a bookaholic. I guess that's not the worst thing. Enjoy the zentange Web site!

A Frosty Morning

It was early, and still quite quiet in the neighborhood, when I went outside to take some pictures of a frosty morning. I love when frost settles in on the plants in the gardens and everything glistens. I think that is when the word "glisten" really applies. So, this is a peek at my corner of the world.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

A happy Thanksgiving one and all! Enjoy your family and friends and all that yummy food! Looking forward to that sausage stuffing!!!!

Great rug hooking book

I recently purchased A Lifetime of Rug-Hooking, a book about the rugs of Doris Eaton of Nova Scotia. I bought it through amazon.com and wasn't sure what to expect as there was only a cover photo. But the cover photo alone made me want to see more, so I purchased the book. It is an amazing collection of an amazing artist.

At first I thought that Doris Eaton was just like any of us, an ordinary rug hooker. Not so. She is a trained artist, having attended the Massachusetts School of Art. These rugs are anything but ordinary. Each rug is pictured in color along with a description of the rug. What I really like about her rugs, besides the unique nature of them, is that they are different in the sense that they are not just primitive, or not just fine art florals. They are truly unique. She doesn't seem to be afraid to tackle any kind of design.

The introduction is written by Deanne Fitpatrick, who has a way with words and is always worth reading.

Tell your significant other to get you this for Christmas!

Fun with pancake dyeing!

I did these pieces a few weeks ago just for fun. Wound up using some of it in my current rug. Here is the formula (all ProChem, except the aqua):

Cup #1:  1/2 Aqua (Cushing)
Cup #2:   1/8 399 + 1/32 370
Cup #3   1/4 813
Cup #4:   1/2 124 + 1/32 106

I have a large rectangular pan that takes an eighth yard piece of wool, so I cut up several pieces using pinks, pink plaids, yellow, natural, goldenrod, light blue, and soaked them in synthrapol. I added a bit of water to the pan—not much as I knew I'd be added approximately four cups of dye. You can always add more water as needed after applying the dye.

I put each piece in one at a time, adding the dyes consecutively across the width of the wool. Each color took up approximately 1/4 of the wool. I used this method each time I added a new piece of wool. I wound up adding six layers, and repeated the process in another pan I had. By the time, I finished the dye was used up. I did add additional water, but not enough to cause the dyes to blend too much. After ten minutes or so I added vinegar to each pan. Simmered the wool for around 40 minutes. Here are the results:

I think if I did this formula again, I'd rethink the aqua. It was overpowered by the other colors, so didn't make a huge impact.

Did You Vote?

Got the latest Celebration of Hand-Hooked Rugs XXI books recently. A beautiful selection of rugs. Voting takes place in three categories: Original Rug, Commerical Rug, and Adaptations.

The rugs are all so beautiful. I like that each rug features a photo of the whole rug and then a close-up detail.
Here are a few pics from the book.

At left Free Spirits hooked by Mary Beth Westcott.







At right: Jungle Cat hooked by Cathy Sears.

 Below: Mae Morris hooked by Chizuko Hayami (left) and Peace hooked by Grace Collette (right).

These are a few photos I got from amazon.com's Web site. They are not necessarily the rugs I voted for, but a nice sampling. Here is the link to the book.



   

And don't forget to vote for real on Tuesday!