Friday 28 March 2014

Spiral Out - Diva Challenge #160

You might think, as I was the incredibly lucky winner of a stunning set of ''Spiral' cards by Michele Beauchamp (aka Shelly Beach) in her recent giveaway, that I might have had enough inspiration to create my own stunning spirals as part of this week's Diva Challenge. (Wasn't that a very, very long sentence....spiralling around and around....must be catching!)

And the answer is that - whilst I studied my beautiful gift and made copies of some of Shelly's trademark tangles - I simply couldn't recreate anything like the elegant ones she does. Beyond my skills and abilities. But I did my best and really enjoyed this challenge. For a little while I was tempted to use Hollibaugh to create a huge ball of 'string' - as String Theory came into Laura's description of the challenge - but I resisted!

My first attempt was a tangled spiral surrounded by the ever-wonderful 'Printemps'.

As always, I really enjoyed the process but was less impressed with the final result. It's OK but not quite how I would have liked it to be....but..the process was great fun and that's what matters.

I wanted to do something a bit different, so had another go this morning. I quite like this one and the process was absolutely as Zen as it gets!!


I used just three tangles - Aura Leah, Beedz and Florz with a spiral variation, rather than the usual square.

I can see I have managed to incorporate some hair, which must be on my scanner - must get that sorted!!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend - off to check out what other wonderful tangles have been spiralling out and keeping going this week.


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20 comments:

  1. Anonymous28 March 2014 at 08:09

    Oh I love your second on! Great shading too!

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    1. ArtyZen28 March 2014 at 08:19

      Thank you Kate - the second one is almost a study in shading...except I kept getting it wrong!! But it was lovely to do. Axxx

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  2. Unknown28 March 2014 at 08:24

    Annie, they are both wonderful spirals, but that second one is so delicate and airy!!! And the color you chose just adds a wow factor to it too. I have been wanting to play with the spiral again, and I think you pegged the look that I have been thinking about in my mind. So beautiful! great work!! :0) Share Humanity

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    1. ArtyZen28 March 2014 at 12:36

      Thank you so much, Annette - it's a very lovely comment you have left me and I'm very flattered. Axxx

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  3. Anonymous28 March 2014 at 14:02

    Annie, they are both great, the first one has so much work in it and I love the 'shine' on the all the spirals (sorry don't know what the tangle is called) but your second one I absolutely love, it's so pretty and the background a shade lighter is really effective. Linda x

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    1. ArtyZen28 March 2014 at 14:39

      Thank you Linda - lovely comments. The spirals are called Printemps and they come with a shine! Glad you like the second one - I felt quite inspired when I did it. Axxx

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  4. Nata28 March 2014 at 14:19

    I agree, a very delicate second tile! And it feels like spring.

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    1. ArtyZen28 March 2014 at 14:40

      Thank you Nat. I tried to leave a comment on your wonderful spirals but couldn't! They were all fantastic - you really mastered Rixty! Axxx

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  5. Anonymous28 March 2014 at 14:38

    Hey Annie. You nailed it with the second one, it is brilliant

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    1. ArtyZen28 March 2014 at 14:41

      Wow, thank you Val - that's really encouraging. Axxx

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  6. jenna wheatman28 March 2014 at 14:49

    Annie your second tile is just lovely it looks fun to draw, and your shading is really starting to add depth to your work, I've been wanting to have a go at the net shading technique you used on florz, any tips you have learnt?

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  7. ArtyZen28 March 2014 at 15:12

    Thank you Jenna...interestingly, I forgot to shade the second one and had uploaded a photo of it. I couldn't think what was wrong with it for a moment and then realised. It took almost as long to shade it as it did to do in the first place. As for shading florz, I follow the pen line with a pencil line just a few milimetres away and then smudge is very, very lightly. The further away the pencil line, the further is seems from the 'ground' but you can over do it and lose the shadow effect. It works best with just a hair's breadth gap between the pen and pencil lines. I tend to have my light coming from the top left (when I remember!) and so my pencil lines are to the right and below the pen lines. Seems to work! Go on, give it a go and show me how it should be done! Axxx

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  8. Anne's tangle blog28 March 2014 at 15:13

    Annie, I like them both, but the second is stunning!

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    1. ArtyZen29 March 2014 at 00:59

      Thank you for your lovely comment, Annemarie. I wanted to try something different but that still had the spiral string. I'm so glad you like it. Axxx

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  9. jeanchaneyaz29 March 2014 at 09:06

    Sometimes it is very difficult to translate to tile the image that is in your head. Many of us wish we could tangle like someone else. but we really should embrace the joy of our own creations. You made beautiful tiles :)

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    1. ArtyZen29 March 2014 at 10:29

      You are quite right, Jean. My tiles look nothing like the ones in my head - but sometimes I have a really nice surprise with my finished 'work' and love how Zentangle has freed the 'artist' in me. Thank you. Axxx

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  10. Unknown29 March 2014 at 11:22

    I like the Printemps in your first tile, it jumps sort of out of the tile. Your second is gorgeous, especially your choice of color.

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    1. ArtyZen29 March 2014 at 11:29

      Thank you Beewatch. Printemps is a tangle I didn't rate at first but now, I am absolutely in love with it - it always catches the eye, even when it's not expertly done! Axxx

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  11. Annette P.-L. 30 March 2014 at 04:07

    Both are wonderful! Especially I like the second one. It´s absolutely gorgeous!

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    1. ArtyZen30 March 2014 at 05:00

      Thank you LonettA - after your wonderful contribution to this challenge, I am delighted that you stopped by to look at mine. Axxx

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I read everyone's comments and am delighted that you took the time to share your views. Thank you! Ax

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