Category Archives: My Blogging Journey

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! 😉

Apr4

ZENTANGLE EXHIBIT

Posted on April 4, 2016 by emeraldcitytangles

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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 🙂

Oct7

My Apologies…

Posted on October 7, 2015 by emeraldcitytangles

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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

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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

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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

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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 😉