Jan27

One More Go Around the Sun…

Posted on January 27, 2021 by emeraldcitytangles

Thank you to 7 Forests 5 River Studio for offering this free tutorial you see on the left of this post.

We’re now in 2021, and again, I am behind. You know what they say…if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. So, we’re in a new year and I am finally set up on Zoom and can begin sharing Zentangle again. A lot has happened since my last post in June. I actually ended up selling my house in Wichita and relocated to sunny St. Petersburg in Florida. I have family here (in fact we are all in the same neighborhood so it’s really fun, we can walk to each others’ homes. I have acclimated quickly, but it’s probably because it’s really nice during this time of year. It’s been pretty much 60s and 70s as far as temperature goes, and the bug season is light at the moment. Once it goes above 75 degrees though, I’ll probably hibernate for three-quarters of the year!! I really don’t like the hot weather or the humidity, but the draw of family close by trumps my disagreement of the weather.

Once I sold my home, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was very lucky. It was caught very early (I get my mammograms every year) and so I scheduled the surgery and radiation before I left Wichita. Thank goodness for good friends. I was able to spend time with one of favorite friends and she took good care of me for a couple of months until I was given the go ahead to travel to Florida. Never take for granted your health or your friendships. If there’s someone you haven’t connected with lately, call them, text them, write them a letter or video with them. Especially these days our connections are so important!!

So that brings you up to date on where I am as far as locale. As you know, I’ve wanted to offer classes via Zoom but was probably the laziest person on the planet once Covid hit, tending to binge watch TV and hanging by myself instead of taking the necessary steps to learn the new technology. An interesting concept: I am normally a very social, gregarious person, but I found just doing nothing changed my perspective. Although the move did prove to be time consuming and frustrating at times, I realized that I was in a very fortunate state of body and mind. I had retired, I had no real responsibility as my children are grown and have lives of their own in another state, I have no grandchildren. It has been almost like a sabbatical for me, except, again, I was very lazy! But I will not beat myself over the head for that…apparently for me, I needed to be lazy for a while. But now rest is done.

So onwards and upwards as my new life begins here. I did my first Zoom teaching with my family acting as guinea pigs for me! I had my four cousins and their children and grandchildren meet up with me and we did a beginner class. We had great fun, I received wonderful feedback and I feel fairly comfortable with the technology. At the moment I am using my iPad for projection and that will work until I decide if I need better equipment or not. I have taken a number of classes just for myself, to help me get back in the swing of things and it has appeased my soul. So, having been rejuvenated, I’m ready to share once again. I’ll be posting on my Facebook and group page, along with my Instagram account, and on my personal Facebook page. If you want to be on my email list for updates, contact me at emeraldcitytangles@yahoo.com or PM me your email address.

Happy Tangling from the Sunny Shores of Florida! 😉

Jun29

I’m Still Alive

Posted on June 29, 2020 by emeraldcitytangles

Standard

I find it hard to believe that I haven’t said anything here for about four years. A lot has happened over those four years. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Went back to work full time, so by the time I got home in the evening, I was too tired to do anything else!

Worked for three years and then my mom fell ill. I went on Family Leave to care for her and lost her in October of 2018. That’s when I decided to actually “retire” from the work force.

In January of 2019, I decided to re-boot my other business, so that took my time away from my artwork.

Which brings us to 2020… Yowzers!! What a year!! I put my house up for sale at the beginning of March. Within two weeks’ time, we were going under with COVID and I took it off the market. Not having family here (except for my stepdad), I really had no responsibilities except to make sure he and I remained safe. I did A LOT of binge watching, sitting around, thinking I “should” do something but not really finding the push or drive to do it. So here we are in July now. I’ve taken a few art classes for myself to help me “Prime the Pump”. I’ve learned how to use Zoom and want to start sharing Zentangle classes online.

I put up a new Group on Facebook, so please join it: https://www.facebook.com/groups/591816075072680/

Keep an eye open — I’m working through a program to learn about doing Facebook ads in order to market my classes. I’ll be doing a couple of freebies to get up and running, and I’m sure you’ll want to take advantage of that!

Keep me in your thoughts… Happy Tangling! Bon 😉

Apr4

ZENTANGLE EXHIBIT

Posted on April 4, 2016 by emeraldcitytangles

Standard

Bonnie Henna Drum Painting

I hope you will join myself (Emerald City Tangles) and my dear friend, Diana McCann (The Tangle Goes On) as we share our love of Zentangle with the City of Wichita on Final Friday, April 29, 2016. We will be exhibiting our Zentangle art work at Visit Wichita, 515 S. Main St., Suite 115, Wichita, KS, from 6:00 – 9:00 pm, Friday, April 29, 2016. There will be demonstrations, artwork to admire, artwork for sale, light refreshments, and lots of good times as our friends, family and collectors gather to celebrate with us all that we love about Zentangle!! Don’t miss it! One attendee will be the lucky winner of an original Zentangle art piece. Make sure you when you arrive that you get your ticket for that drawing!

Zentangle

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Jan12

Scissor Cutting – Scherenschnitte

Posted on January 12, 2016 by emeraldcitytangles

Standard

Just a quick note to let you know that a guest instructor will be sharing at Emerald City Tangles Studio this month for the next 10 WEEKS!!

Wilfried Fathi, a local artist with a master of fine arts from Wichita State University, is willing to share his knowledge of paper cutting with a small group of us (Scherenschnitte – it means scissor cuts in German). Many of you may never have heard of the word before but you certainly know what it is once you see it. Remember the snowflakes you used to cut out as a child? That’s a simplified version of it. The art of paper cutting is centuries old, and can be found in most cultures and countries around the world.

We can only accommodate six students for this program so it will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Once the class fills, a wait list will be started.

This class will be held for 10 weeks on Friday mornings from 10 am – noon, beginning January 29, 2016 through April 1, 2016.

A supply list will be forwarded one week prior to the start of the program.

For additional information and registration, follow this link

Here’s are a couple of pieces from my favorite artists 🙂 If you’d like a copy of the newsletter that features more work from these artists and others, just shoot me an email with “Newsletter” in the subject line and I’ll get it out to you.

Maude White, Buffalo, NY

Angie Pickman, Lawrence, KS

Jan6

2016 – A Year of Change

Posted on January 6, 2016 by emeraldcitytangles

Standard

2016
freedigitalphotos.net

Wow! The New Year has begun!! Are you looking forward to becoming more creative this year? I know I am! Even the “teacher” needs to be re-juiced and so my plan is to take a couple of courses myself to learn some new things that I can pass along to inspire you this year! Let’s use the energy that comes our way to fuel our excitement and creative juices!

Innovation – freedigitalphotos.net

A fellow CZT found this cute little test that will help you come up with a word for 2016 if you need a jump start for some inspiration. Perhaps that word could be used in some way for fanning the creativity you desire for this year. When I took it, the word that popped up was “Innovation“. That’s interesting for me, because I don’t necessarily consider myself to be innovative or introducing something new or different. It’s been said that there’s nothing new under the sun, but when I scroll through Pinterest or Facebook, or look at the special groups I’m a part of and see the beautiful creations produced by many amazing artists, it sure seems like there’s something new being done all the time! Wouldn’t it be fun to come up with something innovative?? Something that everyone else just falls in love with and wants to do/copy/share? I’m going to work and massage that word a bit this year and see what comes of it. Feel free to share with me what word you come up with and what it might mean to you.

Zendala

We all need a little renewal to build up our own creativity. So, because I need to renew myself, I’ve decided not to teach a Beginner Zentangle class each month as I have done in the past. However…not to be dismayed! I have contracted with WSU’s community education program to teach a special two-part program – The Joy of Zentangle: Beginner, and Zentangle: Intermediate. Each part will consist of a two-week session. The Joy of Zentangle: Beginner will include the beginner class, obviously, and then cover strings, embellishments, enhancements and shading. Zentangle: Intermediate will consist of Zendalas and Lettering. If you have never taken a Beginning Zentangle class, start with that and take both programs. If you have taken a Beginner Zentangle program from myself or another CZT, you might want to consider just taking the intermediate session. You’ll need to contact WSU directly, so click here. These will be held in March 2016.

Flower Power

I’ll also be doing a Painting Made Easy class with WSU. This is open to anyone 15 years and older. You’ll learn a little bit about mixing colors and you’ll have a choice of one of three paintings to create. This two-hour fun paint class will be held in March 2016 and you’ll need to contact WSU directly.

Card – Valentine Gatefold

On the lighter side of things, I’ll be at the Carriage Factory Gallery in Newton, KS, on Saturday, January 16, 2016 from 10 am – noon to share a Zentangle Valentine’s Day Card making workshop. To add to the fun, if you can stay after the class, I’ll be demonstrating how easy it is to create fun gifts on repurposed ceramics and glassware. Bring along a plate, mug or wine glass and I’ll let you try out my pens after the demonstration! You can sign up here or contact the Carriage Factory Gallery directly.

So, there you have it! Here’s to a great 2016!!

Happy Tangling, B 🙂

Oct7

My Apologies…

Posted on October 7, 2015 by emeraldcitytangles

Standard

I overlooked thanking Paulette Mattingly for taking so many wonderful pictures of our ZenXpressions art show. Paulette is an amazing photographer! You can view her work at various venues around town. The largest exhibit at the moment is being held at Century II throughout the hall. Take the time to go view it; it will be a real treat for you!

Thank You, Paulette, for being so quick to take on that responsibility! You were a life saver!! B 🙂

Oct4

ZenXpressions Art Show = Success

Posted on October 4, 2015 by emeraldcitytangles

Standard

I think I’ve finally recouperated from the “ZenXpressions: A Showcase of Zentangle Inspired Art”! Whew!! What a crazy time we had. Over 40 pieces were on display and we had a wonderful showing!

Here are the names of our artist winners: First Place – Brenda Smith (Painted Mandala on Canvas); Second Place – Paulette Mattingly (Zendala); Third Place – Tessa Reed (Panda and Bamboo). Unfortunately (my fault), I wasn’t thinking and didn’t take pictures of all of the pieces. I’ve made a note for next year’s show to do that!! In fact, I’m thinking maybe next year a little catalog of the entries might be in order.

The People’s Choice award had over 100+ votes come in and Tessa Reed was the winner!

Two of our artists sold pieces – Congratulations Kae Decker and Diana McCann! How exciting!!

And we sold enough of the handmade ornaments and bookmarks to be able to donate $100 to AFSP.org (Kansas). As you will recall, a portion of the entry fees and all proceeds from the ornaments/bookmarks would be donated to a local chapter for suicide prevention, which turned out to be quite fitting as September was designated as Suicide Awareness Month.

A special thank you goes to our Sponsors: Tessera Fine Art Gallery, The Avon Shop at Rock & 31st, Dopps Chiropractic NE, and Patti Doll-artist; and to our Judge, Ann Hathaway – CZT.

And, I couldn’t have done all of this without my wonderful team of volunteers!! You are all so very much appreciated!! Thanks for the good eats!!

Set your calendars for September 2016! Happy Tangling! Bonnie 🙂

Sep23

Whole Lotta Stuff Goin’ On!

Posted on September 23, 2015 by emeraldcitytangles

Standard

There’s plenty a’happenin’ at Emerald City Tangles these days!

Senior Expo, Thursday 09/24/15, 9:00 – 3:00 pm, Wichita Art Museum

ZenXpressions: A Showcase of Zentangle Inspired Art, Friday 09/25/15, 6:00 – 9:00 pm

Winter Wonderland Card Making at Botanica, Thursday, 11/05/15, 6:00 – 8:30 pm

Beginner Zentangle Class, Saturday, 11/14/15, 1:00 – 3:00/3:30 pm

That will be it for 2015! Watch this space for more to come in 2016!

Happy Tangling! B

Aug31

CALLING ALL TANGLERS!!

Posted on August 31, 2015 by emeraldcitytangles

Standard

Just want to remind you that our tangled art show, ZenXpressions: A Showcase of Zentangle Inspired Art, is only a few weeks away! If you have not yet submitted your application, please download it now and get it in! Athough the $10 entry fee still applies, I am waiving the additional fee for late submissions because I want to have the place packed.

We have a number of pieces that will be shown, but I could use more!! Don’t worry if you think it’s not perfect…that’s the whole point. Many people still don’t know what Zentangle is all about and they won’t look at your work with the critical eye you give it. So, help me out here! You can bring your entry form and pieces to me or to the gallery directly.

CLICK HERE FOR ALL DETAILS!

PS: If you are interested in volunteering and helping out, I’d be happy to share with you what I need help with!

Happy Tangling, B 🙂

Aug13

Update…

Posted on August 13, 2015 by emeraldcitytangles

Standard

It’s been almost a month since my last post and, as usual, much has been happening…

I had an opportunity to paint with a student recently that had never painted on canvas before. Mind you, she is a creative type, but I was just blown away by the piece she completed with my instruction. Here are a couple of pictures…

: Diana Painting

: Diana Painting Mandala

: Diana’s Mandala

Beginning Zentangle classes are still ongoing. Here are some pictures of my most recent classes.

: Zentangle Class

: Zentangle Home Party

: Zentangle Home Party

The next Viva Art & Vino painting class at Three Pea Consignment is scheduled for August 20. We’ll be painting Whoo Whoo The Owl. You can register here if you are interested in attending that event. Bring a bottle of wine and bring a friend to share in this special painting time with you!

: Whoo Whoo The Owl

: Kudos to Kandinsky

: Socks & Kandinsky

The Annual Chalk Festival was held at the beginning of August and we had great weather and fun! If you scroll down through the comments in the link, you’ll see that Ralph Joest, Mutual of America, picked up my house chalk painting. This was my first time participating as an artist. I’d love to do again next year and have more of you join us. It’s for a good cause and it’s wonderful to see all the art that is created. Plus there’s YOB (frozen yogurt) right in the square and makes for a great treat after a long, hot day!

: Diana – Chalk Festival 2015

: Bonnie – Chalk Festival 2015

: Zentangle Chalk Festival 2015

The Wichita Tanglers have been very busy working on Christmas ornaments that will be sold at the ZenXpressions Art Show at the end of September. The money we collect will be given to a local charity. If you haven’t submitted your application for the show, please get cracking! It’s less than two months away! Don’t worry if you don’t know what you will be entering, just complete the application to the best of your ability and get your payment in to hold your spot. Titles of the pieces can be provided later, and the artwork itself isn’t due until closer to the show. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call me. You can download the application instructions here, and the application for entry here.

: Zentangle Ornaments

: Zentangle Ornaments

: Completed Ornaments

Vision Quest

Those of you who are interested in exploring your creative side on a greater scale might consider participating in Vision Quest. If you want to create change, to invest in what you know is POSSIBLE for you, and to open up and expand the way you feel about your life, Vision Quest starts September 11. As your Creatively Fit Coach, I’ll be working right along side of you, to hold you accountable, tailor the experience to your needs and love you through the process. Everything you need to know can be found here.

Botanica has requested that I return again, this time to share creating Zentangle Christmas Cards (a couple of examples are shown). The event will be held November 5th if you are interested, and is for anyone – beginners and advanced alike (21 years and older, please, as you are able to bring wine with you). Botanica has not yet posted the link for this workshop…it should appear on their events calendar soon.