Zentangle 101

On Saturday last I took an introductory class to learn Zentangle.

What is Zentangle?


'Zentangle is an easy to learn method of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns. It is a fascinating new art form that is fun and relaxing. It increases focus and creativity. Zentangle provides artistic satisfaction and an increased sense of personal well being.'

Here you see below Cap'n Mad Ellen's first attempts with Zentangle. I won't be selling these examples anytime soon in an art gallery but *Effervescent Ethel and I enjoy learning a new art form!

(*Effervescent Ethel's Zentangles have mysteriously disappeared. As soon as I find them I will take photos and post hers, too.) 

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Cost: $10.00 for the basic items needed

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Sharpie™ Dyed Coasters

http://myfrugaladventures.com/2014/08/sharpie-dyed-coasters-fun-childrens-craft/




How to make:

-ceramic tiles 4"x4" glossy finish
-Sharpie™ permanent pens in *colors of your choice
-eye dropper
-*rubbing alcohol (read update below!)
-Short Cuts Krylon Fast Dry Enamel high gloss spray (recommended_)

*Important: limit the colors used to no more than 3; but 2 colors would be ideal. Once the rubbing alcohol is added the colors will blend and bleed into one another. Red and blue will make purple, yellow and blue will make green, etc. If you mix black and white together you will have grey of course and if you mix too many colors together you'll have a muddy brown color. So, choose carefully! 
 

Our tiles before adding the rubbing alcohol. I couldn't take a picture of the tiles when we added the rubbing alcohol as they had to stay stationery while drying. The effect was pretty but after about 15 minutes the marbleizing started to disappear.

*Update: adding the rubbing alcohol did not work. At first the colors bled then as the rubbing alcohol dried the colors didn't stay "marbleized" and for the most part reverted back to their original state but with a little bit of smearing as plainly seen in photos below. We attempted to "fix" the problem by either smearing the colors with our fingers (didn't work) or drawing over the design with the markers again (that didn't work either). I would skip the rubbing alcohol the next time. Fortunately this is a very inexpensive craft project and no big loss financially.

Before adding rubbing alcohol:

After:

Color correction and two coats of fast dry enamel for the finished tiles:

Cost: 4 ceramic tiles @ .16¢ each= .64 cents (which were found at our local hardware store)
1 can Short Cuts Krylon Fast Dry Enamel/high gloss 3 ounce (85 g) $3.99 w/50% off coupon=$2.00

Total Cost: US$2.64

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Q Tip™ Snowflakes

To make the Q Tip™ Snowflakes you will need:

-Q Tips (cotton swabs)
-glue
-scissors
-background paper, optional (the snowflakes can either be glued to background paper or freestanding) We use Google images for inspiration.
-optional decorations: glitter, sequins, small buttons, rhinestones, etc.

Cost: ø

For this snowflake we each took turns adding a Q Tip, sequin or glitter until we were mutually satisfied with the result. 

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Washi Tape 101

From the log of Cap'n Mad Ellen: I've fallen under the spell of washi tape. Inevitably, I knew it would happen. Washi tape is on the spendy side so I buy it when  I have a 40%+ coupon. The other day I had a 50% off coupon plus another 15% off coupon for my total purchase and bought a few rolls of washi tape to start my collection. I wish there were a better selection specifically of washi tape variety packs in town. That would be a far less expensive route.


WHAT IS WASHI TAPE?

"Often called wasabi tape by mistake, washi tape does originate from Japan, so we can see how the two terms are easily confused! But, washi tape has nothing to do with the spicy condiment that you eat with your sushi. The best way we can describe washi tape is that it feels like masking tape — very, very pretty masking tape. It's made of paper, but is not as delicate as you would expect. Plus, it comes in patterns and designs that will make even the most dedicated crafters swoon and varying widths to allow you to create some fun and intricate washi tape designs.

Washi tape is typically made from natural fibers, such as bamboo or hemp, but most commonly from the bark of trees that are native to Japan — the mulberry, the mitsumata shrub or the gampi tree. Most washi tapes are strong (as strong as duct tape in some cases!) and functional as well as pretty, making them wonderful for both everyday and decorative use."


Read more of the article here: http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/951617/what-is-washi-tape


WASHI TAPE on AMAZON:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=washi+tape


You might also like this:

56 Adorable Ways To Decorate With Washi Tape

"In case you were unaware, washi tape is decorative Japanese tape that crafters are completely OBSESSED with. It also has a magic power that makes everything it’s stuck to the most adorable thing in the world."

Read more here:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/56-ways-to-decorate-with-washi-tape#.ifdKavxwp

Washi tape on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/178-7350937-3842345?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=washi+tape

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WASHI TAPE PIRATE on ETSY and available here:



https://www.etsy.com/listing/205844528/1-roll-of-pirate-ship-washi-tape?utm_source=google&utm_medium=product_listing_promoted&utm_campaign=supplies-scrapbooking-low-other&ione_adtype=pla&ione_creative=56602799795&ione_product_id=205844528&ione_product_partition_id=91552690355&ione_store_code=&ione_device=c&ione_product_channel=online&ione_merchant_id=101420472&ione_product_country=US&ione_product_language=en&gclid=CMWFi8_cicMCFVKPfgodcBoALw

Craft Stick Dolls

http://mollymoocrafts.com/craft-stick-dolls/

This craft stick doll created by Effervescent Ethel was inspired by the character Elsa in the  movie Frozen. 

Need:



-craft sticks (popsicle sticks)
-washi tape or colored masking tape
-scissors
-permanent markers in assorted colors

Cost: $4.00US (My supply of craft sticks was insufficient. I used coupons plus an additional 25% off to replenish.)


Tomorrow I will highlight a post about washi tape which is my first craft focus for the new year. This craft stick doll project was the first time that Effervescent Ethel and Cap'n Mad Ellen had crafted with washi tape.

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  Thar be no place like 'omebase!

Star Wars' Snowflakes!

FREE printables here!

http://www.anthonyherreradesigns.com/index.php/8-ahd-blog/14-star-wars-snowflakes-2014

  Need:

-printer
-printer paper
-scissors
-(optional) fishing line or tape if you want to hang up the snowflakes or attach to the walls

Cost: ø

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"Filth, you will pay for your insolence."

"Insolence! We are pirates! We don't even know what that means."