A big change is coming….

I’ve been pretty radio silent on my social media recently. And this poor blog has been woefully neglected all year — literally my last post was celebrating the new year, and I even have a drafted post about some of my work from January that I literally FORGOT to finish…..even though the concept of the post was all about just finishing something and not pursuing perfection. Ha! The universe is funny sometimes.

Aside from being pretty busy with my day job, I’ve been mulling over the purpose of Zen & Zin and whether I want to keep pushing forward with it. Some things haven’t been working for me and I felt like I’d painted myself into a corner creatively and artistically. I haven’t felt I was accomplishing what I set out to do when I originally created Zen & Zin. The name doesn’t resonate with me anymore either, as it’s reflects a different time in my life that is so different from my life now.

So, I’ve taken a bit of a break, without guilting myself the whole time for not posting and sharing content, and really allowed myself to step away. Because of that, I’ve developed a pretty decent idea of what I want my platform to be about and what I want to offer moving forward.

I think most of you are really going to like it! There’s still going to be plenty of Zentangle related things, but I want to incorporate some of my other interests–mandalas, watercolor, lettering, outdoorsy things, cooking and baking, and a slew of other meditative and creative practices. I see a big change happening in my life over the next 1-2 years, which will allow me to get back into some of my other creative pursuits as well, and I want to share those with you too when the time comes!

So, stay tuned! I hope to re-launch officially in the beginning of 2022 and I’ll try to share some tidbits here along the way!

And I hope you’ll consider the text in the image above – taking a break, from anything, is not unproductive. Sometimes it’s the most productive thing you can do in the long run!

Be well!

September 26, 2020September 26, 2020

Falling into a new Season – Upcoming Classes!

Fall is Here!

I hope you are all doing well and staying safe and healthy. I have been rather busy myself at my regular job, but also busy tangling and planning fun lessons! I did manage to get out of town for my birthday earlier this month and enjoyed a cabin in the woods – with lots of tangling! I am definitely feeling the burnout this year – like I am sure you probably are too! Take this as a reminder to take care of yourself. Take a break – even if it’s just hiding in an empty room and breathing for a few minutes. Refill that cup (mine has coffee of course) before it’s empty. And try to remember that the grumpy person next to you probably needs a breath and a re-filled cup too, so try to extend them a little grace with a smile (or sm-eyes like we’re doing a lot of these days!) and a hello 🙂

If you aren’t already – follow me on Instagram to see what tangles are coming out my by pens! I’ve had a lot of fun with the Zentangle, Inc. Project Packs the past few months, but also tangling lots of fun abstract things too!

Creating Legends with Zentangle patterns!

I have 2 classes starting soon at Madison College – they’re online so you can join from anywhere in the world! (Classes take place a Central Time US).

Zendalas and Mandalas – October 1-15, Thursdays from 6-8pm CDT – Sign up by Wednesday, September 30th to join!

Explore the world of circles and patterns as we dive into creating Zendalas (a Zentangle Method-inspired approach) and Mandalas (a geometric approach used in Hindu, Buddhism, and other religions). Mandalas are an ancient form of geometry and art that reflect the self. The process of making a mandala is meditative and reflective. Take your meditative art to the next level! We’ll explore loose, hand-drawn designs as well as use simple tools (such as a compass and straight-edge ruler) to create intricate designs. We’ll also explore how to use these as meditative anchors as well. No experience needed! Each week will include instructions to creating a mandala, as well as background and historical information, and a meditative prompt. Expect to finish the mandala on your own, as the intricate designs may need more time than class allows.

Zentangle White-on-Black – October 13-27 – Online, Tuesdays at 6pm CDT – Sign up by October 6th to join!

Explore Zentangle patterns using white ink on black paper – a great approach especially as Halloween and spooky season near!

I also have a few other classes starting later this fall – great for those of you who haven’t taken a Zentangle class before OR in a really long time and would like a refresher 🙂

Discover Zentangle® is a beginner’s/introduction course, but if you need a refresher it will be perfect!

Exploring Zentangle will delve a little deeper into the techniques and help you build a solid Zentangle practice.

Discover Zentangle! November 3-17 – Online, Tuesdays at 6pm CDT

Exploring Zentangle – November 24-December 15 – Online, Tuesdays at 6pm CDT

And lastly – if 3-4 week long classes aren’t your thing, I am doing a once a month Tangle Hangout Session. You can subscribe through PayPal or through Patreon for $7/month. Our next session is Wednesday, October 28th at 6pm Central Time. You’ll receive the access link a few days in advance.

To sign up through Patreon, click HERE

To sign up through PayPal, click HERE

That’s all for now! If there are any types of lessons or classes you’re looking for – let me know! I’m always up for suggestions 🙂

Cheers,

Sarah

May 29, 2020May 29, 2020

Finding a Rhythm, Even When The Beat Is Off

Hello from my safe haven to yours. I hope you are staying sane, healthy, and positive! And if you’re not, feel free to let me know. I am happy to be a sounding board or to keep you in my thoughts and send positive vibes your way.

We’re about 10 or so weeks into *this* and I feel like I’m starting to finally find a groove, or at least some contentment. That doesn’t mean I’m not internally freaking out on the regular, but at least that’s become a little bit more predictable and I can see it coming.

My Tangle Mashup – Diva Dance/Guordgeous AKA Guorgeous Diva or Dancing Guordgeous.

As I mentioned previously, I’ve been truly relieved to have my Zentangle practice to fall back on and have an outlet for creativity. I’ve also still been baking like crazy, but it’s a more physical thing for me to do that feels productive, which is nice!

I’ve been playing a lot more with materials I don’t use on a regular basis. My Sakura Gelly Rolls are having their moment in my household. I have white ones, pastel ones, Moonlight, Moonlight Greys, Neon, Souffle. Funnily enough, I don’t have a single black one! But, I have a wide variety, collected over the years, so it’s about time I put them to good use!

A sampling of my rather large Gelly Roll collection

Having discovered how many of these things I have, not to mention the surplus of other random art supplies, I thought it would be a good idea to use up what I have and really pair down my art supply cache. Using the Marie Kondo adage “Does it bring you joy?” – I have to really consider which of my art supplies I am using, which ones I need. If I’m not using them, why? Is it because I don’t like them? Or, do I just not use that kind of media? Things to ponder in this day and age!

So, I am going to use up what I have – what doesn’t get used will get donated or given away to friends and family, to hopefully bring them joy instead! 🙂

Back to my point of finding a rhythm. Using these Gelly Rolls has somewhat opened the flood gates for me. Because I’m “playing” with them, I have allowed myself to just go with the flow. I don’t try to make something extravagant or amazing (which I usually try not to do, but, hey, I’m human!).

And what’s come of it is a little bit of an obsession with this thing I call a Tangle Mashup – where I combine the techniques or key pen strokes of the patterns Guordgeous and Diva Dance. It’s so fun! And oh so relaxing.

The neons make it a little blinding, eh?

Doing these tangles over and over have allowed me to find that zen-ful rhythm every time I sit down. And, each time, something new and wonderful happens! A little curve there or a little orb there completely changes the entire composition!

This is obviously the same across all Zentangle pieces, right? But it never ceases to amaze me the world of possibilities in just a simple little line of ink.

I’m really excited for the next month as I get to introduce a new group to the Zentangle Method! My online class at Madison College starts next Tuesday and I can’t wait to meet my new students. I am also creating fun content for my Patrons.

There’s still time to register for my Madison College class – and you don’t have to be in Madison, since it’s online! You can also work with what materials you have at home, so there’s no need to go out and buy more if it’s not possible for you.

And, of course, you can sign up for Patreon at any time and get access to all the previous months’ content! I just finished publishing May’s content and I released a class on using small marks or tangle patterns as TEXTURES! SO FUN!

What’s your current favorite tangle obsession? Or, have you found another fun hobby to keep you in rhythm during this time? Leave a comment below to let me know 🙂

Until next time!

Cheers!

Sarah

March 16, 2020March 16, 2020

Staying Positive in Uncertain Times

Hey everyone 🙂 Not sure about you, but my anxiety and general positive outlook on life are sure taking a hit these past few weeks.

I want to offer a free and fun diversion – please join me Wednesday night at 7:30pm Central for just a casual tangling session. Bring your supplies, or just kick back and relax.

I’ll be holding the stream on Zoom, which you can download on your computer or on your smart phone. It’s quite easy to access!

Once you’ve got your Zoom downloaded – use this link to access the meeting: https://zoom.us/j/995675084

I hope to see you there 🙂

January 1, 2020January 1, 2020

Hello 2020!

It’s hard to believe we’re in a new year and a new decade! Time flies by faster every day it seems.

I’m not super into Resolutions, but I usually like to take the first few weeks of the new year to reflect on the things I want to continue doing in the new year, or things I want to improve on. However, this year I am kind of hitting the ground running so I don’t have as much leisure to take my time!

I have multiple classes coming up here in the Madison, WI area. The first is at Revel DIY Craft Bar, which I am super excited about! These ladies have been killing it and are really doing something successfully that I had thought about doing a few years ago – creating a place that people can go to do a little crafting in a chill environment. Their projects are totally accessible and not terribly expensive. I’ll be teaching an introductory level class there in mid-January…and hopefully it’ll be successful enough that we can add more workshops in the future! If you’d like to sign up click here

I am also going to be teaching at Madison Area Technical College in February! We’re starting off with a 3-week series of Discover Zentangle®. We’ll go through all the foundational areas of Zentangle and create a really nice base understanding and hopefully create some new Zentangle enthusiasts! You can sign up here

But, back to resolutions, or the lack thereof. Because I don’t have a lot of time to reflect and plan this January, I’m starting to feel just a touch overwhelmed. I have a lot going on between preparing for classes, normal work responsibilities, and chores and whatnot that need to be done at home. Not to mention having fun and creating art for the sake of creating and having fun!

A zendala I did with my mom over the Christmas break. We followed along the Zentangle 12 Days series on YouTube

What I’ve found that works for me, and maybe it will work for you too, is to focus on one or two things that I can actually control. They can be small things, or big things, but make sure they’re manageable. Last year, I started to focus on what I was eating and making sure to get out and go for a little walk every day. That turned into some amazing changes for me! I started feeling better, getting more active, and my confidence went up – all super helpful things when I also decided to get back into my degree field and find a new job.

This year, there are so many things in the air! With the loss of my Skillshare platform I am really starting to feel the anxiety from that, but I am also really excited about teaching the aforementioned “brick-and-mortar” classes. I’ll also be taking on new responsibilities at work. AND, I have my Patreon now which is a lot of work especially in the beginning stages where I need to plan AND produce content fairly quickly! I feel like my mind looks a lot like the Zendala up there!

A couple of commission pieces I did for a friend. A little out of my comfort zone, but fun to create and I am really happy with them!

So, what are some things that I can focus on to maintain a little control when life is crazy? I’m not sure yet! I know one thing I want to do is to do more meal prep. Eating healthy is great and mostly easy to do, except it’s a lot of work when you have a million other things to do. So once or twice a month I will do a big meal prep session so I can focus on other things the rest of the time.

I also want to do one creative focus this year. I think I will start participating in one or two challenges per month so that I am not too overwhelmed, but also making sure that I am keeping up my own art practice!

The great thing about my un-resolutions is that I can adjust them! If they’re not working or they’re not meeting my needs in any way, I can change! There’s no failure here, no mistakes, just a redirection. A tangleation, you might say 🙂

So you’ve made it this far and I appreciate you reading all my ramblings. I hope you’ll try out so un-resolutions. If you need a creative outlet, please consider my Zentangle classes – if you’re not in Madison I have my Patreon that will be a great resource!

So, here’s to 2020 and letting small changes have big impacts…. or something motivational like that 🙂 And if all else fails, just put your pen to paper and get your tangle on!

Cheers!

Sarah

December 6, 2019December 6, 2019

Returning to my tangled roots

It’s been almost 9 years since my first experience with Zentangle®.

It’s hard to believe it’s been that many years, especially when I look back and realize I had no idea how profound an impact that experience would have on my life.

*The Zentangle® Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. It was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. “Zentangle” is a registered trademark of Zentangle, Inc.
Learn more at zentangle.com.

I was a recent college graduate, working in my first “real” job (I’ve since learned that all jobs are real!), and floundering a bit in my personal life. I needed a hobby, an outlet. Something creative. I liked to color in coloring books, but was starting to feel it just wasn’t enough. But, I didn’t know how to draw or knit or build anything.

My mom mentioned one day that we should try this Zentangle thing. What the heck is it? Doodling? Drawing? I didn’t really understand, and I was really quite skeptical. But, mom offered to pay, so hey why not? (Also, I love my mom and love spending time with her, so this was just an added bonus).

Leading up to that first class I did very little research, I had seen some “Zentangle” things and was already feeling overwhelmed. I even had a co-worker, who was wonderfully artistic, show me her “Zentangle” art she created just from looking at pictures on the internet. What the heck! I’ll never be able to do that! That’s so complicated. So, I started to worry.

Fast forward to the day of class. We got to the stamp shop it was taking place in. Mom’s friend joined us (someone I consider a friend myself now too!). Class started and something flickered inside me. As class went on I was more and more amazed! This is so fun! This is so simple! I wish I had this all my life! I found out the CZT was teaching another “intermediate” class that afternoon, so I signed up for that too! By the end of the day I had 6 hours of class time under my belt, a bag of supplies to take home, and a fire burning brighter than I’d felt in a long time. A Tangler Was Born!

My very first tangle! I’ve saved it all these years and love showing people where I started.

Looking back, it really is amazing. I had no idea that this little thing would turn into such a huge part of my life. I’ve obviously since become a Certified Zentangle Teacher myself. But I also now consider myself an artist. I’ve tried different mediums, I even took a Drawing 101 class at the community college and drew actual things! I still prefer abstract – more for the flow process, it’s easier to relax when I’m not trying to perfectly capture the shadows in a still life picture.

More than anything is that Zentangle has brought so many wonderful people into my life. I’ve been able to share this love of mine with people all over the world through social media. But I’ve also taught classes in-person, attended workshops, and joined communities that gather around this silly little thing called Zentangle.

So this week, when one of the handful of ways I share my classes and inspires other just dissolved before my eyes, I was heartbroken. But, I cannot dwell, I have to move forward. So I’ve decided to go the route of Patreon. I had considered this platform months ago but decided to stick with what I knew – oh how life has its own plans! This platform allows me to set up several options to be accessible to students, both financially but also personally! I want to watch my students grow and be able to communicate with them regularly and offer more content than just Zentangle, but more Zentangle-inspired things like drawing spirals or mandalas, or using watercolors. I have a lot of content lined up, on top of re-packaging and sharing the content that I had shared on Skillshare. I also plan to have some Sip and Tangle live video sessions, too. It’s great to be able to do everything within one platform!

So, I know I’ve posted a lot this week, and you’re probably tired of all my ramblings : ) But, I hope you’ll come check things out on Patreon and continue on this Tangled Adventure with me!

All new Patrons in December will receive a 30 minute Tangle Intro video where I revisit that very first tile I created in my first Zentangle class. I’ll muse about my experience but also show you step by step the Zentangle method and how to create the tile as well!

Until next time!

Cheers! – Sarah

December 2, 2019December 2, 2019

A Series of Unfortunate Events…

Hi friends,

I wanted to send out a quick update about my Skillshare classes. I received a few replies this weekend about my links not working.

Turns out, Skillshare has deemed my classes no longer worthy – they no longer meet their guidelines. I haven’t been able to pinpoint exactly what guidelines they don’t meet, so I’m sure you can understand why I am devastated.

Unless a drastic change occurs in their communications with me, I’ll likely be moving to a new platform to bring you my classes instead of investing time in something that may not even fit their new requirements.

Do you have a preferred platform? Give me your feedback, I’m all ears to ideas!

Thanks for sticking with me! If you care to send me a note or leave a comment I could sure use a pick-me-up!

-Sarah

November 29, 2019November 27, 2019

Searching for that “it” factor

It’s that time of year again when I realize I am truly awful at regularly blogging! What can I say? I prefer drawing to writing and other responsibilities!

Mental Health day from work turned into drawing a lot, a lot, a lot of lines!

I’ve spent this year trying to identify my creative aesthetic. What do I love doing most? What do I love most about others’ work? What pushes my creative buttons, inspires me to continue on? What makes me go “Oh, I love that!” or “How can I do that myself?”

A lot of this introspection and observation also reminded me of my Dynamics of Psychology in my undergrad program. While the first half of the class had me scratching my head and questioning everything I had learned about psychology thus far, I’ve realized years later that what I didn’t seem to learn in that class left an impression on me. Without getting too sciencey and breaking my own brain trying to explain, I’ll explain a little about what I absorbed from that class.

Fractals are everywhere. Repeating endlessly to eternity, forming the fabric of the existence of everything physically tangible. How it relates to psychology? I dont quite remember, but they’re pretty! And they consist of repeated lines and patterns. Sound familiar?

And, humans and other living creatures will continue to behave a certain way until they approach an event or stimulus that causes them to change their actions or way of thinking, even if minutely. That small factor can completely change their lives both immediately and forever. Kind of like the butterfly effect, but not really. Again. Repeated behaviors, linear until they’re not.

Hmmm… brain broken yet? Mine is a little!

So how does this relate to my art and Zentangle practice? Let’s go back to my journey to discover that “it” factor.

It comes down to auras. Repeated lines. Echos. Halos. Vibrations. Rings from drops of water in a puddle. The steam rising from a pot of boiling water. Rays of light emanating from the sun and the moon and the stars.

So what if I just draw a line and aura it over and over? What if my pen gets bumped and now that line is no longer perfectly straight? Aura that new silhouette, that’s what!

And so, I set about to intentionally focus on auras in my work. Sometimes a border, sometimes wiggly lines over and over and over.

So now, a technique introduced to me by the Zentangle Method has woven itself into my life and my creative work in a way that I can only explain as revolutionary.

Am I being dramatic about a silly little concept? Probably. But for me, this epiphany and exploration has been really grounding and a great wellspring of creativity for me.

A 9x12ish canvas painted with super matte black, and tangled on with white ink

So, do you want to learn how to harness the power of the aura? I have just the thing for you (you saw this coming, right?).

Yep, I have a new Skillshare class available! I had every intention to publish this class 3 months ago, but life and excuses, excuses.

As always I am giving my email subscribers a free access link and a 2 months free link – use whichever you prefer! Skillshare does require an account, but if you’re just using the free access link you shouldn’t need to enter any payment information. If you decide to use the 2 free months, you will need to enter payment information. But, I know for a fact that it is SUPER easy to cancel your subscription and Skillshare doesn’t make it difficult or give you a guilt trip for doing so.

Free Access Link: https://skl.sh/2qOyUTQ

2 Free Months Link: https://skl.sh/2QThdxc

If you can leave a review, you’ll have my eternal gratitude! And I’ll have your feedback to use to improve or keep doing what I’m doing!

I hope you’ll enjoy!

September 7, 2019September 7, 2019

Summer is winding down…

Ha! As soon as I said I might start blogging on the reg, I should have known that was a lie. Summer is now winding down, and it’s my favorite time of the year: fall! and my birthday! At the beginning of summer I started a new job. It occurred right after my last post and it’s been a whirlwind summer ever since! I’ve actually been working two jobs as I stuck around and helped my old employer out while they found a replacement. I love my new job and everyone there is amazing. I hope to stick with them a long time and grow in my adult education background.

Infinity Room at WNDR museum
Perspective is everything
Love this quote and this exhibit

I’ve also had a lot of fun this summer. Ted and I took a bus down to Chicago and had some amazing deep dish pizza followed by a trip to WNDR museum – super fun and super Instagrammable. My mom came to visit, which was so wonderful and so needed! We went kayaking, which I’ve never done before but can’t wait to do again! I showed mom around Madison…now I’m looking forward to my BFF’s visit next week for my birthday! I love my birthday, and even more so here in Wisconsin because the weather is always amazing — not hot like it was growing up in Phoenix! We’ll get some kayaking in as well as a little Ice Age Trail light hike, eat some good food, and catch up!

Let’s kayak! At Devil’s Lake
Penny loves when Grammy’s in town!
Me and Mom on Capitol Square

I have been working on another Skillshare class the past few weeks. Since I’ve been working with auras so much in my practice recently, I figured I might as well find a way to share my approach with the world! It’s funny timing, too, because Zentangle HQ also released their Project Pack series that featured a lot of auras. I find it curious how so many tanglers seem to be on the same creative wavelength. If you haven’t checked out Zentangle’s videos yet, I highly recommend them!

New pen from Ted as a reward for starting my new job! Isn’t it pretttty?
Blackest black background canvas
Melted Wax Mooka
Got the blues?

If you’ve followed me on Instagram you’ve seen me playing with a lot of fun art supplies and techniques. I recently picked up Blackest Black acrylic paint from Culture Hustle and it’s gloriously black (read the amazing back story to this pigment here). I painted a canvas with it and I am currently working on tangling over it in white with one of my fountain pens. I was really excited to discover a white fountain pen ink, and I think it’s really going to increase my white on black tangling productivity–as well as help me reach my goal of using all/mostly sustainable and renewable art supplies, one less thing to throw in the garbage! And, it’s going to look awesome! I haven’t decided yet if I will sell it or keep it, I guess it depends on how it actually turns out!

So, as summer comes to a close, keep a look out for my next Skillshare class! It’s going to be thorough and include several different completed tiles. I’ll also start working on my next class – white on black!

I have received a few reviews on my older Skillshare classes that have mentioned the video and audio quality. It’s been something I have wanted to go back and change for a long time, and as time goes by I think it becomes a more glaring issue… but that happens when technology is constantly updating! So, I have high hopes too for going back and updating my older classes over the next few months so that the videos are shot with more modern technology 🙂

Until next time!

Tangle.Sip.Repeat.

-Sarah

May 31, 2019May 31, 2019

Two weeks in a row, say whaaaat?

Last weekend I had a lot of fun watching everyone join my new Skillshare class! I have high hopes for this class and it’s renewed my motivation to get a lot more classes out and more regularly.

I also had a chance to finish a small watercolor commission for a friend. She wanted a large watercolor piece to hang in her bedroom, over her bed. We chatted about size and budget and decided that a tapestry with a print of the watercolor piece would be the best route! She’ll also get the original. It was a nice change of pace for me to work with my watercolors after working so heavily on my computer the previous week. The looseness of how watercolors can be used is a dramatic contrast to working with technology and deadlines!

One of several layers. Using a beachy palette that I just love!

While I was waiting for one of the layers of paint to dry (and there were many!), I was playing around with my Rotring Isograph pen. The ink had dried up a bit, so I had to clean it out and get it writing again. Once I started to get the ink going again I was playing with a few tangle-y elements and out popped this cool pattern!

Rotring Isograph with white ink, on black Zentangle® Apprentice tile

I named it Spirawings, and I’ll share here with you the deconstruction and a video! It’s basically a Frankenstein’s monster of multiple tangles – Joki, Mooka, Dra-wings. So, I won’t say I created it, instead I composed it.

I think Dra-wings is a pattern that this is closest to. But it’s also a pattern I just.cannot.do. I don’t know why, but it just turns out like mush. So Spirawings is probably the closest I’ll ever get to what is intended by the steps.

If you’d like to watch me complete the steps, check out my video on Youtube, just below. I’ll also have it posted on Instagram! Otherwise, feel free to download a copy of the steps I created just for you!

If you haven’t already, check out my Skillshare class! There are still a few free links available, but they do expire on June 7th! You don’t need to enter any payment info in order to use this link, but you may have to enter your name and email address (Skillshare likes to make sure you’re human and not a robot I think). Link: Choose Your Own Tangle Adventure

I am going to try and revive this blog a bit, so hopefully you’ll be hearing from me more often! I expect to write a little bit each month!

Until next time! – Sarah