Tag positivity

We are Family

SarahB Leave a comment

Here in Ontario, Canada it is Family Day.

I dislike overused similes, so I will forgo the (obvious) analogy of a Zentangle Tile to a family.

Family should symbolize support, encouragement and closeness. However, it has become so overused by (most often) toxic companies, that many consider this phrase a red flag. It is what family should be.

I am spending today with my biological family, but as I tangle I am grateful for my supportive family of Tanglers and CZTs. I hope all of you have a group that you can count on for support and encouragement, and that you consider family. I’d love to hear about them in the comments.

With Gratitude,
Sarah.

I used “WAF” (we are family) as my string. 

Huggins: Tangle of the Year

SarahB Leave a comment

Zentangle HQ just released its Tangle of the Year: Huggins.

Huggins is a high-focus tangle, meaning it is a bit more challenging. It took me a while to get the gist of drawing it. Inevitably I would draw a line going the wrong way or some other mistake opposite, After practice I go the hang of it, and now it is a favourite. I still sometimes make a slight error slip, but when I do I either ignore it or hide it.


The Tangle of the Year is meant to represent intents for the coming year. I have been thinking about what this means. Perhaps it indicates a warn hug to those who need (and want) one, since a single Huggins element is called (semi-officially) a hug. Perhaps it is a reminder to embrace new practices or hobbies (or re-embrace neglected ones).

Whatever it means to you, I hope you will take time to do things that bring you joy.

With Gratitude and appreciation

Sarah

A Year of No Mistakes

SarahB Leave a comment

Let’s make this the year of “No Mistakes”

In Zentangle, we say there are “no mistakes,” only opportunities. Here is an example of something I did, and how I turned “oops” to “awesome:”

I was drawing Toodles, a leaf-like tangle with a pointed top and rounded bottom. It was the first time I was drawing it, and I drew the top rounded, instead of pointed. I set the tile aside and went back to it later, and still didn’t like how it looked. However, I also didn’t want to waste the tile. Then I had an idea. I’d just done a Project Pack exercise when two Bijou tiles, black and white, were cut in half and taped together. The tiles were then tangled to mirror each other. So I used the opportunity to do that on a larger scale. I coloured in the half of the tile (with Toodles) black, and repeated the project pack exercise. It looked great. (Unfortunately, I no longer have that tile. It fell on the floor and was “soiled” by my senior cat.)

We love to talk about fresh starts and new beginnings with the turn of the year. My invitation to you is to make this the year of no mistakes. Make it one of positivity. Show yourself the kindness, gratitude and love you show your friends and loved ones. Turn mis-strokes into opportunities, and make it the year of No Mistakes.

With gratitude

Sarah

Tangle Holliday Stress Away

SarahB Leave a comment

It’s Christmas (or Channukah, Yule, Solstice .etc etc…)

I work full-time in a busy local bakery and have also worked as a retail associate in busy mega-marts, so I know all about holiday stress. For many people, work-related stress is compounded by financial and family pressures.

That is why it is even more important to remember not to neglect our emotional needs this time of year. I know when we are busy shopping for friends, kids, family etc. it can feel like there is no time for us.

The founders of Zentangle understand how busy everyone is. That is why they make their surfaces small, and their art form one that can be completed in as little as 15 minutes. They want everyone, no matter how crazy their lives, to enjoy and benefit from their Method.

Even during the height of the holiday season, you need to look after your mental well-being. Take 15 minutes for appreciation to do something to de-stress and create something beautiful.

With Appreciation and Love,

Sarah

My Zentangle Journey

SarahB Leave a comment

I discovered Zentange randomly. I had started paper-crafting, and often visited a website with weekly themed challenges. One such challenge was “doodling, ” and the moderator made a passing comment about how the challenge was perfect for “Zentanglers”. (The proper term is tanglers, BTW.) I could tell by the name it would be something I’d enjoy. 

So, I Googled “Zentangle” and found the site. I immediately ordered the starter kit. I was hooked.  I wanted to be CZT, but the cost was prohibitive for me first as a student, then working minimum wage jobs for several years.

When COVID happened, and in-person seminars were suspended, the team at Zentangle HQ had to find a way to adapt.  They started offering online CZT seminars, and that made saving much easier. I had also found a proper job, which helped.  So finally, after over fifteen years of tangling, I was able to afford the training to be a Certified Zentangle Teacher!

What makes it even more exciting is that here in Northern Ontario I am the first. CZT  The need for affordable and accessible mental health solutions is real, and we can all use more positivity.

I can’t wait to get started sharing this amazing art form that teaches us self-love and that “everything is possible, one stroke at a time.”