AECP: Zen & Tangled
AECP: Zen & Tangled
Do you like to doodle?
I used to doodle a lot! I would doodle during meetings and back in college – you know, when you’re supposed to be paying attention! Well, now that I work for myself and don’t have to go to any boring meetings, I find that I don’t really doodle anymore. Zentangling isn’t really doodling, but it leads to a similar, calming effect. When I saw there was a class at Altenew that covered Zentangling and cardmaking, I thought I needed to check it out!
(affiliate links are used in this post. When you click on them and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting my blog!)
Class #3: Zentangle for Cardmakers
I have to admit – though I was interested in checking out this class, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to draw well enough to succeed! I bet some of you have that concern too! Well, let me tell you, it’s not as hard as it looks! All Zentangle patterns (or tangles) are broken down into steps, so as long as you take it a step at a time, you can get the gist of it pretty quick. I quickly discovered that “tangling” is a great way to add extra detail to a card design!
My Project
The class covers a handful of tangles, but I thought I would explore the Internet for others! I had an idea that I wanted to fill in the spaces of the Feathered Leaves stencil, so I would need tangles that were designed to work along as a string. I found a great website that has hundreds of tangles you can learn – tanglepatterns.com.
The Technique & Design
I started my project by using the “stencil smoosh” technique on a piece of Brea Reese Mix Media paper. I chose this over watercolor as I knew I’d be doing a lot of work with fineline pens and I didn’t want to worry about the texture of the paper, or it sucking up too much ink. Mix Media paper will take a small amount of water without adverse effects, so it was a great choice. I dabbed the ink cubes onto the stencil, then spritzed the stencil with water to allow it to move and blend a bit, then placed it on the paper and lifted.
I was super happy with the outcome! Once dry, I started in on the tangling. I had four patterns picked out (Shirley, Sea Wave, Liuliu Dashun and Sampa), but no plan on where they would go or how many I would do. In hindsight, I would have been better served outlining the stencil so I didn’t have to keep overlaying it.
Don’t forget to leave a comment at the end of the post to qualify for my monthly giveaway!
Speed Coloring Video
It took me a couple of hours to do this, so even though the video is only about 10 minutes, know that it’s sped up 7x! After I finished the tangles, I cut down the design and mounted it up on a square card base with two border pieces. A strip of Golden Trim Washi helped the sentiment pop!
How did you like today’s video?
This is the second speed coloring video I’ve done. I thought that I might make it a regular Saturday feature after I complete my AECP Certification. What do you think? Let me know in the comments!
Don’t Forget about my monthly GIVEAWAY!
Every month, I give away a sweet surprise to one lucky commenter. So, don’t forget to leave a COMMENT on today’s post to enter!
If you loved today’s project, I’d love to know! The blogosphere can be a lonely place, so please don’t lurk! Leave a quick word or two to tell me you were here!
Get everything you need to make this project!
The supply list is right here! Just click a product to get started. The links I'm sharing are Affiliate Links, meaning that I will receive a small commission on your sale, at no additional cost to you.
This helps keep the lights on and the inspiration flowing here at Pixel Maven's Retreat!
The Latest...
- FREEBIES!!! There's no catch - check out my Freebies Page for all sorts of downloadable resources to help take your crafting up a notch!
- Need a Color Coordinator to inspire color choices for your projects? Get yours today! 2019-20 Coordinators are NOW SHIPPING!
"I love this! I have a hard time getting color combos together and this takes all the guess work out so I can start creating right away! I think every stamper should have one thank you for this amazing product." - Sandra
Here's some other projects you'll like!
On the CASE: All Lined Up Hello
Happy Hump Day! Got time for a quick CASE?
Oooh! I’m so in love with my take on today’s Inspiration CASE! I’ve noticed that I’m not so into patterned paper anymore. Actually, I don’t think I ever was.
MFT: 7 Basics to Start Stamping & Cardmaking
Welcome to a new feature here at The Retreat – My Favorite Things!
I’m always trying out new products, tools, brands, mediums, etc. and I’m sure it can be hard to keep up with everything that I like. So, I thought I would do an occasional roundup of those items that make it onto my craft desk over and over so you can see what I recommend.
AECP: Can’t Stop with the Stencils
Yes – seriously, another stencil technique…
Every time I see a new stencil now, I want to buy it. They are so versatile and absolutely fun, fun, fun to experiment with!
How very cool and awesome, Nicole! I love you take with this course. The watercolor wash with the stencil are so beautiful. Of course, your fabulous Zentangle really adds a ton of details in this! I am so glad that you enter your beautiful work in Altenew AECP assignment Gallery. Awesome details and design! Super work!
Cool results. I like how you used a stencil first. I have never tried tangling before. Thanks for sharing the website with the patterns. I may give it a shot.
Superb! So cool, Nicole! What a wonderful card! Amber will be so proud of you! She is an excellent teacher and I am glad you enjoyed her class!
Thank you for adding your gorgeous work to the AECP gallery. Well done!