Zentangling on Thursday's Dream Schemes/Hoppy Easter

Sketch Challenge by Lee Kellogg

A week ago I was an exhibitor at the National Art Materials Trade Show in Phoenix. This show was open to retailers that were members of their trade organization, mostly art materials stores. I was joined by design team member Lee Kellogg, who did today's sketch challenge and by Pam Hornschu another DT member. When time would permit and we had the opportunity, we walked the show floor to see what was being created. During my excursions I met Suzanne McNeill-Sparks, the owner of Design Originals, and watched as she and Cindy Shepard showed people some of their wonderful publications for the arts and crafts industry. Some of their latest  books are about the art of Zentangle. Suzanne explained to me that this unique craft is all about using fine tipped ink pens to create small patterns...it was originally called "Zen" tangle because of how relaxing it was to the originator of the technique, Maria Thomas. Although this is not a new technique it was new to me and while watching them create I was inspired to see what they could do with our stencils. I am grateful they had time to show me. The first card uses the bunny stencil (LM 2008). Suzanne outlined the stencil with a very fine tipped black ink Micron pen from Sakura, then she started filling it in with her various patterns. She handed it to me and gave me permission to share it with you in the form of this card for our weekly challenge. A special thanks to my husband, Wayne, for Zentangling the rolling hills under the bunny, he also added the "hoppy Easter" sentiment using our stencil (LM291), in honor of this week's holiday...hop yours is peacefully zen.

By Cindy Shepard from Design Originals

    Then later at the same show Cindy Shepard "tangled" the rooster stencil (LG732) in the same manner. She traced the design onto paper to create the rooster's image by using her finest tipped Micron pen from Sakura, after removing the stencil she drew her detailed patterns into each section of his feathers etc. I love how she positioned him just off the paper too. 

Be sure to see what the team has created this week, you may even see some more Zentangles! Follow the team's names on the sidebar at the right and be sure to comment if you're inspired...they love your encouragement. Hopefully you will get the chance to use Lee Kellogg's sketch this week and play along with us. You don't have to Zentangle, but if you get the opportunity learn more about this fun craft by taking a side trip to www.d-originals.com and find out what books Suzanne has to tempt you with, like this book from her site:

One of the many books from www.d-originals.com