Weekly Zentangle Challenge-Ixorus

 

The challenge was to use the Zentangle pattern called Ixorus. It's the one in the lower right corner.

See others at: http://iamthedivaczt.blogspot.com

Sepia Saturday- Gilda Gray "The Shimmy Queen" or Gilda Gray "Wanna Be" ?

I usually prefer to read about people's real families in the Sepia Saturday posts but sometimes you find some "non-family" photos that are too good not to share. These were in our huge cache of old photos. They are in an envelope that says :

G.G.I.E.

San Francisco Fair '39

Most of photos after end of July 1939

(Last ride in Buick Road.)

After return from SLC

Gilda Gray is famous for inventing "The Shimmy" and was a film star in the '20s -'30s.

The lady in the envelope

The real Gilda Gray (from the internet)

She criticizes herself and the photographer: PHOTOGRAPHER ! Wasted space and other hand & fern stand cut off.  To herself: Front hand turned up & elbow slightly bent or just as is.

On the back: Shallon,  Nautch Oriental (I looked this up and it's an type of dance), South Sea, Gilda Gray Hula, Beautiful Costumes.

My face gives it away but I tried to give the interpretation of Oriental & Queenly: Dignity, Charm, Poise, Height, and to look Older.

Beware of slanting camera.  Should have stood EXACTLY BETWEEN SETTING OBJECTS.

THE SPIRIT OF YOUTH: Left arm shoulda have been straight- horizontal. Right knee shoulda been held higher.


To see more Sepia Saturdays click here

Zentangle Challenge #5- Orbs

See more Orb challenges at Laura Harms blog:  http://iamthedivaczt.blogspot.com/

Sepia Saturday-Mr. Finwall builds his "dream" house.

My Grandfather built his own house (sometime around the turn of the century). According to my Uncle Glenn it was next to a swamp. I don't think Chicago had swamps so I'm not sure what he meant. One can only imagine! I don't really think it was his dream house but it served the purpose. He was an artist not an architect. He illustrated sheet music. I would love to see some of his work but apparently it was all destroyed during a flood. The house is still there, though, at 7250 Maplewood, Chicago.

The back of the house with his first born, my Uncle Glenn, my grandmother, great aunt, and my great grandmother. (It looks like it's already stating to fall apart.)

The front steps with their growing family.

My sister and I visited the house(in about 2000) which is still standing, although looking a little different.

We met one of the tenants who lived upstairs. A very nice but slightly goofy guy. He enjoyed posing for our camera.

 See more Sepia Saturday here

What is a Zentangle?

Here's the definition from the official Zentangle site:

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. Zentangle is enjoyed by a wide range of skills and ages and is used in many fields of interest. It was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas.
I know this doesn't quite explain it but it is something you have to experience to really know what it is.
I was skeptical when my friend, Suzanne McNeil, first told me about it. After taking a class with her, I was hooked and now I'm completely addicted. It's a wonderful addiction, though. It is so relaxing after a stressful day. If you're interested and want to know more about it go to http://zentangle.blogspot.co

Zentangle challenges

Laura Harms has started weekly zentangles challenges.
I missed the first one but here is week 2.

Draw your "string" using 2 pencils at once.

Week 3 Eyes Wide Shut-
Draw the "string" with your eyes closed.

Week 4- Use the letters of your name to choose the patterns. (I think this is what she meant but I wasn't completely clear.
B- bales, A-arrowheads, R-rain, B-beehive, A-ambler, R-rain dotty, A -alpha tangle(I think)
on the second one I also used "betweed" for the B.

To see more go to http://iamthedivaczt.blogspot.com

Oooops! It was Linda Farmer at http://tanglepatterns.com that had the "Name" challenge which I thought was "Diva's" challenge #4. Linda's is a wonderful Zentangle site. She has a great library of patterns.

And to learn all about Zentangles go to http://www.zentangle.com/gallery.php

Some recent Zentangles

My feelings, exactly.