After a two week hiatus over the holidays, the Zentangle Diva returned this week to challenge us to use a tangle developed by HeidiSue called “Hitch”. HeidiSue reported that she developed this tangle when she made a mistake trying to learn how to make a Celtic Cross. Apparently, she ascribes to my husband’s mantra that “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.”
The hubster, Mr. Excitement, is a physician-scientist. Perhaps he is inspired by Alexander Fleming’s story about how he made the life changing discovery of the antibiotic properties of the penicillin mold. As you probably recall from 7th grade science class, Mr. Fleming was quite upset one day to find that a bacteria culture he was trying to grow in a petri dish had been contaminated by some mold. However, before he let his annoyance blind him, he observed that around the mold spots, the bacteria had disappeared.
I admit to a few false starts with the “Hitch” tangle and I can’t say I was feeling exactly Zen as I worked on my composition. I ended up using some color (the metallic gel ink roller pens I bought myself for Christmas) and also added the tangles “betweed” and “yuma”. The result—not exactly inspired, but at least I stuck with it. I look forward to seeing what others came up with in response to this challenge. I purposely don’t look at others’ challenge responses before I do mine, so I won’t (a) become discouraged and (b) be tempted to copy borrow others’ inspiration. Here’s what I came up with. (It is actually on white paper although my photo editing program makes it look gray.)
The perfection of a Hawaiian hibiscus after the rain can lend perspective.
The New Year prompted some introspection and planning. I decided to become a Certified Zentangle Teachere (CZT) and have registered for the CZT training seminar#18 in Providence, Rhode Island from April 12-15, 2015. I have also resolved to keep things in perspective “in the grand scheme of things“.
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
Suzanne, I really LOVE what you did with this one. Those joined rings with the little red circles is wonderful and the composition is amazing. Don’t sell yourself short; you do beautiful Zen work!
Thank you, Jean. I am hoping the CZT training seminar will help me get a better handle on the Zen part of Zentangle.
Suzanne, your Hitch is beautiful, really love the touch of colour and how it lays elegantly over the other patterns.
Intricately done. That’s amazing. People good with details are rare. 🙂
Lux, thanks for your comment. I’m a recovering lawyer. I’m trying to become worse with details and more of a big picture person, but I guess that doesn’t happen overnight.
Wauw, very elegant and beautiful combinations of patterns. Lovely.
Nice composition and interaction between light and dark and well shaded. I love the way the colors pop. A very nice way to use this weeks tangle.
Beautifully drawn! I like the touch of colour and the effects. Have fun becoming a CZT.
I love the optical illusion that you’ve created. They remind me of the rolls of Christmas paper on my living room floor when I am in the midst of wrapping presents, only much more organized! Have fun at your CZT training. It’s wonderful! Jill
Happy new year Suzanne! I look forward to meeting you at CZT Training #18! Cheers, Debbie <3
Beautiful use of Hitch in a nice composition with the other tangles!
love how your addition of the rings gives a straw-like appearance to the columns. I’m planning to give this challenge a try today! Well done.
A wonderful Challenge Tile, Suzanne. Love your design. Hitched looks terrific. Yuma is so beautifully drawn, and adds a terrific shaded texture to your tile. Your use of the magnetic gelly roll pens in Hitched, Yuma, and the boarder is masterful. So well done. I love it.
Your tile is beautiful, I like the color in it.
Happy new year Suzanne 🙂
I like your tile and how you combined Betweed and Yuma in this Hitched pattern!
It looks very elegant and looks inspired although you didn’t feel like this 😉
I like your tile. Happy new year!
Absolutely gorgeous tile! Pretty variation of Hitched, and Yuma for the background is great! Beautifully drawn!
Your tile is great, wonderful detail and line work. I know your going to have such a great time at the training. It is a life changing experience, 2015 should be an amazing year for you!
Beautiful interpretation! I really love the tunnels that alternate coming out of the rings! Very unique and inspirational. You’ll love the CZT training – it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself! I sometimes find that I loose “my mojo” but it doesn’t take long to get back into it if I take the time to tangle. Best wishes!
Very nice 🙂
That turned out beautiful! I love your patterns inlaid in the stripes!
Wow! You’re all in, good for you and lucky me I get to admire your work. 🙂
Thanks, Patti. You would think that at my age, I might not be feeling that I need a “plan”. Seriously, by age 60 shouldn’t we already have a plan. On the other hand, maybe I finished my first plan and I’m just planning for the next phase. Stay tuned 😉
Nice composition. Like how you connected Hitch to the different columns of tangles. I know Molly was doing some guided meditation at the seminars. This was after I attended my training. She also did something at the last Tangle U. One thing I would suggest try, or continue to work on, prior to your training is to get rid of the inner critic. As you are doing a tile, really focus on the pen moving on the page, breathing slowing, and not worrying about the outcome. It is hard to do.
Lovely tile, I like your Hitched. Best wishes with your CZT training.
Suzanne – this is lovely and how wonderful you are taking the plunge with CZT 🙂 🙂 congrats!!
~ Diane Clancy
http://www.dianeclancy.com/blog/2015/01/diva-umt-hitched-heidisue-challenge-entry