Getting caught up...

It’s been a long time since I published a new page to my blog, and a lot has happened in the meantime. I’ve gained two marvelous grandsons, recently lost my mother after her long struggle with Alzheimer’s, and retired from my day job in Customer Relations. During this time, I’ve also attended several events that offered me to opportunity to learn new techniques and Zentangle Inspired Art (ZIA) projects from other Certified Zentangle Teachers (CZTs).

I’m looking at 2020 with fresh eyes, and with the hope that teaching and meeting students who would like personalized help along their Zentangle journey will be on the docket for this year! Please contact me directly if you are interested, as I have not yet had time to update my class descriptions or schedules yet. Tangle on!

Get cozy with Zentangle®!

Wow, does time fly! I've been away from my blog for even longer than I realized. But the tangling hasn't stopped, and I'm back with some thoughts on this time of year.

Autumn is a great time to get tangled! Some people find the shortened days a challenge. Less sunlight and outdoor time? Maybe you could really use a boost? There's another way to look at this changing of the seasons. Think of fall as the time to get cozy indoors. Tangling is a great activity for the cozy time of year. Grab a pen, a pencil, and a tile and settle in for some tangle time.

If you need some help getting started, consider joining a Zentangle® FUNdamentals class (formerly titled "Zentangle 101 Basics"). There will be a class on November 14th, from 2 to 4:30 pm. The class fee is $35, including supplies.

Once you've gotten the FUNdamentals under your belt, you're ready for a Beyond the Basics class. The next two coming up are Grow an Organic Tangle Garden on October 17th (1 to 5 pm., $45 class fee, including supplies), and Made to Shade on December 5th (2 to 4:30 pm, $50 class fee including supplies and a copy of "Made in the Shade" by Cris Letourneau).

Wondering what an Organic Tangle Garden is? Here's a photo of a Tangle Garden work-in-progress. Want to join us in class?

So think "cozy" as the leaves fall and the winds blow, and spend some time in a mindful, creative, healthy pursuit. Tangle on!

"'Tis almost the season" holiday book sale

I know, I know, October is only a little over half gone and the Halloween activities haven't ceased yet. But thinking ahead, for Zentangle® fans, I've got a sale coming up just in time for the holidays.

Option 1 - Purchase $40-$65 of Zentangle®-branded products and receive 25% off on your choice of one of the following books to keep for yourself or give as a gift.

Option 2 - Purchase over $65 of Zentangle-branded products and receive 30% off on your choice of TWO of the following books. (Note: that my book prices are already competitive with a certain on-line retailer, so this is a good deal.)

Books available for this sale include:

• "Totally Tangled" by Sandy Steen Bartholomew, CZT
• "Yoga for Your Brain" by Sandy Steen Bartholomew, CZT
• "Zentangle Untangled" by Kass Hall
• "Zenspirations Letters & Patterning" by Joanne Fink
• "Time to Tangle with Colors" by Marie Browning, CZT
• "The Joy of Zentangle" featuring CZT artists Suzanne McNeill, Sandy Steen Bartholomew, and Marie Browning
• "Zenspirations Dangle Designs" by Joanne Fink
• "Zentangle for Kids - A Comic Guide with Alex and Lilah" by Sandy Steen Bartholomew, CZT
• "The Beauty of Zentangle - Inspirational Examples from 137 Tangle Artists Worldwide" by Suzanne McNeill, CZT and Cindy Shepard, CZT
• "The Art of Zentangle - 50 Inspiring drawings, designs & ideas for the meditative artist" featuring the work of CZTs Penny Raile, Norma J. Burnell, Margaret Bremner, and Lara Williams 

Supplies are limited, so shop early for your first choice(s). Sale runs through Thanksgiving weekend and is valid only in Washington state. Sales credit does not include sales tax. Purchase either in person, at a class, or contact me to make other arrangements.

Gift certificates for classes or supplies are always available.

Made in the Shade coming up this Saturday!

I have a single, unexpected opening for Beyond the Basics - Made in the Shade class this Saturday, October 25th from 1 to 3 pm. Would you like to add to your tangle knowledge with our class?

Details... 101 Basics is the only prerequisite. Focuses on shading tools and options. Class fee of $50 includes supplies AND your own copy of the excellent resource "Made in the Shade" book by Cris Latourneau. (If you already have a copy of the book, just let me know, and I'll adjust your fee.) If you would like to snag the remaining seat, register today!

Contact me at arupley55 (at) gmail (dot) com for more information or to register.

I Bijou! Do you Bijou?

Have you met Bijou, the newest member of the Zentangle® family? Here's a peak to enjoy.  Introducing Bijou!

And watch Bijou tangle...

If you would like to tangle a la Bijou, I've got tins of darling Bijou tiles available. The tiles are the same wonderful Fabriano Tiepolo paper used for the original Zentangle tiles. Love the feel of this paper, and the way the pigment ink flows so nicely onto it from the Sakura Pigma Micron pens.

(And in case you are wondering, this little French one's name is pronounced "Bee-joooo.")

Z'Art to me!

Have you ever wanted to draw or paint or create, but felt intimidated by what others might think of your art? I've felt that way. I don't have an art degree, can't seem to remember all of the principles of composition and design, and have a day job that limits the time I have to exercise my artistic creativity.

But I find beauty, joy, and appreciation in a wide variety of visual treats. Something as simple as new crayons, with their unused points still sharp and colors spilling out of the box, lifts my spirits and makes me feel like a kid again. A well-composed photograph of a gorgeous sunset over the Cascade Mountains or Puget Sound, with myriad colors splashed across a cloud-streaked sky like a bucket of paint, gives me a sense of wonder and awe. The feel of an artisan pottery mug in my hand, sturdy, solid, and well-balanced, makes my morning tea or coffee a particularly comforting experience.

A unique Christmas ornament fashioned from a juice can lid, some red lace, and a miniature photo of a small child, glued together with love, if not precision, is art in my book. No, it won't win critical acclaim, but it is from the heart. I think all art comes from the heart, and I think it's important for us to express our art, to let it out, whatever form it takes.

To me, art is all about the emotions that it evokes in both those who create it and those who view it. Regardless of whether or not it always appeals to my particular preferences, I appreciate the effort and emotion that each artist puts into her or his creations, and I try to look with non-judgmental eyes. I hope that others will do the same for you and for me, and that we will each dare to express the art inside us.

Whatever the media, whatever the skill level, if it comes from the heart, it's art to me.

Woohoo! Sign up for Zentangle® classes for summer and early fall!

Time to register for a new round of Zentangle® classes! Come and join the fun. Discover your inner artist while increasing your focus. If you are already an artsy person, add Zentangle to your creative tool box. And remember, "anything is possible... one stroke at a time."™  

• All classes listed here are on Saturdays in Woodinville, WA, from 1 to 3 pm unless otherwise noted.
• All classes are $35 each (unless otherwise noted), which includes supplies for the class.

The 101 Basics class is the prerequisite for any/all of the Beyond the Basics classes. The BTB classes are all independent and have no additional prereqs. So you can pick and choose from what piques your interest.

July 12 - 101 Basics - Learn basics including how to start, what materials to use, the philosophy behind the method, and official patterns to tangle.

July 19 - Beyond the Basics - "On the Grid" - Concentrates on a variety of grid-based tangles to add to your tangle repertoire and how to play with your grids. By the way, if you think Knightsbridge is too simple a tangle to be interesting, join me for this class and I bet you'll change your mind!

August 9 - 101 Basics 

August 16 - Beyond the Basics - "White on Black" - Explore tangling beyond the basics with white tools on black tiles. Create some striking results with this "reverse" tangling!

September 20 - 101 Basics 

September 27 - Beyond the Basics - "Grow an Organic Tangle Garden" -  **1 to 4 pm - $45 - This 3-hour class includes an opportunity to learn several "organic" tangles and then plant your own tangle garden. This class runs a little longer so that you can increase your repertoire of organic tangles, and still have time to grow your garden.

October 18 - 101 Basics 

October 25 - Beyond the Basics - "Made to Shade" -  **$50, includes supplies and your own copy of "Made in the Shade" book by Cris Letourneau - Focuses on shading tools and options.

Contact me at zartfullytangled@gmail.com to let me know which classes you would like to attend!

Your tangles are just "Made to Shade"

See what you can do with shading on your tangles! Add depth and highlight without having to worry about doing it "right." My students have heard me say over and over, "there are no mistakes in Zentangle®, only opportunities," and I mean it!

The "Made to Shade" Beyond the Basics class is coming up on May 31, 1 to 3 pm, in Woodinville, WA. Class fee is $50, which includes supplies AND your own copy of the "Made in the Shade" workbook by Cris Letourneau, which goes home with you for additional practice and as a reference tool.

Limited seating. Zentangle® 101 Basics class is only prerequisite. Contact me at arupley55 (at) gmail (dot) com. Remember... "Anything is possible...One stroke at a time."™ And you, too, can do this and be successful.

Start somewhere and just tangle!

Interested in Zentangle® and wondering where to start? Feeling a little intimidated? My best advice is to sign up for a class with a Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT), whether me or someone else, and just start. I recently received a reminder about how important it is to just start and try, which, of course, applies to many life experiences as well as to tangling.

Last week I returned from attending a fantastic continuing education event for CZTs in Portland, Maine. I traveled across the continent and met up with CZTs from, literally, around the world, including South Africa, Belgium, Netherlands, Taiwan, Canada, and several from Australia. This terrific 4-day learning experience included technique and project classes from the likes of Marie Browning, Sandy Steen Bartholomew, Beckah Krahula, Suzanne McNeill, and several other talented CZTs.

While I received an excellent grounding in the Zentangle® method and how to share it when certified by originators Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas, there's always more to learn. And the more I learn, the more I can bring to my students. (That's the reason I took time to attend continuing ed classes in Northampton, MA, in 2013, as well as the Portland adventure this year.)

Even when one theoretically knows what she is doing, trying something new can be a bit challenging. Learning from such stellar and well-known teachers was a great opportunity, and yet at little intimidating at the same time. What if I couldn't "get it"? How was I going to make something as cool as they did?

Then I reminded myself that the Zentangle method is all about process, and we let the results take care of themselves. While we were doing things I'd not tried before, and I made a few missteps along the way, in the end I learned a lot, felt good about it, and was successful because I tried.

So... Let's tangle together. If you aren't in my area, but want to find a teacher near you, consult the www.zentangle.com website under the "Learn" option to see the long list of teachers all over the world. If you are having trouble finding your best option, let me know, and I'll help you.

Remember, you CAN do this because "anything is possible, one stroke at a time."™ Take a deep breath, start somewhere, and just tangle!

Quick update on upcoming Spring classes

It's been great hearing from new and returning students who have been signing up for upcoming Spring Zentangle® classes. For those who may have missed the announcement on upcoming classes, there are two date options for Zentangle® 101 Basics and two different course offerings on two different dates for Beyond the Basics classes.

• 101 Basics classes - May 10th -OR- June 7th - 1 to 3 pm - $35 per person, including supplies - This class covers how to get started, what materials work well, and hands-on instruction. It is the only prerequisite for on-going Beyond the Basics classes on all subjects. May 10th is filling up, but there are a few spaces left. If that's your preferred date, don't wait to register.

• Beyond the Basics - Tangle Intensive - April 5th - 1 to 3 pm - $35  per person, including supplies.
• Several students have asked for help in growing their tangle repertoire. Join us for a mix of organic and geometric tangles.
• If you have a sketchbook, you'll want to bring it. If not, an optional sketchbook is $6.50, plus tax.
• Prerequisite: 101 Basics class or instructor approval.

• Beyond the Basics - Made to Shade - May 31st - 1 to 3 pm - Class fee is $50, which include supplies AND your own copy of "Made in the Shade" by Cris Letourneau.
• Shading has been high on the list of requests from students as a follow-on to the 101 Basics classes.
• If you already have a copy of Cris's workbook, the class fee is $35, and you'll need to bring your book to class.
• Prerequisite: 101 Basics class or instructor approval.

If you are interested, email me at arupley55(at)gmail(dot)com with your name and contact info, along with the class and date which you would like to attend. I'll send a PayPal invoice and your payment of the invoice will hold your space in class.

Tangle on!

Tangled up in tangles? Check this out, and just breathe...

You are not alone if you have become overwhelmed with the sheer quantity of tangles and patterns available to us today. In addition to around 150 official Zentangle® tangles, there are hundreds more unofficial ones created by Certified Zentangle Teachers and tangling enthusiasts alike. (See www.tanglepatterns.com where Linda Farmer does a tremendous job capturing and posting them.)

Students in my classes will hopefully recall that I've said up front that...

• You do not have to memorize all the tangle patterns and their names and steps.
• You do not have to LIKE all of the tangle patterns.
• You will likely find some tangle patterns easier for you than others (and those may NOT be the ones that your tangling friend finds easiest).
• You do not have to USE all of the tangle patterns (and there's no guilt in that).
• You do not have to try to collect printed or e-copies of every tangle pattern that is out there. (For those who like to catalog, feel free, but don't let it consume you, because it can!)

If you are tangled up in tangles, here's some ideas to incorporate in your practice of Zentangle as you move along the journey.

• When you are looking to tangle for relaxation or meditation or stress-management, go with the tangles that you enjoy and find flow more easily for you.
• When you have a little more time, are not feeling pressed, and are open to stretching a bit, take on one of those more challenging tangles.
• Take the pressure out of the challenge by using the practice space in your sketchbook instead of a tile. (Note: If you don't have a sketchbook, I highly recommend getting one. It doesn't have to be fancy, and a relatively inexpensive, medium-sized spiral-bound with 90 lb. mixed media paper will be fine with your Micron pens.)
• EXPECT that the new tangle isn't going to flow smoothly at first.
• When you take on a new tangle that isn't as easy for you, do what my fellow CZT, Brenda Shaver-Shahin (Half Moon St. Boutique) in Ontario, Canada, recommends. Draw the tangle in a larger size. Don't be afraid to try it really big. Then you can work toward getting it down into a smaller format. For some people, this helps them get the steps in mind and smooth the flow.

Zentangle is about the process, the enjoyment, the satisfaction, the joy and wonder at what comes out almost magically in the end. It's not about the guilt, the stress, constantly striving for perfection, or doing it all. Relax. Breathe. Breathe some more. And let tangling with the Zentangle method be a bright spot of respite in your life. Tangle on and be well!

Sign up for Zentangle® 101 Basics and Beyond the Basics

Tangle time! Registration is open for April and May dates and on into the first part of June.
 
The next two Zentangle® 101 Basics classes will be from 1 to 3 pm on May 10th and June 7th. The class fee for the 101 Basics class is $35 and includes supplies. This class is a prerequisite for Beyond the Basics classes. 

The upcoming Beyond the Basics classes will also be from 1 to 3 pm.

• April 5th - Tangle Intensive - Adding to your tangle repertoire - I've had requests from several students to help them learn additional tangles, so we'll concentrate on that in this class. If you have a sketch book, you'll want to bring it. If not, I will have a supply for purchase. Class fee with supplies is $35. Optional sketchbook is $6.50, plus tax. Prerequisite: 101 Basics class or instructor approval.
• May 31 - Made to Shade - focusing on shading options - Shading has been another hot topic request from students completing the 101 Basics class. Class fee is $50, which includes supplies AND your very own copy of "Made in the Shade" by Cris Letourneau. (If you already have a copy, the class fee is $35, and you'll need to bring your book.) Prerequisite: 101 Basics class or instructor approval.

All classes will be held in the Woodinville, WA, area. Space is limited, so sign up soon to save your seat in class! Contact me at arupley55 (at) gmail (dot) com with the date of the class for which you would like to register and your contact information. A PayPal invoice will be sent to you and your payment will confirm your registration and hold your space in class. Registration is still open at this time for the Zentangle®101 Basics class I'm teaching at Bear Creek United Methodist Church on March 19 and 26, Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. This is a two-session class (not separate classes). Registration is through the church office at 425.788.2953 or on-line at www.bcumc.org. This class is expected to fill quickly, so please sign-up promptly to avoid missing out.

Find me on Facebook...

For those of you on Facebook, I'm right there with you. Watch for brief announcements and upcoming events at www.facebook.com/CZTAnnRupley. Or just search for Certified Zentangle® Teacher, and I should pop up.

Tangled up in the best possible way!

Wow! What a tangled February it's been! Three terrific weekends of tangling with new students! Amazing comments and successes. And looking forward to March classes now. I have a private group class in early March, followed by a two-week Wednesday night session scheduled as part of the Community Programs offerings at Bear Creek United Methodist Church in Woodinville. That class is open to the public and runs from 6:30 to 8pm on Wednesday nights March 19th and 26th. Enrollment is limited. If you are interested, please contact the church office at office@bcumc.org or call 425.788.2953 and ask to register for the Zentangle® class in March.

Truly, I will get a Spring class schedule out as soon as possible, as I know some of you are waiting for new dates, especially for some Beyond the Basics class offerings.

Tangle on!

Happy Tangled New Year!

Wishing all of you a bright and shiny new year! I'm looking forward to this Saturday's Zentangle® 101 Basics class. The November and December classes had an awesome  group of students with lots of enthusiasm. It's been a delight to teach and work with these great people, and I ant to thank these students for the honor of sharing Zentangle with them.

New group class schedule...

I will be publishing a new class schedule soon, with dates for March through the spring months. Let me know if you'd like to be on my email list for upcoming class information (no obligation...).

Prearranged group classes...

• In the next few weeks, I'll be teaching a private class for a local ATC trading group who was interested in adding Zentangle to their repertoire of art forms.
• February is currently booked with classes I'm teaching at a couple of women's retreats.
• If you have a group who is looking for a CZT to share the Zentangle method with them, please let me know. I'd be happy to discuss options to meet your particular needs.

Individual classes...

If you are more comfortable learning in an individual setting, let's talk. If your schedule is complicated, and it's hard to commit in advance to a set schedule, let's talk. Need flexibility? Let's talk...

We had fun in Anacortes!

What a WON-DER-FUL group of students attended my September 28th beginning class in Anacortes! You were a delight to teach, and I thank you for bringing your enthusiasm to class with you. As in the past, The Center for Happiness made a terrific venue, even with the wind and rain whipping outside all afternoon. Thank you to Laura LaVigne for her hospitality.

Students, I hope you are tangling your little hearts out, and enjoying your new knowledge. Let me know when you are ready to take your tangling "Beyond the Basics," and we'll get together again. In the meantime, tangle on!

New Zentangle® classes forming!

Hey now! I've got new dates for upcoming Zentangle 101 Basics classes. If you would like to get started tangling the Zentangle way, or if you would like to take a refresher course, take your pick of...

• November 9th
• December 7th or
• January 11th

All three beginning classes are from 1 to 3 pm in the Woodinville, WA, area.

If you've taken the Basics 101 class and are ready to move on, join me for a Beyond the Basics class, with a different topic every time. Contact me for dates. Sample topics include:

• Tangle Enhancements
• On the Grid
• Made to Shade
• Grow an Organic Tangle Garden

Space is limited, so it's best to get your name in early. To register, please email me at arupley55(at)gmail.com with the class and date you would like to attend, and let's get our tangle on!

 

The fine print... Class fees are prepaid to guarantee a special spot just for you, so I will send a PayPal invoice for you to complete the registration process. You will then receive a confirmation email with class details upon receipt of your registration fee.

A few seats left for Anacortes Zentangle® class on Saturday!

Hey, ya'll! We are down to the wire on time to register if you'd like to participate in the Zentangle 101 Basics class at The Happiness Center in Anacortes, WA, this coming Saturday, September 28th. We have just a few spots left. If you have been waiting to register, wait no more! Email me at arupley55(at)gmail.com to get in on the tangling fun!

Take a tangling class in Anacortes, WA, in September!

I will be returning to teach at The Center for Happiness in Anacortes, WA, on Saturday, September 28, 2013. If you have ever thought of taking a class or wondered about Zentangle®, this would be just the place for you to start.

There will be two Zentangle 101 Basics classes offered that day. UPDATE: Morning class time had a typo. It's a 2.5 hour class, beginning at 11:00 am.

• The morning session is from 11:00am to 1:30pm.
• The afternoon session is from 2:30pm to 5pm. (NOTE: If you were in the Basics class at the Center back in February, I suggest you sign up for this class. We may be able to include some additional tips and techniques if we have enough experienced students.)

While these classes are both suitable for beginning tanglers (and those who would like to brush up on their tangling skills), some content will vary. So, students are welcome to attend either or both classes. If you have taken a beginning class in the past, but would like to take this opportunity to commune with other tanglers in a fun setting, it is perfectly fine to repeat.

Remember, there is no formal art training necessary to tangle. "Anything is possible one stroke at a time™," and that is true. If you do have art in your background, you also will have a great time incorporating what you learn into your personal artistic style.

The fine print...

• Attendance requires advance prepaid registration of $40 per class, supplies included.
• Register by emailing ZartfullyTangled@gmail.com with your contact information and which session (or sessions) you are interested in attending.
• Enrollment is limited.
• Early registration, prior to September 14th, is encouraged to avoid cancellation due to low enrollment. (Your registration fee will be refunded if class must be cancelled.)
• Those attending both classes will be on their own for lunch during the break. 

At the February 2013 Anacortes class, we had a terrific group of enthusiastic students, and I'm looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and meeting new aspiring tanglers.

I also invite you to check out The Center (http://anacortescenterforhappiness.org/) and its "Happy Calendar" in more detail.

Someone wanted to know...

I was recently asked if "it was ok" to sign up for the 101 Basics class more than once. The person asking had taken a 101 Basics class a while back and wanted a refresher. She wasn't ready to go on to a Beyond the Basics class, but thought that was required, or at least expected, of her. The short answer is, "Of COURSE it's ok."

I'm here to tell you that the Zentangle® method is all about meeting you where you are, where you want to be right now, without pressure or competition or evaluation. While there are a plethora of directions for you to go with this meditative art form, both in traditionally tangled tiles and in Zentangle-Inspired Art (ZIA), what is most important to me is that you be (or become) comfortable in your tangling at whatever level makes you happy.

So, yes, you can take the 101 Basics class once, twice, or three times if it makes you happy. I do vary the tangles that I teach in the 101 Basics class from time to time, so you may learn another tangle or two if you attend more than once. Or you may just gain confidence and feel more secure after a repeat session.

The written class evaluations I've gotten from past students usually comment on not just the fun they had learning something new, but also in my supportive and reassuring teaching style. I'm here to help you be and feel successful, so feel free to go at your pace, and if it means repeating a class, there's NO stigma or shame, only GREAT fun to be had.

To paraphrase Mr. Spock, in honor of the recently-released Star Trek adventure... "Tangle on and prosper."