Welcome to BLOG Zentangle. To learn about Zentangle, visit our website, read our free newsletters, take a class with a local Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT), and best of all . . . create your own!


Sunday, December 8, 2013

Day 6

On the sixth day of Christmas
My true love got from me


Six letters dancing


-----+-----

Notes:
After Molly tangled these Zentangle ATCs, she sandwiched a silk ribbon between the tangled ATC and a blank one, added a couple beads, and ta-da!

Click image for a larger view to enjoy each beautiful letter!

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5 
Day 7
Day 8 
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12

 
 

191 comments:

Tina said...

This is cool too, so many very fun ideas and holiday gifts

S K creations said...

I have checked all 6 days out and it is hard to leave a comment, the ideas are wonderful, I wish I could do what you do, I am still in the doddle stage! I love it all and am speachless as to the beauty and your techniques. the gold and black if I had the money and time I would purchase the pin and gold paint but I am no way near the ability to do something that beautiful I can't wait to see what you have in store for the rest of the days

Robyn said...

fun! I love tangled ATC's

Kalli Inman said...

Love seeing all the new ideas! Still learning and wish I had more time but working on that!

Deborah Lee said...

A small version would make a great bookmark (says the girl who was born with a book in her hand), or a larger version as a wall hanging - maybe a child's name for the nursery. So many neat ideas! I guess housework can wait for another day!

Suzanne Johnson said...

this would look great on a mantel, maybe done with reds and/or greens instead of black.

Sharon King said...

My elementary students would love doing these. They get so quiet when we tangle.

Susan at Tangles By The Sea said...

Great ideas ... such beautiful work!

Holly Williams said...

Gorgeousness combination: beads and Zentangle!!

Unknown said...

I think several of these are ideas I may need to copy. Especially the bottle gift tags. Beautiful work you all.

Carol M said...

Truly an inspiration! Had lost my mojo there for awhile but you helped me find it. Thanks,

Bejay said...

Gosh, every day is more beautiful than the day before! I'm in love with Zentangle, but as yet have not found the courage to try it myself. One day I'm going to 'bite the bullet' and try! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I will be the lucky winner as then I'll have no excuse to keep putting off trying :)

Bejay

Unknown said...

This would be a fun way to personalize an art journal or handmade book for someone. Or even put a name over a stocking!

Unknown said...

These would be great for dorm room doors

Unknown said...

ALL these ideas are wonderful inspirations for the season of gift-giving... Now all we need is the gift of time :)
Thank you for these... I will look forward to the rest!

Jan Fahrney said...

WOW!! I am utterly impressed and overwhelmed by what you have done. As a beginner I hope to improve enough to close the gap from my meager start to something exquisite like yours! Thanks you so much for sharing your Christmas joy and your exceptional talents.

Diane CZT said...

I am enjoying your twelve days of Christmas, it is full of great ideas. Thank you for sharing.

Lori said...

All the ideas seem so easy and fabulous. I can't wait to get settled into my new home and create my Zentangle sanctuary!

Donna Cyr said...

As a beginner, you provide wonderful inspiration! I am attempting to do all my holiday card with tangles. Its a big undertaking but I'm so inspired by all the beautiful work you do. May your Christmas be filled with love & joy!

Barbs M. said...

You have been blessed with such a talent that inspires so many and and leaves si many of us in awe. You share your talent which is a blessing for us all. It helps me with my cognitive dysfunction and makes ne feel like an artist. Thank you and God Bless you.

Unknown said...

I am moving from the awe phase of engagement to the inquisitive phase. In time, I too may be able to create images similar to the exquisite and lovely ones you present. Thank you for opening a beautiful vista!

Kittyfuzz said...

What a beautiful idea. Lovely to give as a keepsake for someone.

Alison Swinbank said...

After viewing all "6 days of Christmas" I am almost speechless by their beauty. They make my fingers itch to get a pen and start tangling. Thank you for these wonderfully inspiring ideas. I look forward to tangling some of my own ornaments - especially combing the techniques of golden things with the star appearance on a tri-fold ornament. I am imagining painting the surface of a Zentangle ATC red, or perhaps a deep forest green, then tangling golden star things on them. Wonderful inpirations, such a generous gift to share.

KAYC said...

Wondered how to use up some of my many thousands of beads.... Thanks..

Jessica said...

Would you add my blog to your links? tanglesandtangents.blogspot.com. I am a CZT from the most recent class :)

Unknown said...

Great ideas for gifting...thank you so much for your zenspiration!

Stefanie Spikell said...

so creative!

Anonymous said...

What a great idea for a holiday card making workshop! Beautiful as usual. Cheryl Cianci :)

Kathi said...

Love Zentangle! So glad you keep sending the inspirational emails.

BeverlyBL said...

Love the size and shape of the letters. It's just perfect.

Carol Graham said...

I think you guys are having WAY too much fun with this . . . I know we all are!

Janice Freiheit said...

These posts brighten my day! We a "iced in" in Dallas which leaves me many hours to fill with tangles! Happy holidays to all.

Robin and Jim said...

Love all the new ideas-very clever ornament and bell
Thank you for sharing
Robin

Jenny G said...

What a joy your blog posts are. The creativity you demonstrate is such an inspiration. It is interesting to see how many calligraphers are drawn to Zentangle. I feel so blessed to have Zentangle and you both in my life, even though I am in the uk. Merry Christmas xx

Rebecca said...

And...this would make a great photo for a blog header! Thanks for so many inspirational ideas. I love seeing the beautiful work from all three of you!

heberube said...

This Zentangle idea is definitely growing on me.

er said...

Really interesting ideas.

Creative Genie said...

Another really fun idea! Love the suggestion of using this for bookmarks. I so often have multiple books going at the same time. lol

Christine

Linda Fine said...

Each day is another "wow" creation from Zentangle!!!i am enjoying all the ideas!

Didisch said...

This is a great idea, love this christmas gift!

Linda said...

Absolutely love the postcards. I'm new to zentangle and can't wait to share it with my new daughter-in-law this Christmas. Keep it coming....

Gerri said...

Enjoying the abundance of ideas here!

Mickey Weitsen said...

Letters, we get letters, we get lots and lots of letters! (I admit this is from Perry Como..am I really that old?)

Itsme. said...

I am not going to be able to participate in this anymore as I have way too much to do before Christmas and after looking at all this I spent three hours downstairs tangling and other such artful things. There are cookies to bake presents to shop for, gifts to wrap and cards to mail. I simply cannot come back...see you tomorrow!

joann said...

oh my...lovely letters.

Anonymous said...

I never imagined ATCs could have so much potential! I see them with different eyes now.
Many Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Oh Maria, Rick & Molly! What a treat to start my Sunday with the viewing of your lovely, inspiring art and delightfully creative Christmas gift ideas!! Thank you for sharing your incredible talent with all of us. Merry Christmas to you and your family. With love, Jan Brandt, CZT XII, Reno, NV

Lady Dragoness said...

This idea is cool too!

Rhonda said...

Another wonderful idea!

HookOrTangle said...

Love them all, but the bottle gift tags . . . inspired. Can't wait to see the next six days of Christmas.

JeanFrank said...

Too late for me to do what I want for 2013, but 2014 is coming!!!! Thanks for some creative ways to spend my 'off' time next year!

Ginny Stiles said...

Hard to believe anyone is going to read all these comments. Hahaha. So far I am liking small gifts and ornaments ideas best.

Unknown said...

I wish i could do half a good as you all do. I seem to go toooo fast in doing the zentangles and think i may be doing them wrong since i don't seem to be in a zen zone. I also find it hard to do some of the tangles even with the instructions so not sure what to do. BUT i love what i see being done and hope some day to be able to do as well. I am a 63 yr old lefty with some crafting talent and am trying all sorts of new things. I am glad to have found this site and have copied all the tangles and strings and such i can to try my hand at them. I also can't get many supplies as i dont drive and the nearest store is an hour or more away so when i can get the money together i what to get the kit and pens and such so i can do it the right way. right now it is index cards and one micro pen 01 and colored pencils. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK. cheering not yelling lol.

Ulrike Nikolai said...

Oh so nice it is! One of my favourite TANGLES out of your's!

Greetings, Ulrike

Unknown said...

Tangles are the best gift to give or receive at any time of the year!

Not to mention any of the supplies to make more!

Merry Christmas to all!

Diane said...

Stunning!

Diane said...

Stunning

C. Sage Deerborn said...

There are so many ways to use this idea: initials, names, art journaling ...
Thanks for sharing your creative ideas.

Lise CZT12 said...

These beautiful gifts are so inspiring! Heartfelt thanks to all three of you!

Kasey ~ in Oz said...

Zentangles do indeed dance! I love that I can do this form of art. Thank you so much for sharing.

Vandy said...

If a mouse and quill can tangle so can I with just a pen..your site is so inspirational

Patricia Carney said...

I love all of the ideas you've posted so far. Day six's project would be a neat "accordion-type" gift card to go with a gift-wrapped Zentangle kit. I also like the tag ideas for the wine bottles, using an ATC card and applying different methods to anchor the card to the bottle. These are ALL great ideas for future classes, as a CZT! Thank you, thank you!!!!

LindaM said...

Another great idea, in the same vein as the christmas ornament accordion. I would love to do this for each of my children's names.

Lois Stokes said...

I have to admit that I haven't done an ATC yet. But your Christmas blog has inspired me to give it a try.

ZenniaTangle said...

Wonderful garland idea, place setting card, gift card or even a greeting card. how special to receive this in the mail among the other holiday greeting cards. Tripple Wow!

Mary Pennington said...

An inspiring idea that could really be used all year long! If you tangled on both sides, it could be used as a reversible, or placed in a "pass-thru" window where both sides would be visible. You all have the best ideas!

Jackie Anglin said...

Unbelievable artwork. Thank you, Thank you for the inspiration. Dallas has been covered in ice for DAYS...trust me, it is not pretty. As for me...I have given myself permission to spend my days tangling gift tags and drinking hot tea. Delicious.

Unknown said...

These are absolutely beautiful and inspiring. There's always someone that needs a last minute gift where a handmade item is perfect. These give me wonderful ideas.

Unknown said...

Letters amaze me. Haven't tried yet, but going to soon now.

Andrea J. said...

All the days are so beautiful! I would love to have a box of ATC's!

Patricia said...

So many nifty ideas to try! It's a good thing I'm snowed in: I have a good excuse to stay home and experiment! Thank you :)

Unknown said...

I just recently stumbled onto Zentangle through Pinterest and I am obsessed! In my next life I want to be an artist ;-) but for now, I almost feel like a real artist when I tangle! I need lots more practice, but I hope that by next Christmas I will have some pieces to be proud of! Thanks for introducing me to this world!

Bonnie P said...

I love the inspiration from these and others who share their talent. I love that each one is unique.

crotnem said...

Love it! I always think of what have I done with my stamping cards that I could do w/zentangle! Lots and lots.

luvhymns said...

Thanks for sharing all these lovely ideas for gifts for our loved one..... Each day gets better and better.

Mackin-Art said...

An artistic garland that could be lengthed each year!

Unknown said...

You have inspired me to make my own Christmas cards - next year!! Too late for 2013. Thank you for all you do.

DS said...

So many wonderful ideas to try! I especially love this one. I haven't tried letters yet but will do so now!! Thank you so very much for everything!!

Joeybats said...

I love these ideas and will be trying some of them. Thank you for sharing.

Heather said...

it was a fun trip to the art store to help my friend select pens and some paper before she started learning how to tangle. At the same time I bought pens for my niece. I think it will be a good thing for her to learn and share with her students.

NanW said...

I love seeing each new day's idea.

Duane Anderson, BA CZT (971-235-6672) said...

Molly did quite the exquisite job on these atc's with the word "tangle". I am really impressed that she can just think of what would like nice together and do it. This is my goal to be able to do just that. Love all these gifts. Thank you for the ideas.

Gail said...

I love the way the tangled background allows the letters to stand out. The layers in your tangles are just incredible. Thanks so much for sharing your talent so freely.

Paula (PEP) said...

The tangled tiles with open letters & tangled letters with open background really reflect the duality of black & white - adding the ribbon with beads in green - that was a surprise but great fun!
Paula (PEP)

Unknown said...

I have bought some pens and books and stuff to try this. AFter the holidays I must get myself busy as I love the ideas and the method.

Kristi Lyn Glass said...

I love to tangle, and I'd love to be picked to win the Christmas prize!

Basiljen said...

This would be a wonderful gift - tangle a friend's name or a holiday greeting!

ReneHales said...

I like all especially the bugs.

Amy L. Smith, CZT said...

I have never tangled on an ATC but now see never ending potential!!

Jillb said...

I'm getting lots of ideas. Thank you

Scrappy Canuck said...

This is so fantastic!!!! I think I will try this with some seasonal words!!!!

Christina said...

I love to china paint and I love to tangle and this has given me ideas on tangling on a porcelain Christmas ornament. Thank you so much for the inspiration.

Teresa said...

Ah!! The JOY and PEACE of Zentangle. Thanks for everything.

Peg F said...

Wondered how you were going to do the 'gold' part.

mewTilman said...

Certainly enjoying the 12 days so far; thanks for putting this series together.

Nancy said...

I'm so happy to have been introduced to Zentangle by a wonderful friend. My Christmas cards and gift tags are ZIAs this year. Now that I see your bottle tags and ornaments, I'm inspired anew.

Liz said...

I am in awe of your artwork, so vey talented. Can't wait to see the other days!!!!

Hannah said...

Very cool!

Susan M. said...

Tangling a child's name would make a special gift worthy of framing!

LynnK said...

Love the modification to the 12 Days of Christmas. What a fun idea!! Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Each day is truly beautiful! Can't wait to see all twelve. My 2nd - 5th grade students are excited Zentangle beginners, as am I. We all love it, and I need to find time to learn and practice more tangles so I can share them with the kiddos.

Zentangles + Book Arts = a natural match!

La_tigress said...

They are all awesome... WoW

Teresa Unsinn said...

All of the six days are so cute. Can't wait to try them myself

Lisa Hoesing said...

Every day Isee more and more beautiful art from you. It ti truly an inspiration. Thanks

Kathy said...

such great ideas ;o)

Maryt said...

These are so beautiful! I'm also a thief of ideas, and some of these may well end up in my own little bag of tricks!!

Maxine said...

I am so enjoying reading all the great comments. I feel inspired.

Betty said...

I just spent the day working on my Christmas cards. I knew I wanted to use Tangles this year and it took me all day to get the designs just the way I wanted them. Wish I had seen some of these examples first. But there is always something to Tangle. Birthday cards are next.
Thank you for all your inspiration!

Anonymous said...

So many wonderful ideas to try out. Thanks for such inspiring blog posts.
funkkaren@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

I would love to be a fly on the wall of the Zentangle household. Is there EVER a dull moment there? Thanks for all the ideas and beautiful work!

Dorian said...

Creative as always, so many great ideas, so little time....

Anonymous said...

Beautiful, clever and inspiring - thanks for showing the way.

gobarb26 said...

This idea would make a great little scrap book with pictures between the words!

Melanye Narcarti said...

Hi Rick & Maria! I have never had so much fun getting emails before! It's like opening a little gift every day. For ever more, I will always think of Zentangle when I hear the Twelve Days of Christmas! Thank you for making each day a little brighter!

Sharon Wrench said...

I love the 12 days of Christmas! Beautiful and creative. Thank you for sharing your wonderful ideas!

Anonymous said...

This is a genius presentation! Can't wait 2 C the rest!

Julie said...

I hope someone gives me a gift of Zentagles.

Pennyb said...

What fun this is going to be...reading each days surprise! With Christmas being so commercial, it's great to get more ideas that are homemade and with just paper and pen! Thanks Maria and Rick for your amazeballs ideas, talent and enthusiasm!

Renata said...

What fun! I love the idea of hand-made, personalized gifts.

Bonnie P said...

Mini book? endless ideas!

Mariët said...

Love your 12 days of Christmas,
They are beautiful and a great inspiration.
Thank your :)

vwillbye said...

I love your inspired work, I am still very much a beginner and thoroughly enjoy it, turning to many books for education and inspiration.

So far I have got family zen tangling as well, though I have to keep my own pens hidden to stop them disappearing now!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for all the beautiful ideas!! I've seen all six and can't choose a favorite. I love all the inspiration you provide on your site and blog. I need to start on some Christmas gifts of my own.

tanda said...

Gorgeous!

Unknown said...

Another great and creative idea! With all those ideas I don't have to worry about at least the next ten Christmases. ^^

Chriss said...

Got to love a 'ta da' moment.

Alycia said...

So inspired to do more with Zentangle. Thank you!

Simone Doherty said...

What a wonderfully talented bunch of people you all are! ... and the accent of sharing makes it so much more. Thank you all, keep on creating magic.

Grace said...

I am having so much fun reading these blog posts! Sort of like having my own advent calendar. The ideas are wonderful. I have finally found a CZT near me and am looking forward to improving my skills!

Deanna said...

These posts are some really good ideas! Glad I didn't miss them. Thank you newsletter. :)

Susie F said...

I'm glad my husbands name is only 3 letters. Great idea Molly.

Jennifer said...

Oh, the possibilities of this! Names, fave words, special dates ... so fun! And I love the idea of tangling around the letter and not just in the letter. Never thought of that! The alternating look is so neat.

Mary said...

That's very cute. A little accordian book of tangles.

Tess Imobersteg said...

This would be fun to use as a door decoration with each card a letter of a child's name. I had wooden leters for my kids' doors when they were little.

Ginnyzz said...

Again, opens up new possibilities!!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE the idea of tangled letters.

Suzanne said...

So cute! Could be done with words related to holidays.

Cheryl Kashtan said...

Love the dancing letters, what fun! Do you think Santa would like them with his milk and cookies?

Anonymous said...

Molly, your work is amazing and Christmas eye candy, the ribbon kind!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! Love it!

Melanye Narcarti said...

Hi Rick & Maria!!
I am just loving your 12 Days of Zentangles!! It is like a little gift every time I open my email. I always get inspired to do more when I see your lovely work! You guys ROCK! Thank you always for sharing this amazing art!

Theresa Merkling said...

How very punny! and beautiful.

Barb F said...

Great idea to do someones name! Nice giftie

Unknown said...

The best spell of all is love. :)

Rhonda Miller said...

I love this.

Anonymous said...

Oh my, how lovely! Cheryl C.

Gail said...

Love the six letters dancing!!!

Unknown said...

Love to Zentangle. Have several books filled with my work. But, only in black & white. Not brave enough to tackle using the colors. The Zentagles that you do using color are beautiful. How will I get over this fear of using color?

floweringmoon said...

What a great gift idea; and as usual - your work is gorgeous Molly!

Unknown said...

This makes me want to dance to. One can feel love pouring out to the person who it is meant for
.

Sophia Lightfoot said...

Pretty. I'm thinking I might ask my students to Zentangle their names next year. That would make a groovy, very personalised name tag for their lockers in the classroom.

Paulene Whakaruru CZT10 said...

Ataahua!!!! Awesome and incredibly beautiful. Thank you so much for bringing the 'fresh' to Zentangle.

Corinne in Forks said...

Ooh! Also maybe for a gift card...

Unknown said...

I have so loved this journey and the wonderful ideas.

Esther Piszczek said...

Thank you, Molly! It is so fun to see how differently you, Rick and Maria use your creativity in tangling. So inspiring!!

Jane said...

Very fun!

Carol said...

Simply adorable!

Cindy Blake said...

Just made one that says Merry Christmas!

Corey said...

Great idea!

Jennianydots said...

Simple and gorgeous!

Terry said...

you could write out (Tangle) other words too!

IwonderWhy? said...

How do you think of all the wonderful creations? Genius!

Anne Marie - Toronto said...

Simple, but a wonderful idea.

lfd said...

This can be done for so many things and in so many ways, ideas are flowing...

Jungle Beads Maui said...

Beads always dress things up!!

Unknown said...

With all these great ideas I am getting very little sleep at night...love them all...

Nancy said...

Wonderful idea...

Laura Francis, "Your Minimal Effort(tm) Guru" said...

I am loving all these beautiful results. It still blows my mind that I can even do this - I am NOT an artist! But this I can do and I can't wait to try some of these ideas!

Taz42 said...

Wow! Thanks for another great idea.

Dennie czt9 said...

Such a neat idea!

Bette Abdu said...

Nice idea. Perhaps names for my great niece and nephew's rooms

Jan Brandt said...

My mantle is now calling for one of these! So MANY wonderful ideas!!

Cathrine Nicols said...

How cool is this?

Unknown said...

Another cool way to display finished tiles! I love it!

Anonymous said...

Love making a banner with the ATC tiles. So many possibilities.
Melissa CZT6
mwcahn@ptd.net

Nancy Roth said...

what a wonderful gift for a teacher or studen...or me!! ;)

Unknown said...


So many great ideas! I can think of so many variations on this one. Now for the confidence to get to tangling!

DJ said...

Love this idea. So many word banners could be made especially using colored inks. Awesome!

Snazzy Doodle Designs said...

Another cool idea. It would be fun to do the whole alphabet book like this

Terri Brown said...

The creativity runs rampant at your house for sure! Love all these great little treasures

Unknown said...

I have just started on the Zentangle© and I see I have a long way to go.

Unknown said...

Each day gets better and better!

Sue said...

Hope my "true love" has taken all my Zentangle hints on board this christmas xx

Unknown said...

Lots of possibilities with this one!

Ashley said...

I like this idea a lot. I think my son would as well.

Unknown said...

I love tangling and like my results, but I am sure not in your league. Absolutely beautiful!

Opal Carew said...

Nice!

Susan said...

Hmmm, might have to try this.

Barb Round, CZT said...

I think this would look lovely above the fireplace, spelling out MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Unknown said...

As others have said, the possibilities are endless- Hanging vertical would make a great door greeting.

Unknown said...

Great idea for doing a name..... or words of inspiration. Like "Hope", "Imagine", etc. Love it!