Category Archives: Creativity

Apr4

ZENTANGLE EXHIBIT

Posted on April 4, 2016 by emeraldcitytangles

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

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Jan12

Scissor Cutting – Scherenschnitte

Posted on January 12, 2016 by emeraldcitytangles

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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

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2016
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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 🙂

Aug31

CALLING ALL TANGLERS!!

Posted on August 31, 2015 by emeraldcitytangles

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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 🙂

Jun24

Success with Viva Art & Vino; A Free Workshop for You; and Soapbox

Posted on June 24, 2015 by emeraldcitytangles

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Viva Art & Vino – June 17, 2015 – Three Pea Consigment

I’m so excited to tell you that the first Viva Art & Vino class at Three Pea Consignment was a success!! Seven students were in attendance and we laughed, had fun, drank wine, and painted…with a lot of paint! At the end of the class we took all the left over paint and put it on a blank canvas that I’ll use in the future for a new painting — so everyone will have a part in that! Maybe I’ll use it for my “Winged Dog”. Of course it looks a bit more like a deer than a dog, but that’s okay…it’s just a sketch.

Artwork, Bonnie, Winged Dog

If you are interested in joining us for the next Viva Art & Vino class, just follow the link 🙂

ZIA Flowers

I also wanted to share one of the things I’m working on, a combination of layer painting and Zentangle. Technically it’s considered a “ZIA or Zentangle Inspired Art” piece. If I get it done before September, I may hang it at the ZenXpressions art show that will be held on Final Friday, September 25, 2015, at the Tessera Fine Art Gallery. Don’t forget, there are only three months to go for you to complete your projects for that show…so get tangling!!

I’m also offering a FREE workshop to kick off the Viva Art & Life series. In it you’ll learn to create your own Dream/Vision Board. YOU MUST REGISTER to attend this workshop as there is a class limit of 25 for it.

Torn Face Collage

I’m also working on “Viva Art & Life Soapbox”, a video series that you can get a free subscription to.

It will be a video email that you’ll receive once a week with an artist’s quote for inspiration and a little thought from me. I’m not exactly sure when that will be ready to go, but I’ll let you know!

Jun14

Viva Art & Life

Posted on June 14, 2015 by emeraldcitytangles

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Flower Power

There has been a lot going on here lately! This Thursday, the first Viva Art & Vino class kicks off at Three Pea Consignment Shop and we’ve got a nice class roster going. I am looking forward to sharing but must admit I’m a little nervous. I’ve been teaching Zentangle classes now for three years and feel quite comfortable with that, but this is a new venture for me. I’ve loved art ever since I was little and now, finally, in my 60’s, I’m DOING IT! Part of my mission is to share this, so that people don’t have to wait that long to tap into their right brain creativity. I’m hoping that younger women will take time for themselves, to cultivate their creativity sooner. Women, especially, are tuned into working, taking care of their families, doing the shopping, laundry, cooking and all that goes along with either having a family or having to provide for themselves that they often don’t take time to nurture the person who they NEED to nuture — themselves. I know because I was one of them. I was so busy DOING for everyone else that I completely lost my identity and my creativity. So, PLEASE, PLEASE, take time to nurture yourself so that you have more to give to those you love.

Okay…off my soapbox 🙂

I wanted to share with you some of the pieces that I’ve been working on recently, I’ve peppered photos throughout this blog entry and they are now in the gallery. A

Torn Face Collage

So along with the Viva Art & Vino classes, I’m working on what I call Viva Art & Life. Working with my coach, Whitney Freya, has been such a wonderful experience. Before I started with her I was what I would call stiff and compelled. By that I mean, I was judgmental of myself and the work I was producing. I felt that to be an artist meant that I had to do perfect work, work that would be able to be sold, because wasn’t that the definition of an artist? Someone who was professional and could sell their work? I also was so crazy about making sure everything was clean and neat! I wasted a lot of paint (and time) because I would constantly be washing my brushes out or throwing things out. But with Whitney’s guidance through her Creatively Fit Coaching Program, I have thrown abandon to the wind (instead of the paint and canvas)…well, not completely, I still like to be somewhat tidy but nothing like I was, obsessed! Now I choose to be nonjudgmental, I choose to mix colors on the SAME paintbrush, I choose to paint over something if I don’t like it (rather than toss it)! My right brain has kicked in and I am learning to accept ME. Such a marvel. I have learned so much about myself in this process. Part of my coaching has been to use a journal for my scribble drawings, paper collages, sketches, etc. These tools have been so useful in my journey. And…. I now Am an ARTIST! Even if it’s just for me, my eyes alone. Even if I can’t sell it (LOL – I’ll give it away to my family for Christmas!). Even if it has to be painted over, because then I’ve learned a valuable lesson.

So, with that said, I’d like to begin sharing some of those tools and concepts with others as well. I will be sharing about the first Viva Art & Life workshop in the next couple of weeks. I am finishing up the syllabus for that workshop as I type. I’ll give you a hint – it will include drawing and painting mandalas. It will teach you how to mix colors, how to create mandalas, how to tap into your right brain creativity which will, in turn, help you to focus MORE on the things you want in your LIFE. You can read about MORE in the May 26, 2015, blog post. Here’s a portion from that blog post…

Stained Glass Window Painting in progress. Notice how I’ve painted over the Flower Power painting!

If you want MORE, where do you go???

When I say MORE, I’m talking about:

MORE MEANING in your life
MORE OPPORTUNITY in your life
MORE REJUVENATION in your life
MORE ENJOYMENT in your life

Won’t you JOIN me in this JOURNEY?? I can’t wait to walk the road with you!

In Gratitude & Appreciation – B 😉

May21

The Times They Are A Changin’ or Living Life on the Fly

Posted on May 21, 2015 by emeraldcitytangles

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Both the titles above are apropos to my life as I’ve been involved in quite a number of things since my last post. So let me start with the fact that there’s been a date change for the “ZenXpressions” showcase (see more below).

I’ve been busy teaching and taking classes and have put up pictures in the gallery for you to look at.

When I returned from my cruise I had scheduled a Zentangle workshop at Botanica. We ended up with 34 students and it was a great learning experience for my and the students. One student in particular came with some of her work (she had started creating about a month prior to the class) and her talent was remarkable! There were lots of talented people in the class but her’s in particular was extraordinary. I encouraged her to look into becoming a Certified Zentangle Teacher.

Apple Collage

As a teacher, I realize that I need to stretch my own abilities past what I already know. Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson was teaching a paper paintings collage workshop in Lincoln, Nebraska, which I took advantage of since it was only four hours from my home. It was three glorious days of making our own printed papers and learning her technique for creating paper paintings. From afar they appear to be impressionistic, but when you get up close and personal you realize that they are made of painted papers. How fun is that? All of the students who were there did a fantastic job…we had people from all walks of life, from fabric artists to surgeons. The night before we left, my roomie and I held a “soiree” (I really like that word, I’m going to start using it instead of party when I have people over…reminiscent of a by-gone era)! Everyone brought something to add to our stash and we had a great time talking art, techniques and learning about each other. My piece is shown to the left. For my first try I was pretty pleased, more so with the background pieces than the apple and foreground. My favorite part of the project was painting the papers; I need more practice on my collage skills.

OF NOTE… there has been a change of date for the “ZenXpressions: A Showcase of Zentangle Inspired Art“. It will now be held Final Friday, September 25, 2015. The only thing that has changed is the date, SO DON’T PANIC!! Those of you who have already registered, I will contact you directly about this. For the rest of you, it gives you time to continue creating your Zentangle inspired art pieces to show.

WHAT I WANT YOU TO UNDERSTAND: This show is not just for those of you who think you are “qualified”. This show is to share Zentangle inspired art with the City of Wichita. Many times the voice in our head tells us that our work isn’t “good enough” or “I’m not as talented as so and so”, or “I don’t have enough of a creative mind to share what I’ve done.” Well, let me tell you, do not to listen to that negative part of your brain!!

JUST DO IT! You would not believe how creating a small sketch, coloring in a coloring book, trying your hand at a painting, scribbling in a notebook, or making something out of twistee ties helps to fuel your creative brain and fuel your life to help you with the choices you make. So start making your Zentangle inspired art pieces, register for the show and begin to find your artist within!!

Click here for all the info you need! Fun, food, drink, and prizes will all be part of the show…so join us and also help us get the word out by inviting to the event (here’s the Facebook invite).

Hula Hannah

In my February 4, 2015, post I mentioned that I am on the Creatively Fit journey with my own artist within. I’m almost finished with my certification and want to share part of that journey with you. In my earlier post my “aha” moment was to “be in the moment” — a revelation to me. I am so enjoying just painting and playing now, and watching as my artist within becomes stronger with each passing day. My perspective on things has changed and my imagination has begun to become a bit more imaginative. I admit I still have a lot to learn. Whitney Freya’s book, “the artist within – A Guide to Becoming Creatively Fit” is a wonderful book, full of insight, storytelling, creative exercises and principles. Going through her program and book has been amazing and I learn something new each day! This year I’ve created more things than I think I’ve done in the last 20 years! Even down to the silly little twistee tie hula lady (one of the exercises – pull out stuff from a junk draw and see what you can make). Actually, I think she’s my favorite. I’ve named her Hula Hannah and she sits in my dining area to remind myself to be silly and see what I can conjure up! Such a simple little thing, but again such a revelation.

Links are included throughout this post if you want to know more, but suffice to say that I can now start sharing this artFULL and colorFULL journey with you!! The first step will be to offer what is commonly called “Paint and Sip” classes. These are painting classes, which I’m calling Viva Art & Vino, that last around two hours or so — you bring your own bottle of wine, a friend or two or three, and have a fun evening of painting, socializing, and embracing your personal creativity. No previous experience necessary!! The second portion of the journey will be Viva Art & Life, for those of you who are interested in exploring and utilizing art as a form of life inquiry, to better understand yourself and others, and find out what it is you really, really want – to be, to do, to have. Again, no previous experience necessary!! The Viva Art & Life series will be session programs, anywhere from a weekend to a series of classes for a certain number of weeks. There will be more on that in my upcoming blog posts.

As of right now the Viva Art & Vino classes will start on June 18, 2015, and will be held at Three Pea Consignment, 4729 E Central, Wichita, KS (Southwest corner of Oliver and Central). Take one or take ’em all. I’ll send out an email and blog post letting you know where you can see what paintings we’ll be doing, what dates they’ll be offered, and additional information. That should occur by the beginning of June. I’m currently working on the website and it should be up shortly.

A portion of the class proceeds will be donated to Circles USA – Wichita, a national nonprofit that is helping to resolve poverty. Special store discounts will also be offered if you find something in the Three Pea you just gotta have!

Mar6

Zentangle Art Show In Wichita!!

Posted on March 6, 2015 by emeraldcitytangles

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Please note that “ZenXpressions: A Showcase of Zentangle Inspired Art” has had a date change. The new Final Friday date will be September 25, 2015. All other information is correct. Thank you for your understanding in this! B.

IT’S HAPPENING!! THE COMMITMENT HAS BEEN MADE!!

On Final Friday, July 31, 2015, in Downtown Wichita, Kansas, at Tessera Fine Art Gallery there WILL BE AN ART SHOW dedicated to all the Zentangle enthusiasts in the Wichita and surrounding area!

Sandy Hunter, CZT

This art show is going to get the word out to the people of Wichita that Zentangle is taking over!! Let’s show them what Zentangle is all about!! My goal is to share the wonderful world we have become involved in and let them know that you don’t even have to know how to draw a straight line to be an artist! We are ALL ARTISTS, with creativity inside of us just waiting to be nurtured and let out.

Think about it…how many of you, when you first came to learn Zentangle said, “I can’t draw”, “I’m not an artist”, “I haven’t done any art since high school”, or…. “I remember loving to create when I was younger, but family and work got in the way and I just didn’t have time”, “I wanted to be creative but I never thought I was good enough”, “It takes too much money to buy materials”, or some other such thing?? But when you sat down and someone shared with you, you found a voice, a wellspring within you, a gleam of light showing you the way, and you realized that, “YES! I can create this wonderful piece of art!” Remember the fun and joy? How we looked at each other’s tiles and were so excited to see how everyone’s was different and unique?

Brenda Lee Shaver, CZT

I am so looking forward to having you participate in this great event.

CLICK HERE to find all the information you’ll need to participate and/or attend the show. SCROLL DOWN the page to download the event entry forms (there are two pages).

I’m counting on you to share with others you know who are Zentangle enthusiasts. Invite friends, family, and coworkers to the show. Share it on Facebook and other social media to help me spread the word. I could always use some volunteers as there is a lot to be done. If everyone can do one little thing, we can get this big thing done!! All my volunteers will get recognition!

LET’S REACH FOR THE STARS!!

Happy Tangling! Bonnie