Diva's Challenge #51

I have been out of action for a while but am happy to be back. This weeks challenge is to use the new Tangle FIFE. I actually enjoyed this challenge and can see using this tangle often. Below is my first tile. It took a while to loosen up but I was happy with the resulting Zentangle.

Then this next tile developed and I am very pleased with the result. I really like the effect I achieved using the Nzeppel background with the Fife tangle.

Hope you enjoy them.

Although I have not been up to date with my blog I have been doing the challenges so hope to get a slide show organised of those I have done between my last challenge No # 38 and this one.

Challenge #38 "Better than a Pair of Ducks"

This weeks Challenge was suggested by Maria Thomas and is a monotangle using the tangle Paradox.

A monotangle is explained as : " A Zentangle or Zentangle Inspired Art (ZIA) using only one singular tangle for the design; the tangle may be used in it's "pure" form or in tangleations."

Paradox is one of my favourite tangles so I have really enjoyed this challenge. I have also done quite a few tiles playing around with different strings, geometric and organic I have selected two for the challenge but have include the others I have done on my Tangle page.

The first one is based on the square within a square quilt. block.  Here I did the central square area first starting in one direction then changing direction to alter the central area. Finally I did paradox in the outer area but working it behind the central block. I like the result although it is quite simple in appearance.

The second tile I selected used an organic string, here I just made a fluid string then used Paradox to fill these organic shapes. Some shapes have only two sides and these are a little challenging but I did like the result. More of my attempts can be viewed on my Tingi Tangles page here.

Challenge #37

This wek's Challenge is delightfully titled "Kiss my Grids" . We have been challenged to use grid based tangles to complete the challenge. I followed "The Diva's " example of creating a sting then overlaying a grid on which the tangles would be conststructed.
Although I prefer the more organic tangles, I did enjoy doing this challenge. Here are the two tiles I did, I am reasonably happy wiht the results...happy enough to post them.

The first

and then the next......

Challenge #36 New Tangle Assunta

Since I  missed the cut off time last week to get my challenges linked I decided I needed to be better prepared this week to be able to join in and have slotted time in to do my tiles.
The challenge for this week is to use a new tangle called Assunta. It was introduced in the latest Zentangle newsletter where Rick gave a great insight into how it developed and some tips on mastering it, these I did find useful.
I was looking forward to working with it and must say that it did take a bit to get comfortable with it but  once I was underway I did enjoy it . So here are my responses and possible tanglelations for the Assunta tangle.

Diva's Challenge #35

This weeks challenge is  "Tile on a Tile" organised by the Enthusiastic Artist.
We had to draw our border further in on our tile then allow our string to go beyond the internal border to the outer edges of the tile.
Mine is a little late and I'm not sure it will make the deadline but I'd like to share what I did anyhow.
You needed to think about your tangle selection which could help to emphasise the internal frame.

This one I started with paradox and really enjoyed it so used it solely in the inner tile.

 I did two Zentangles on tiles above and another  larger piece below.

 All in all I did enjoy this challenge and look forward to the next... hopefully this time I will be able to post it earlier.

Diva's Challenge #34

This week's challenge is "Opposites Attract". If we use a curved string then we are challenged to complete the Zentangle with angular or grid tangles but if we use a straight line string we are to use only the curved, orb or the softer tangles. Initially I thought this would be easy but as I started my first tile I got absorbed only to realise that I had used a grid based tangle in my straight lined string......oh well ... so I finished it and started over..
The next time I was concentrating on which tangle I was about to use as the tile progressed. Generally I let the tile dictate which tangle I use but this time I had to stop and ask did the tangle fit in this challenge...if not look for one that did .

I have now finished two tiles; a curved and straight line strings.  I must admit that this challenge prompted me to look at and use some tangles that I hadn't tried as yet, which is always good when you are only a beginner. I am happy with my finished tiles...I hope you enjoy them too.

The curved string

and the straight line string 

Challenge #33

Well we have been given the new Pendrills tangle from the latest newsletter to inspire our Zentangles for this week's challenge.
I really enjoyed working with it and can see it becoming a favourite.

This was my first Zentangle using Pendrills

Then this is what happened with my next one.  A slight adjustment but I like what happened.

I am looking forward to using the Pendrills Tangle again real soon and to whatever awaits in next weeks challenge....

Challenge #32

As I am relatively new to Zentangle®,  this is my first time at participating in these challenges. I really enjoyed using the tangles some I hadn't used before.
The challenge  was to use  any string you like with only 4 tangles: Baton, Keenees, Pais and Zedbra.

   My First Tile

And then another.

Nearly One Month Down

Now that we are nearly at the end of the first month of this year I am happy to say that I have STARTED completing or passing on some of the UFO's I found and was determined to deal with this year. 
I decided that it was necessary to be ruthless and I needed to be truthful with myself when trying to sort out what was to be done with each of these projects. Not always easy, but very necessary.

So with a deep breath I plunged in. I started by sorting those that I would NOT for what ever reason complete and made the decision whether they would be best deconstructed (fabric / fibre was wanted)  or passed on. I am very pleased that I have been able to pass onto friends or groups some of these projects and that they are happy to complete or reinvent them. I now have a very small number that are being deconstructed. I do this when I need a break and am happy to do something that needs less concentration.

My next step was to sort those items that require only a small amount to finish, these I am now in the process of completing.

It is a bit embarassing when you realise the extent of your UFO projects but as I am someone who has many textile interests it is probably NOT THAT surprising. Anyway the way forward is to just keep on working through these so that is what I am doing.
I hope to have some pics to add to my blog very soon. Anyway its back to the UFO's.

To start this Year

I have decided after looking at my cupboards and the number of those unfinished objects that I am going to concentrate for the first part of the year to get them finished! Time to bring them all out and get organised!
I read about an UFO art quilt challenge in the Quilting Arts magazine so am contemplating whether this would be worth doing as well.
I have also decided that I will donate those blocks / quilt tops that I cannot finish (for whatever reason)  to a group that makes quilts for raffles and donations to a care facility. It feels good to make this decision, now I need to schedule the time to JUST DO IT!

Its Time

Just turned 48 and have decided its time to start my blog!
I live in a fantastic part of rural Victoria with my family on a small property. We have the usual menagerie of chooks, dogs (more pets than working), run sheep (coloured Corridale, Border and Merino), cattle and used to have a few goats.

As far back as I can remember I have had a love of textiles, and I still get excited and inspired by them today. I have been a constant crocheter since I was 6 years old and I have dabbled in knitting. I have learnt and still enjoy scrumbling ( freeform  knitting and crochet) and knotting. Over the last couple years I have discovered spinning , felting and more recently woven tapestry.

I have sewn since I was a young teenager making some of my clothes when I felt the need but only begun my journey into quilting back in 2000: I am now enjoying an exploration into art quilts including mixed media pieces.

I hope to share some of my work once I familiarise myself with the workings of the world of blogging.