Ok, a random new tangle pattern. This one is a little more narrative than step-by-step and is inspired by a contorted hazel outside The Studio. Each spring, it is covered in catkins and I have tried to capture its appearance in this pattern. A great space filler.
I’ve been asked to review this book by the publishers, Design Originals, and have been provided with a preview copy. Other than that, this review is independent and I haven’t been paid for it.
Florabunda Style is billed as the next generation of zentangle, and the author should know, as she has written more than 200 craft and hobby books including the popular Zentangle series. With the rapid rise in popularity of colouring books for adults, this book seems ideal for those that are looking to create their own illustrations to colour and benefit from the relaxation that that affords.
The FloraBunda aesthetic is based on simple nature inspired doodles. The book is printed on high quality artist paper, and readers are actively encouraged to draw in the book with plenty of white space to practice in around the examples. The paper is of a sufficient quality to decorate with markers, pens, coloured pencils, watercolours and more. As well as providing more than 200 different designs the book also includes a selection of craft projects with step-by-step instructions. The reader is actively encouraged to experiment, have some fun, be eclectic, be whimsical and above all have some fun.
The book opens with a chapter on the various tools that you can use to draw the elements as well as colour them in. The following chapters follow a similar pattern, opening with a preview of all the designs, step-by-step instructions to draw them and examples of finished artwork by other zentangling experts. There’s a basic guide to plant anatomy, and every element of a typical plant is included, including stems, vines, tendrils, flowers and seed heads. There are tips and tricks scattered throughout the text, as well as snippets of encouragement to develop your own style and creativity. The book finishes with both a visual and written index of all the designs and projects. The author has a chatty style of writing, and even if you don’t dare draw in it, the book is well worth the read in it’s own right.
It’s been a long while since I’ve found inspiration for some more tangle patterns… but this week, while doing a house clearance, I came across a small earthenware cup with geometric patterns reminiscent of those from the 1970’s. This is the first of two tangle patterns based on the cup.
I’ve been filming and editing a commissioned tutorial video today – but snatched moments between uploads to create a sample for my April workshop: Zentangle Inspired Art on other surfaces. As well as inviting attendees to tangle on porcelain tiles or mugs, there will also be the opportunity to tangle on fabric. I’ve quilted the square onto a card just to add bit of interest. Do this technique and more on Easter Saturday in my studio in Leicester – book your place here.
For those that haven’t noticed yet, I’ve added some new dates for next year on the Workshops tab:
Come & Craft sessions on a Tuesday night continue to be popular – recent projects include napkin decoupage, dry brushing techniques, image transfers and glittering on acetate.
The Come & Craft Christmas Party will be 11am-4pm on Saturday 4th January 2014 – perfect for boosting your creativity and do bring your crafty presents for show and tell 😉
And on Saturday 1st February 2014, 10am-4pm, sees an introduction to Zentangle Inspired Art including a book of my tangle patterns and tangling pens to take away.
For full details and to book, head on over to the Workshops page 🙂
And if you’d like any of the workshops on a weekday, this can often be arranged, just let me know 🙂