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Zentangle Diva’s Challenge #192 – Out of (South) Africa Edition

by Suzanne Fluhr on November 4, 2014 · 24 comments

Knysa, South Africa

Last week, the Zentangle Diva challenged us to use the tangle “Betweed” (Weekly Challenge #191). Last Monday, my husband and I were in Port Elizabeth, South Africa overnight before a flight to the northeastern part of the country (adjacent to Kruger National Park) for an animal viewing safari at the Thorny Bush Game Reserve. I dutifully worked on the challenge, but found I could not post it to Boomeresque because of insufficiently robust wifi service. Here’s what I came up with for the challenge to use “Betweed”:

betweed 500

This week the Diva has needed to devote even more time to her family as her youngest is scheduled to undergo eye surgery. CZT (Certifited Zentangle Teacher) Chris Letourneau stepped up as a guest diva and challenged us to use her tangle, Seton. The tangle was deconstructed by her daughter, Birdie, and is based on inspiration by the windows in her church. I used this as a monotangle as we just returned home yesterday after a 30 hour trip from Johannesburg, South Africa. (For the uninitiated, you can read about Zentangle here.) This tangle appeals to my somewhat “square” view of the world. Here’s my Seton monotangle:

Seton Zentangle

Chris mentioned how often she is inspired by patterns around her in the world. I am no different. On our trip to South Africa, I found patterns all around. I am working on deconstructing them so I can incorporate them into my Zentangle tiles and ZIAs. (Zentangle Inspired Art). Here are some of the tangle inspirations I found in that beautiful country:

Knysa, South Africa

Yep. It’s a wine rack found on the way to Knysa, South Africa.

Vase at Knysa restaurant

Decorative large vase.

Marble and tile floor in the Nelson Mandela Square Mall, Sandton City, Johannesburg

Marble and tile floor in the Nelson Mandela Square Mall, Sandton City, Johannesburg

Carpet, Strand Tower Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa

Carpet, Strand Tower Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa

African fabric patterns

African fabrics are a great source of tangle-able patterns.

Decorative wall display

Decorative plates on a wall in Cape Town.

Nelson Mandela's window Robben Island, Cape Town, South Africa

A potential tangle pattern in a solemn place—the rock wall below Nelson Mandela’s cell window on Robben Island off Cape Town.

{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }

Margaret Blank November 4, 2014 at 6:17 pm

I am awed. That Betweed is wonderful. It reminds me of African beadwork, you know, those fabulous many layered necklaces some tribeswomen wear. The skills demonstrated in drawing it are, in the proper sense of the word, awesome.

And then there’s Seton. You really nailed it. It could be an Italian renaissance floor. Jet lag? Phooee! You were still flying.

And then you supply source materials for deconstruction. Excellent. Can’t wait till you go travelling again. If you’re ever in the U.K. …

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Suzanne Fluhr November 4, 2014 at 9:48 pm

Margaret, you are too kind. 🙂 As for being in the UK, the mesothelioma research conference my husband was attending in Cape Town, South Africa is scheduled to be in Birmingham, England in 2016 — so it’s possible.

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Megan Hitchens November 4, 2014 at 6:19 pm

Wow to both your tiles. I have to keep scrolling back up to look at the Betweed one. It’s fascinating. Limited palatte with unlimited outcome. Wow! These are both terrific

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Lily November 5, 2014 at 12:37 am

Absolutely beautiful Seton monotangle. I like the touch of red.

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hesedetang * November 5, 2014 at 12:50 am

I like how ‘tribal’ your tiles look! I think it has to do with the black vs. red colour scheme 🙂 Thanks for sharing the lovely patterns from your trip 🙂

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Annemarie November 5, 2014 at 1:57 am

I LOVE your Seton tile, it’s drawn so very well and has great colors. The photo’s of African designs for tangles are great, they were everywhere I suppose.

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Suzanne Fluhr November 5, 2014 at 1:47 pm

The truth is, I see patterns everywhere I go since I’ve been a tangler. It drives my husband a little nuts as I’m always stopping to take photos of those that strike me as particularly interesting.

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Nat November 5, 2014 at 7:21 am

A very beautiful seton tile. Great colour and shading. And what good ideas all those patterns you found on your travels.

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Suzanne Fluhr November 5, 2014 at 1:50 pm

I used to think that perhaps I should separate my travel and Zentangle blogs because the gurus always preach the necessity of niche blogging, but the truth is that I find that these two passions are complementary. I usually find tangle inspirations on my travels.

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David Hunter November 5, 2014 at 10:41 am

Wow, Suzanne. Both of your tiles are a treat to the eyes. Beautiful and vibrant. You were certainly in touch with your inner Zen as you created these two charmers. I-Love-Them. So well done.

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Suzanne Fluhr November 5, 2014 at 1:48 pm

Thank you, David. My inner Zen is often found wanting. I might just be a little too tightly wound, but tangling does release what little of it there is. I usually feel calmer and more focused after I “create”.

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Ilse November 5, 2014 at 12:17 pm

These are two beautiful tiles, Kia! I love what you did with the black, white and red colours!

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Suzanne Fluhr November 5, 2014 at 2:24 pm

Ilse, I’m Suzanne, not Kia ;-), but I do appreciate you stopping by and your sentiments. (Sometimes it’s hard to keep all us Zentanglers separate 🙂

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Sandra Sch. November 5, 2014 at 1:35 pm

I like your two tiles very much! The Seton Variation with the red colour looks amazing 🙂

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Tinas-Welt November 6, 2014 at 3:52 pm

your tile is very beautifull, I like the color combination it would match to my blog design 😉

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Omer November 7, 2014 at 10:29 am

Beautiful tiles. I love your color touches.
Your Seton is stunning, and your variation to it is simply beautiful.
Seems that Africa was an inspiring journey …

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Suzanne Fluhr November 8, 2014 at 12:35 am

Thank you Omer. Africa was inspiring. But so is Philadelphia. Zentangle has enhanced my appreciation for my surroundings.

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Donald W November 7, 2014 at 8:08 pm

Your Betweed tile is intense. I am not sure that I could have kept it straight. Your Seton is very appealing. Maybe it is the symmetry of the tile that appeals to me. I like the pictures of the patterns. The marble floor looks like a tangleation of Annee. The wall reminds me of ‘Nzeppel.

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Suzanne Fluhr November 8, 2014 at 12:37 am

Thank you, Donald. I need to start identifying and remembering the names of various tangles. Although for some of my “finds” I don’t think I’d mind reinventing the wheel.

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Lynell November 8, 2014 at 12:07 am

The betweed is fantastic. I am just learning the basics and to see this is awe inspiring! I love your seton as well, it really shines! I see the influence of your trip in your work…what a wonderful opportunity to enrich your art with all the pattern and culture of your travels. Thanks for sharing!

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Suzanne Fluhr November 8, 2014 at 12:40 am

Thanks, Lynell. These were new Tangle patterns for me. I’m glad you enjoyed what I came up with.

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MySpecialist November 8, 2014 at 3:07 am

Oh wow, your tiles are stunning, especially the first one!

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Jean Chaney November 9, 2014 at 11:38 am

It is interesting that, after I looked at the patterns you have found, you seem to have picked up on that regional look in your own work. I love that Betweed and am not sure I could even think of doing something like that. Your work is amazing!

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cstocks/1xeritas December 2, 2014 at 11:37 am

Dear Suzanne,
Your tangles are quite impressive while traveling. I like how you found some out in the wild–they’re everywhere! Have a brilliant day! c

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