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.

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. 

Doodle Friday - O Christmas Tree

This week's doodle isca quivk tree made to fill a space in a publication for my day job.

Doodle Friday - Special Guests!

In this time of thanksgiving, I'm so thankful for my family. That's why this week's doodle features artwork made by my niece and nephew! 

The snowmen were drawn by my nephew, and the great birthday drawing is by my niece.

Happy Crafting and happy family!
Liz

Weekly Doodle - Town

So this week's doodle is a little ocean-front town. I hope they don't get a hurricane! Maybe it's on a lake. Have fun with the little houses. 

I'll be taking some time this weekend to prep for two craft showd in December as well as making holiday gifts.

Happy Crafting!
Liz

Weekly Doodle - Mandala

Promotion time: I'll be at the First Lutheran Church, 501 James St. in Syracuse from 10am to 4:30pm for a craft show and upcycling fair. Stop by and see the critters in person!

Now onto the weekly doodle. It's no secret I love to draw. Give me a pad of paper and a writing utensil, and the paper will be filled with doodles. This week's theme has turned out to be mandalas. Here's my favorite one from the week: