Zentangle Patterns

A short while back I mentioned about creating some off-the-cuff patterns and then whilst looking for something completely different on YouTube I found ZENTANGLES!!

Now, to start with I thought oh yes, I doodle when I am on the phone, in a boring meeting etc so what is so great about this?

Well, it is portable, addictive and fun!! The above is one of my first attempts using cartridge paper and a black sharpie pen.  I widened each of the outside loops which seemed to bring out each of the layers even more.

This is a pattern which is linked to a project which I am doing at school.  Year 7 are making a hand stitched mini wall hanging based on one of the four elements.  I used water to do my example and I got the vote of approval today.  I like to show that i can do the work as well as set it.

I shall show you some of their work next week once I have photographed it and marked it.

I have been watching keenly the work over at Crafty Panda who has produced some of the most fantastic patterns ever!!  Do go over and have a good look at her current post but also several over the past weeks.  Your jaw will drop!  They are sooo cleverly done, very well drawn indeed.  Do take a look at Youtube as well, there are loads of clips which you can watch and pause to try the ideas yourself.

I did have a go at adding some watercolour paints but I am not so sure on this.  I think that the colours need to be much bolder, but I shall try some more ideas and see where it leads me.

xx