I first started paying attention to Zendala's when I participated in the Diva's Challenge #25. It was a guest post by Genevieve Crabe, CZT. She gave us a relatively simple template and challenged us to fill it with tangles. I was immediately smitten. I actually did 2 challenge tiles that week which is a rarity for me.
This was my first attempt at a Zendala. I felt like it was a little busy |
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My second attempt was more what I was envisioning. I think it has a better flow. |
I was immediately on the hunt for more templates but I soon realized my options were limited. I did find a few more of them on the Internet but most were very complex or didn't lend themselves to Zentangle. I focused on other Zentangle endeavors and soon found myself at CZT training in Rhode Island. There were so many beautiful pieces of work being displayed by my fellow students but the one that really caught my eye was a book of work by my fellow CZT Lesley Scott-Gillilan. All of the work in her book was beautiful but she had these amazing Zendala's. I could not imagine how she created these templates. The intricacy of each one was so beautiful and amazingly detailed that I headed back to look at them again and again. When I finally introduced myself I asked her about the templates and she told me that it was a technique she had learned from Carole Ohl, CZT. I talked to Carole and she told me they were Snowflake Mandala's. She had learned this easy technique from someone else and it eliminated the need for math. You simply create a paper snowflake, like the ones we made in elementary school, and use that for your template.
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My first snowflake mandala. 9 x 9 inches |
Carole told me the complete directions were in a new book by Suzanne McNeill, CZT called Zen Mandalas. When I returned from Rhode Island I ordered the book right away. Big mistake! When the book arrived I automatically had the urge to call in sick to work. This is the kind of book that makes you want to create for days. It has lots of info, cool techniques, and amazing examples. There are completed pieces by Carole Ohl, Suzanne McNeill, and Margaret Bremner. The book is a must have, and no, I do not work for the company! There are also directions in the book for geometry based Zendala's. I tried these techniques as well with good result but wanted more. I craved more complexity in my templates but knew it would involve math. So I offered up a lunch invite to my little brother AJ, an engineering major, and figured he would tell me how to do it. I explained my task and he started talking tangents, arcs, radius's, trapezoids and a whole bunch of other things I told him I couldn't remember from high school geometry. He quickly informed me this was trigonometry not geometry, and that's why I was unfamiliar. HELLO AJ! Your sister does not do trigonometry, she became a paramedic because there wasn't a whole lot of math involved (and oh yeah, that thing about helping people)! I realized that AJ wasn't going to be able to help me so I told him to finish the french dip I was buying him and to please not use any more math terms during lunch. AJ did mention however that there may be some computer programs that could help me out.
That brings us to today. Through a mix of basic geometry, computers, hand drawn shapes and snowflake templates I have been able to create and array of templates and I would like to share them with you. Each week I will be posting a Zendala template perfect for tangling. Some weeks we will take it easy and just complete a template, other weeks I may choose to dare you to use a color, specific tangle, or maybe a prompt that could take us in exciting directions. So let's get started, if you dare!
A few notes about the Zendala Dare:
- This is not a contest. This is a place for people to share their work and not worry about being judged. There are no requirements for entry other than to complete the piece and place your link below if you like.
- Each Friday I will post general parameters and a new template for the Zendala Dare. If for some reason you can't adhere to them, then modify them. This is more about stepping out of your box than adhering to strict rules.
- In each Zendala Dare post you will find links to templates for that week. The templates are in PDF format and are provided in 3 sizes. One link will have a page with the template for a standard 3 1/2 by 3 1/2 inch Zentangle tile as well as a template for the new 4 5/8 inch round official Zendala tiles from Zentangle. You will notice that on that page there is a thick line around the templates. This is to make it easy to line up your tile for transfer. If you are unfamiliar with how to transfer the template to a tile click here to watch a video that shows you an easy way. There will also be a link with a page that has a template that fits an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper.
- Templates are my property and may only be reproduced for personal use. You may use them to produce finished work you intend to sell or give as gifts. The unfinished templates however, may not be reproduced for sale. Only Certified Zentangle Teachers may reproduce my templates in quantity to be used in a class.
- I am providing a link up below so that we may be inspired by and learn from each others work. Please only post links that link back to a specific post for this challenge. Posts that link back to a blog home page will be deleted.
Ok! Lets get started.
Zendala Dare #1
We are going to start off easy. This week I am daring you to jump in. Nothing to crazy, just fill in the template using your favorite tangles.
Here is this weeks template:
Link for full page template
I decided to go all out for the first Zendala Dare and created both a standard Zentangle tile and a round Zendala tile. I was amazed at how differently they turned out considering they are from the same template.
Tangles: Printemps, Pendrills, Apeel, Worms, Socc, Riverstones, Hollibaugh, |
Tangles: N'Zeppel, Courant, Buttercup, Tipple, Knightsbridge, Fescu, |
Go ahead and share your entry into the Zendala Dare by entering a link below.
You know you want to!
Now for the important stuff. A giveaway! To get everyone's Zendala juices flowing I am giving away a set of the new official Zentangle® Zendala tiles.
The tiles come with 2 each of 9 different Zendala templates and 3 blank tiles for a total of 21 tiles. The tiles measure 4 5/8 inches and are the perfect size. These are so much fun! You can enter 2 different ways. Become a follower of my blog and/or submit an entry to the Zendala Dare. You must leave a comment on this post for each entry. You can only be entered in the giveaway if you leave a comment below letting me know how you participated. So if you become a follower and enter the Dare please leave 2 comments. The giveaway will close at midnight, Thursday, April 19, 2012. I will announce a winner in the post for the Zendala Dare #2.
I would also like to hear your feedback about the Zendala Dare so feel free to leave me a comment letting me know what you think. This is a work in progress and I would love to hear your suggestions.
If you are interested in learning more about Zentangle® click here. You can find a Certified Zentangle Teacher in your area by clicking here.
Hope you all have a fantastic week!
Until next Friday.....
Erin
What a great idea! I, too, LOVE Zendalas and just taught a class on Thursday night. I used the snowflake (via Carole Ohl) and the people loved it.
ReplyDeleteEstelle, thanks for stopping by. It's great to hear that your class went so well. As the weeks progress and I add more templates I will be adding a link where all the past templates can be accessed together. Feel free to use them in your classes.
DeleteI love these! And i really like your 'dare' too! I cant wait to try this one out. I'm already a follower too :o)
ReplyDeleteSuzanne, glad to hear that your going to 'dare' to try the template. I can't wait to see what you come up with. Make sure to post a link!
DeleteWhat a great idea and way to suck everyone into angling in the newest format. So what if I am already a follower? Can't wait to print out the template and start. I have been in a bit of a slump lately and this might help me out of it. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Eden, if you are already a follower I will be happy to include you in the giveaway. I agree with you that Zendala's are a great way to get out of a slump. I look forward to seeing your entry into the 'dare'. Please make sure to post a link!
DeleteI've just this week discovered this whole thing, and I can feel myself getting into the groove with this. I've been on the same sort of tangent for a while, and this gives me a whole different twist on things.
ReplyDeleteI am definately accepting this dare.
HI there, I'm not sure from your comment if you just discovered Zendala's or Zentangle in general but either way you are in for a lot of fun. I can't wait to see what you come up with. These Zendala's are so much fun!
DeleteHOw cool! I became a new follower. I'd love to submit a design and hope I'll be able to Sunday night. This looks like fun!
ReplyDeleteHi Robin, thanks for becoming a follower. I can't wait to see what you submit!
DeleteThanks for starting the Zendala Dare. I'm always on the lookout for new and different templates - don't do the math thing well myself so it will be fun to have a new one to play with each week. Hope you get lots of followers. I think I followed you once before but recently turned that off on my blog. I do follow you via RSS feed though.
ReplyDeleteGlad you found the Zendala Dare. I figured there were a lot of people like me looking for templates so I wanted to create a place we could all share our work, ideas, and mutual admiration. I will be interested to see what you come up with!
DeleteThis is not a need or a want.This is a must to sign up to your blog.SOOOOO much eye candy.Can't do the DARE this week but I will so make time in the future. Great Idea. Thanks for sharing. g.a.s.
ReplyDeleteSo glad I found your Blog.
Hi,
DeleteThanks for the kind words and I'm glad you found me!
Well, I'm already a follower, so now all I have to do is your challenge. I have a little time to think about it, thank goodness.
ReplyDeleteWebster, I'm looking forward to your challenge entry!
DeleteI enjoyed having a go at this challenge, it was good fun. Although I think I made a mistake in the link I posted.
ReplyDeleteHi Fiona, I found your entry with the glitch in it and deleted it. Your other link seems to be working fine. I can't tell you how many times I have done the same thing you did! Thanks for entering the Zendala Dare.
DeleteWhat a fantastic idea! I am becoming a follower and will be promoting this on my facebook page to get the word out. I will hopefully find some time to do a Zendala and submit it as well!
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer, so glad you found your way over to my blog! I appreciate the help spreading the work and hope you can squeeze in some Zendala time. Have a great day!
DeleteWhat a great idea, now I just have to try one.
ReplyDeleteLeslie, you can try and stop at one but it may be tough! Thanks for stopping by my blog.
DeleteI'm already a follower, now I just have to make time to try the Zendala template. Nice job and love your blog.
ReplyDeleteCari
Cari, thanks for the kind words. I hope you find sometime to submit to the Dare. These Zendala's are so much fun!
DeleteI was getting your blog through the "Feed" button, but now I'm a follower as well. I love your Zendala Dare idea as I love to meet challenges - sometimes I have to provide my own - but those from others are more fun. I appreciate your creativity, sense of fun and your blog. Thanks
ReplyDeleteCathy, thanks for all the kind words about the challenge and my blog. I also like to set challenges for myself but when we do that I think we sometimes subliminally (or not so subliminally) make it a little easy on ourselves. For some of the upcoming challenges I will have friends and co workers pick some of the challenge components so that even I can't plan ahead! Scary but fun. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteOk, I did a Zendala. It was fun, intimidating, and addicting all at once! Thanks for the challenge.
ReplyDeleteCari
Cari, it looks fantastic! Thanks for participating.
DeleteI did one, I did one! Actually two... but they are both in one post linked above in slot #5. Now I can go look at the ones already linked. Thanks for the dare.
ReplyDeleteEden, I think both of them look great!
DeleteI just started following you. YAY! I love the Zendala tiles and have been playing with mine and loving them. I will print out the templates and try to finish the challenge too. Sounds like fun!
ReplyDeleteDeb, thanks for stopping by. I think you are going to love playing with these templates. They are so much fun!
DeleteI love this idea, Erin! I really love that you are doing the templates in 3 sizes and that we, as CZT's can use them for classes!!! I am now following your blog, and just posted my entry, with a link to my blog post. I might not get to this every week...but look forward to it when I can. Thanks, Sue
ReplyDeleteSue, I am glad you are enjoying all the different templates. Thanks for taking the 'Dare'. I'm going to check it out right now!
DeleteI follow your blog via email
ReplyDeleteDielle, thanks so much for following!
DeleteAwesome challenge! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteKaty, thanks for taking the 'Dare'!
DeleteI am looking forward to seeing the different strings you can come up with. Thanks so much for doing this.
ReplyDeleteBarb, that makes two of us. Everytime I create a new template it seems to be nothing like what I envisioned. I guess that can be good and bad. We will see what the future holds.
DeleteI just subscribed. Thank you for your templates, I imagine that a lot of work goes into creating each one. I have only made one Zendala and I will definately be taking your dare. Also, thank you for the chance to win the set of tiles!
ReplyDeleteKathy, thanks for subscribing. The templates are a little bit of work but they are so fun. Glad you are having fun with the Zendalas!
DeleteI love this idea. Zendalas are my favorite way to tangle. I love the templates too - since I am not so great at that math "thingies" either.
ReplyDeleteCathy, I am for anything that doesn't involve math! Glad you are having fun with the templates.
DeleteI am following your blog and I just put up my first attempt. This definitely puts a new spin on tangling. Thanks for doing this!
ReplyDeleteShay, glad you are enjoying it. Thanks for taking the 'Dare'.
DeleteNice & brilliant challenge! I enjoyed it very much. Want to say huge thank you for set this up.
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome. I figured there must be others like me who were searching for templates. Thanks for taking the 'Dare'.
DeleteOkay, since I didn't have a blog to post my entry to I set up a very quick site on my mac. There isn't anything there but the Zendala picture, but at least it's out there.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this challenge and I am looking forward to the next one!
Kathy
Kathy, thanks for taking the 'Dare'. I'm glad we are all able to see your entry.
DeleteI've done the dare! Posted my link too.. :) It was my first post on my new blog too.. Lots of new things happening today! :) I hope I did it right -- lemme know if I should do it differently.
ReplyDelete-genie
Genie, looks like everything worked perfectly. Thanks so much for posting!
DeleteErin, Thanks for getting my creative energies going! Instead of always saying "Wow! I'd really like to do a Zendala! I now have done one! Will be posting soon. It seems a little busy but I really like it!
ReplyDeleteCorinne, I think your work is beautiful. Not busy at all. Thanks for posting.
DeleteErin I put my link on the list hoping its good!
ReplyDeleteLooks like your link is working. Thanks!
Deleteerin - i "followed" your blog :) and i hope to work on the zendala tomorrow :) yay!!! i can't wait! this is what i really want to learn how to do :) i have the Zen Mandalas book and will study it a little before i try this :)
ReplyDeleteAlice, I'm glad you found my blog. Don't think about your Zendala too much. Just jump in, it will "talk" to you and let you know what to do. Thanks for taking the 'Dare'.
DeleteErin! Great idea! I love getting inspiration from somewhere other than my own head! I've just added a link to the tile I did for the Zendala Dare - looking forward to what you'll have for us on Friday. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for posting. I think you will like Friday!
DeleteHi Erin
ReplyDeleteCool I'm just became your follower no. 100!!
Hi Anna, thanks for becoming a follower!
DeleteI also participating in your wonderful Dare and have postet a link!!
ReplyDeleteAlready looking forward to the next dare!
Anna, I just checked out your Zendala. Love it!
DeleteWow, I love your zentangle dare! I've been wanting to do zendala's but felt intimidated by them. Your templates in three sizes and the dare make it much more accessible. I'm not sure how to transfer the pattern on to heavier weight paper (trace with carbon paper maybe? - any suggestions? my printer won't take the heavier weight paper). I won't be able to participate for the next couple of weeks as we are off to Scotland and will be busy.... but I'm looking forward to this as soon as I get back. Thanks so much Erin!
ReplyDeleteHi Sue, don't let the Zendalas intimidate you, they are so much fun. There is an image transfer tutorial on my Tutorials page listed at the top of the blog. It is the easiest way I know to get the template onto the tile. Have fun!
Deletei posted my very first zendala ever! yay!!!! i'm excited about your zendala dare, erin, thanks for hosting us!
ReplyDeleteI love zendalas :D Thanks for this challenge!
ReplyDeleteHi Erin. I had trouble printing from the templates, and just ended up printing directly from this webpage. Not sure why. Hopefully I'll figure it out by next week. But at any rate, I've entered my zendala for this week. Will you be posting your dares every Friday?
ReplyDeleteJust heard about this yesterday and will be joining your site today. This looks like so much fun, and a change from what I've been doing. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Erin, I've been seeing your templates around the blogs for a few months now & have decided to try my hand at a zendala. I have a problem tho & I'm not sure if you can help me with this but when I click on the link to the template I get directed to some 'Google Drive' page, like I need to set up some sort of account maybe??....& there's not a template to be seen anywhere.
ReplyDeleteI'm using a mac if that info helps any. Thanks for any advice you may have, & keep up the great work, both creatively & as an 'Ambo'
Tania.
thank you so much for doing these challenge. It has been fun doing my zentangle.
ReplyDeleteSo excited to find this site! Thanks for all of your work. Can't wait to post.
ReplyDeletezendalas are so much fun just like your chalanges,i love them all. THANKS!!
ReplyDeleteWell, you DID say we could jump in any time. So here I go. I've been tangling for about a month now, and thought I'd try my hand at a Zendala. I know I missed the drawing (by about a year, LOL) but I love challenges, and I'm so inspired by everyone's work.
ReplyDelete(I wasn't able to choose name/URL, so here it is in case choosing Google Account doesn't link to that. http://wranglintangler.blogspot.com/ )
I'm a late jumper too -- just did the first dare a couple of days ago, and finished the second one this morning. My first Zendala Dare used the tangles Scrawlz, Fengle, and Zensplosion Folds, and came out looking festive. I like this!
ReplyDeleteUsed my Google account to sign in and had forgotten I'd used the name CraftingMama on it -- I posted my Zendala under my own name -- Lori Kingston.
DeleteJust a bit late on this dare, but never late than never :-)
ReplyDelete*Better
DeleteThanks for organizing this zendala dare. I'm new at this. This was my first zendala! I hope I did ok.
ReplyDeleteGreetings, Sofie
http://sofies-succulent-beads.blogspot.be/2015/10/zendala-dare-1.html