Zentangles: Doodles becoming art

It is no secret that I am a compulsive doodler. When I have the time, I'm sketching and drawing, and it's always been so. In school, I took notes around my doodles. So where is the line between doodling and art?

Well, it's somewhere between this:

And this:

First, I used better quality paper and inks. I also utilized colored pencils to make it better. Doodling inspires the artwork, which in turn inspires the doodles. I can experiment in the doodles to find the patterns that work for my hands (especially in the simple/complex patterning of the zentangle). The doodle will fade and the paper will curl. The art uses archival-quality inks and acid-free paper, which will help it have a longer life.

Both, however, keep the mind occupied and calm in times of stress. I suggest people try zentangles. Start with simple repeating patterns, and then try more and more until you have a wonderful piece of art... or doodle.

Happy crafting!
Liz

Doodle Friday: Rabbit Zentangle

There was downtime in waiting for copiers to finish copying and other small tasks. Over the week, the doodle evolved into the cute rabbit seen/camouflaged here.

On a personal note, I'm very happy that the spring craft show season is starting. I've got two coming up in April. I'll also be helping out a couple of friends who make other crafts of the whimsical variety. I guess that means that it's time to be creating new stock!

Happy Crafting!
Liz

Doodle Friday: Medieval Fun

So today's doodle is not really a doodle. Well, kind of. It's based on medieval doodles found in the Luttrell Psalter. I have not colored it in, but I did trace/sketch and outline. The big blank space in the center will be used for text when I (or someone else) get(s) around to finding a good text to write in it!

I'm looking forward to spring and some springtime craft shows.

Upcycling magazines into coasters.

In a joyous bout of continuing education, I attended a class on turning magazine pages into coasters. I came prepared with a couple of catalogues from my husband and I learned to weave them into coasters like in the photo.

Glove Bunnies just in time for Easter!

More ways to upcycle old gloves: turn them into rabbits!  Cut off the pinkie finger, index finger, and thumb of the glove. Sew up the sides. Stuff the bunny body and sew up the bottom. Turn the thumb into a little tail. Turn the fingers into the front paws and sew them on. Add eyes and a nose, and *poof* bunny!

My bunny looked cold, so I gave him a scarf.

Happy Crafting!
Liz

Doodle Friday - Dragon Dino

Phone doodles are fun. I start with an eye or two and move onto the head and body. This guy couldn't decide if he was going to be a dragon or a dinosaur. 

More things to make with old sweaters: potholders.

If your house is anything like mine, potholders are always needed. I don't care if you have 42,when you need one, you can't find one. Well, old sweaters make great potholders - especially wool ones. After felting your sweater, cut out a 7 inch square (larger if you have really big hands) and pin together. I rounded the corners and added a loop in one corner for easy hanging. Then I sewed them up. Feeling especially creative? Use 2 or 3 sweaters to make patterns.

The sweater wool is already shrunken, so there is no fear of laundering if they get dirty.

Keep on crafting!
Liz