Today I am working on a Christmas gift for my grand niece and nephew. On a recent visit to Spokane, I purchased this wonderful book, Zentangle 4 by Suzanne McNeil.
I was intrigued by this art form, and liked the idea that I could bring it with me anywhere and required only a handful of supplies to achieve some impressive results...
What I didn't expect was how relaxing the process can be. I started "zentangling" that night, during a family gathering, since every other adult was watching the UFC, and as I drew, my tiny grandniece and grandnephew were slowly drawn-in. They were fascinated watching me, and called out for different shapes to start a pattern, the dragonfly above was one of their suggestions. Now these little ones are only 3 and 5 years old, yet they sat quietly for over an hour watching me draw! I guess that is the "zen" in zentangling...
After I finished my first tangle, they begged for another. At this point, I borrowed their grandpas office and printed copies for each of them. Then, as I was drawing, they sat next to me with colored pencils, coloring in their own tangles. For a total of three hours, we were pleasantly occupied, without a squabble, or whine at all. I drew my brand new sharpie pen dry!
So I am now creating a series of tangles, with the plan to bind copies into a coloring book for each of them. I really think they will enjoy the books, and I will feel better about giving them something handmade and heart felt, rather than another plastic toy to be lost in a host of other plastic toys...
As a special gift for their mother, my niece, I traced out each of their hands onto a piece of water color paper, and am creating a tangle out of each one, this is the first. I think these will make a beautiful keepsake, when matted and framed.
I have heard this art form referred to as both Zentangle, and Zendoodle
I was intrigued by this art form, and liked the idea that I could bring it with me anywhere and required only a handful of supplies to achieve some impressive results...
After I finished my first tangle, they begged for another. At this point, I borrowed their grandpas office and printed copies for each of them. Then, as I was drawing, they sat next to me with colored pencils, coloring in their own tangles. For a total of three hours, we were pleasantly occupied, without a squabble, or whine at all. I drew my brand new sharpie pen dry!
So I am now creating a series of tangles, with the plan to bind copies into a coloring book for each of them. I really think they will enjoy the books, and I will feel better about giving them something handmade and heart felt, rather than another plastic toy to be lost in a host of other plastic toys...
I have heard this art form referred to as both Zentangle, and Zendoodle
Find more information on Zentangle at; http://www.zentangle.com/
What a great idea, Sally! Sounds like it was a hit with the kids, and mom will LOVE the hands!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful idea with the colourbook and the hands! A perfect gift.
ReplyDeleteVery cool! I think I may have to try to zentangle in front of my kids sometime and try to lull them into a calm state. A rare place for toddlers to be.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Love the coloring book idea. Maybe I need to start Zentangling, too!
ReplyDeleteKeeping them occupied for three hours is like magic! Your idea of tangle coloring books for them is such a great idea, and I'm sure their mom will thank you, too :)
ReplyDeleteSally - this is so fun! Hmmm, I think I need to start to do this during some of the boring meetings I have to attend for my day job. I love what you've created and tracing each the kids hands is such a lovely idea.
ReplyDeleteVery creative Zen Tangles ~perfect for AEDM ~ namaste, Carol (A Creative Harbor)
ReplyDeleteThat dragon fly is really really lovely and nice that it was a family activity!!!
ReplyDeleteI just recently started Zentangling and I'm enjoying it. I too find it very relaxing. I don't like doing it on the little cards. I'm going to start doing it in a bigger sketch book. I love your dragonfly!
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