Diva Challenge #88 - IX

This weeks challenge was to use the new tangle IX. Had wanted to post something sooner but two things interfered. One was that most of the week I was at the CZT training. The other is that even though this appears to be a simple tangle, I did struggle with it. This is actually my second attempt. The first I got lost in the auras.  Also difficult to keep the lines straight and the spaces consistent. Not sure I accomplished either one, but still as with many tangles the outcome can still be okay. And as the Diva mentioned, it is about the process.

The other 2 tangles that I used were Indy-rella and Tipple. 

10th CZT Training

Well it is now official. I completed the CZT training this week.  Here is the certificate to prove it.

It was an enjoyable experience. Am looking forward to keeping in touch with a couple of folks that I met and also continuing with the whole experience. Have included a few pictures. I am sure that more will be posted on zentangle.com. Am looking forward to having more time to explore their book.

This was one of the more interesting name tag tangles.

Here are some examples of some of the other name tags. They were as unique as the individuals that made them.

The pictures below are some of the examples of tangles that people created based on patterns that they had seen.

Zendala Dare #24

This is my first attempt at a Zendala. Know that it is a late submission, but was busy at the CZT training most of the week. Was not able to finish this until today. Hope to do more in the future.

Most of these are common tangles. Used Flux, Paradox, Fescu, Hybrid, and the one in the corner is my own creation that I named Fearcles. Have not posted any directions for it yet. Still new at this blog thing. Will try to get that done in the next couple of days.

CZT Training

"All my bags are packed. I'm ready to go. I'm standing here........ Cause I'm leaving on a jet plane..."

Well some of that is true. My bags are almost packed. I am leaving on a jet plane, but not until tomorrow morning. Heading out to attend the CZT Training in Providence RI. Looking forward to it but will by-pass the challenge on Monday.  Have not tried the Zendala challenge. May look at that after I get back. 

As an update, did find out that it was the heat sealing the ink that made the difference. Used a 6"square quarry tile from Menard's. Again used the Micron 01 pen. Tried the Valspar flat sealer again and it worked well. Like it a little better as the finish is not as glossy as the Rust-oleum matte finish.

The picture did not come out real good. The flash left a glare and could not slow things down enough to get good lighting. The tile is almost a red clay. Used only 3 tangles. Auraknot, Zander, and Scroll Feathers. I like the last one a lot. Gets easier to do the more you do it. Will probably put cork on the bottom and this will make a nice trivet. The quarry tiles only come in two colors. This and a gray. May try some color on the gray one.

If you are interested, directions for Scroll Feathers can be viewed at:  http://alittlelime.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/coneflowers-feather-pattern.html . It was a tougher one to learn but as I said above, the more I did it the more I liked it. Also is a good pattern for ZIA's like this.

Downhill MTB - Monterrate

This is not my idea of a "fun ride" on a bicycle. I have to admit that I do enjoy watching someone else do it though. Could not download the video, but here is the youtube sight to view. If you like Mountain biking will love it.




http://youtu.be/usJcBT4uu6o

Retirees from Bowling Green, OH Bicycle tour

I subscribe to Adventure Cycling newsletter. A story recently appeared in one of  there posts about 2 men from Bowling Green OH who participated in a 3 month tour across the country. I admire these guys for doing this. Wish I had the time and someone that was willing to tackle even a shorter trip with me. I can only imagine the wildlife and vistas that they were able to see and enjoy. I was interested in this as I grew up in the  Toledo area. What would be nice would be to see pictures that these men or people from there group took along the way.

Here is at least a link to access the Newspaper article in the Toledo Blade. http://bit.ly/RlEi5N

Diva Challenge #87

Have been doing tangles for about 2 years but new to the area of blogs and participating in the challenges. This is my first attempt. Here are my Pinwheels.

Sealing a ceramic tile

Have been working with ceramic tile and trying to seal the ink. What had been occurring was that even though it was suppose to be a clear finish, it looked more opaque. After talking with my daughter, who suggested I bake it, I did and then used the spray sealer. Only did it for about 5 minutes at between 400-425° The result was the best I have had so far. Not sure what tiles or sealers this will work with  but am pleased with the results. Think it will make a good coaster.

4" x 4" Agora Noce tile. Used 01 micron pen. 3 light coats of Rust-oleum Painter's Touch spray, matte clear finish. 

Overview

This blog is a new experience for me and somewhat motivated by attending the training to obtain my CZT in September 2012. As the title implies this blog  will not just be about Zentangle® but also other activities that are a part of my life like cycling, and needle crafts. They are also activities that I hope to have more time to enjoy as I reduce my work schedule. What ever your interest, I hope that you find something to excite you, or maybe even challenge you to strike out on similar or your own unique activities.