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 6, 2015

On the fifth day of Christmas Bijou toasted me . . .


. . . with a gift box for my Christmas tree.

Rick writes:
DISCOVER
"Discover" generally means to find out something that you did not previously know . . . about the world, about yourself, or about what is possible.

In Zentangle-speak, we often think of "discover" in terms of the artwork you create. By creating something new (compared with copying or coloring in something already there) you can discover something new and fresh at the end of the process – something that never existed before. That's one reason we don't pre-plan Zentangle art. How else can you enjoy the surprise and delight of discovery if you already know what you're about to find?

 
Maria writes:
This "gift box" is made with​ two tangled Zendala™tiles and the tin that they came in.


The front cover art, by Molly, has a Bijouism attached to it with photo corners. The tiles are attached to the tin with double-sided tape. I sewed an old button to the ribbon, attached it with double-sided tape to the inside of the tin and then attached the cover.


Add some beads and doodads, charms or mini ornaments. Then fill it with surprises, cookies, candies or jewelry.

And hang it for your special person to DISCOVER something unexpected . . . from you.

-----+-----

Winning commenters chosen randomly from yesterday's blog, On the fourth day of Christmas , Bijou bestowed on me. . .
  • Jeanine H. 
  • Rhonda Miller 
  • Patgel 

Please send us your snail mail address to zentangle(at)gmail(dot)com so Bijou can send you a little something!

With continued thanks for playing with us,

Rick, Maria, Molly & Bijou

126 comments:

Ginny Stiles said...

What a great idea to tangle a cover for the Zendala box.
Inspirational.

Linda F said...

Photo corners still exist!!?? Who knew. :-)

Wendy said...

I'm loving all these beautiful ideas

Nancy Roth said...

this is a great way to use the tins. I love it!! what a wonderful place to "hide" a gift card :D

CaroWild said...

I love this. I am getting so many fun ideas from these posts every day! Again, i just want to thank all of you for inspiring me. This art form has changed my life and I am so very grateful.

CaroWild said...
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Lynn Mead said...

Ooh, I've got one of those tins, I'll have to try this out.

Such Stuff said...

I'm getting so many cute giftie ideas here that I'm seriously considering expanding my list of gift recipients in order to accommodate them all! ~ Donna Freher-Lyons

Victoria Harris said...

Love it! Makes my creative juices start flowing? Bijou sent to me...."a tile with a tangled tree!"

lishamarie said...

I love recycling this is a great idea for upcycling tins. Too cute!

Unknown said...

We just had the pleasure of taking our first zentangle class with a local CZT. We thought we were hooked before the class.... but now.. Wow! Thank you!

Betsy said...

I'm getting inspired to decorate my Christmas packages now!

Carol Graham said...

What a great idea to up-cycle one of the tins!

Unknown said...

i use photo corners on all of my tiles to put them in my journal -

San Francisco Stitch Co. said...

A beautiful ornament!

Elipella said...

"Discover" is the word I chose on January 1, 2015 as a personal mantra during my 55th year. I am so happy to close out the year with the same sentiment. Many thanks to you both- and to Bijou- for the inspiration!

Krafty Kat said...

What a neat idea! And so pretty!

JJ said...

Hmmmm.... another wonderful idea! Adding it to my list of 'to-dos'.

Unknown said...

so many fantastic ideas!! the smaller size is less daunting when starting out.. So much fun to be had!!

Pattie Fulton said...

what sweet ideas for decorating! I will need to try some of these.

karen k said...
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KMN said...

Thinking it will also make a fun New Years Eve Noise Maker....if I fill with beads, hang s few bells and shake it till the sun shines! Kim N

kris k said...

I love the comments about discovering as unfolding...I will use that because continually asked questions about coloring...great idea!

Catherine Langsdorf said...

Also so much inspiration!

needle-artist said...

It'd be nice to see a Christmas tree decorated with a bunch of these. So pretty.

needle-artist said...

It'd be nice to see a Christmas tree decorated with a bunch of these. So pretty.

Unknown said...

I am loving this series. Thank you for the wonderful ideas.

Mary Stobbs said...

Great idea! Every time I check out BLOG Zentangle, I discover amazing ideas to explore.

Ren said...

Beautiful idea!

tangled said...

Another inspirational idea. Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful, another great idea. Can't wait to try it.
My family and friends will be thrilled with these.
Thanks for all these inspiring and beautiful projects.

DS said...

Such a wonderful idea! I love the creative flow that is always in these newsletters!

Vicki Walsh said...

I am always amazed at how good I feel after finishing a Zentangle! It is like getting a good massage!

crazed said...

Just catching up on your blog. Have enjoyed all the ornaments. I had been taking a small break from tangling because devoting more time to finish a crazy quilt project. Now about to dive back into tangling to refresh my hand before I start on a project for my hubby. A ZIA on the face of the dash of his 65 Chevy truck yes been restoring. Looking forward to what Zentangle has in store for me next year!

Unknown said...

I didn't think I needed any more ornaments. I'm now rethinking that. I facilitate a Zentangle drop-in tomorrow morning. I can't wait to show them these delightful ideas.

Unknown said...

Every time I tangle I discover more about me, about what is important, and how even though I didn't think of myself as an artist...I am!!! Thank you Zentangle!!! ;-)

Michele Emerson-Roberts said...

Greetings,
When I "discovered" Zentangle all those years ago.....I found a life long way of creating art......thanks you!
Love and light,
Michele

Bobbi said...

Oh, the inspiration you're giving me to create. Thank you!

Maxine said...

I love the tin idea, for someone going away, their friends could record their goodbye wishes on accordian sticky notes that would fan out as you opened it. Keep it as a treasure on their tree at christmas time.

ken claypool said...

This is what i like best about tangling...i discover the beauty in my mind every zentangle tile I work on

Lady Dragoness said...

As usual, I'm a bit late to this party... but I'm loving all the different ways to use Zentangle tiles and mandalas as Christmas or even every-day decor.

MartyG said...

Well this gave me several ideas. Great use of the tin! I discovered a new use for my tins. 😊

Angelia Lanouette said...

I just discovered and fallen in love with Zentangle! Never thought of displaying tiles in such creative and wonderful ideas as these. Thank You!

Unknown said...

So beautiful! I love up cycled art! I will have to give this a try. I have some other tins in different shapes that might work as well.

Unknown said...

So beautiful! I love up cycled art! I will have to give this a try. I have some other tins in different shapes that might work as well.

Unknown said...

So simple and so clever....one discovery at a time!

Unknown said...

So simple and so clever....one discovery at a time!

Phyllis C said...

All the ornments on my Christmas tree are handmade--did not plan to add more. But I have several sizes of tins that will work great as new ornaments.
Can't wait to get started on them. Thanks for the ideas.

Linda Fine said...

Thanks for helping us all to "discover" new ways to display our tiles! What refreshing ideas!

Unknown said...

So simple and so clever....one discovery at a time!

Unknown said...

So simple and so clever....one discovery at a time!

BeverlyBL said...

I like this idea. Treats in a beautifully decorated tin.

Nupur said...

The trials of this year have made me wonder about all my attempts of planning and controlling my schedules etc. Life gets complicated at a moment's notice and I have if I have learned anything from the events this year it is to try and stay in the moment, let things unfold as they may and try to be kind towards all. This idea expressed in a tangle is a good one... I do need to start this!

Yvette B. said...

I have been so busy that I have to remember to take a Zentangle® break. These ideas inspire me to sit down each day and take time for ME!

Rhonda Miller said...

What a great idea. This would be so fun to give to someone.

Thank you for a chance to play along and win.

Mindy Shapiro said...

As an avid recycler, upcycler, etc, I really appreciate this idea. Thanks

Linda Dochter, CZT said...

Yeah - Zentangle recycles all its various pieces. The Zendala tin makes a cute jewelry box, too.

Unknown said...

It just keeps getting better & better but I can't keep up with you!

Art and Light said...

This such a fun idea. Thanks Bijou for sharing. I

Unknown said...

Wonderful ideas!

Mamie P. said...

I'm thinking you all must wear elf hats to work! Thanks lots for all of these nifty ideas. Many blessings to each of you!

gaga4graphix said...

Each day a new decorating door is opened! It's like an Advent calendar for a Zentangler! Thank you.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful way to end my day...reading blog 1 through 6, and loving the inspiring words and delightful, creative ideas! I just finished doing two artisan events...yes, I now call myself an artist...thank you Maria and Rick! I compare seminar and my CZT experience to Girl Scout camp...I want to go back and repeat it every year!! Merry Christmas to you all and thank you for the wonderful Bijouisims and ideas!
Kim VanZyll CZT16

Unknown said...

These have all been such lovely sentiments as well as projects! Thank you so much!

Unknown said...

So many great ideas! One could end up with a tree decorated entirely with zentangle ornaments of various sorts!

Kathy_1 said...

Adding a tangle to a gift box transforms it to a treasured box.
Love it!

Anonymous said...

Now I know what to do with the one I have that is empty and I saved! My sister is going to love her gift card in the special tin this year! Kate A CZT IX

L said...

I Picked the wrong time of day to read this...it's bedtime! I can't wait to wake up and tangle some gift tags. Thank you for sending me off to tangled dreamland.

Donna pilato,CZT18 said...

What a clever way to use the tile boxes!

Ann said...

I will have to make some zen christmas ornaments for my tree too! Beautiful! :)

Jeannette Quinn Bisbee said...

I love all the Bijouism's in each of my Bijou boxes. I use my Bijou tiles to learn new patterns and create beautiful monotangles that remind me of all the new little gems of art I have learned to create. Prior to Zentangle, I had avoided all art since a 6th grade teacher ripped up my chalk drawing of the undersea world of Jacques Cousteau.....now Zentangles, Bijous, my CZT Brenda Shaver-Shahin have helped to make me fearless and humble as I pick up my Microns and a tile. It is like entering my own world of joy and exploration. Thank you for this. I look forward to meeting you at CZT #24, when I come to get certified and learn more about this wonderful journey with Zentangle. Bless you this holiday season, Jeannette Quinn Bisbee

Charchick said...

Love,love this! I never thought to incorporate my Zen tangles into ornaments. Watch out! I'm in the zone...

Taz42 said...

Another inspiring idea! Thank you for a new day of fun!

Cindy Hernandez CZT 12 said...

This is a great idea for someone special. Thank you for the INSPIRATION

Debbie said...
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Debbie said...

This is a great idea! You can gift your Zentangle artwork and give something sweet. I imagine the metal of the tin sparkles in the light too. Thanks so much.
Debbie Butterfield, CZT 19

Lynn Jarrett said...

I knew I was saving all of those tins for a good use. What a great idea!! I need to find some nice ribbon. Thank you for another wonderful way to share Zentangle.

LynnK said...

Love the ornament. Great suggestion! These will make lovely gifts. Realized that you must be on EST, as my post times are always the "next"day, even though I post before midnight in my time zone! Lol!

Anne's tangle blog said...

So many ideas to make ornaments! Thanks for sharing them to us. It's a pity that my ton box was damaged in the mail :-(
but .... there are so many more ideas to DISCOVER!!!

Anoeska said...

Again, such a great idea!!

Sherry said...

The inspirations just keep coming! ����

Paula (PEP) said...

Thank you for the wonderful gift of discovering I can play with patterns & delight in the feel of pen & paper, for opening my eyes to such delights as patterns everywhere.
Paula (PEP)
I do believe there are a couple of new tangles to DISCOVER on the back of that tin too!

Lucy said...

This the season of merry discoveries! Love the idea of using the tins as props for the discovery journey? Thanks, Lucy, czt16

Anonymous said...

Love this idea ! Jackie S CZT XIII

Laurie Patterson said...

What a great idea. I may just have to start one my self.
Laurie Patterson CZT 5

Ellen said...

I need to cancel Chriistmas to play with all these wonderful ideas. Thanks (again) for being such an inspiration

Anonymous said...

Such wonderful sentiments and beautiful ideas. Thank you very much. Just taking the time to read provides an oasis of calm in an increasingly hectic month. And then I take the time to tangle a little box and I really feel the Zen. Thank you again. Colleen from Down Under

Georgia Jensen said...

Dang...too, too clever...each ornament just gets better and better!

webster said...

A nice way to wrap a little gift!

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to see what objects are repurposed for the next project. Such great ideas!

Bette Abdu said...

Thanks for all these lovely ideas to share our Bijou tiles and the reminders of the core principles of Zentangle too

Chris said...

My library has some circle die cuts. I want to try this on colored paper with white ink.

Celeste M said...

This is great! My mom always hoarded little tins when she was around... I could never bring myself to throw them out when she passed away... This would be a great way to use them... Either for small gifts for a variety of people, or a great advent calendar for my husband...

Celeste M said...

This is great! My mom always hoarded little tins when she was around... I could never bring myself to throw them out when she passed away... This would be a great way to use them... Either for small gifts for a variety of people, or a great advent calendar for my husband...

Unknown said...

I love these ideas that have a 're-use' aspect. I often look at things that might otherwise be tossed and think...what else could this be used for - or - what if I tangled on this?!

Unknown said...

I'm really enjoying these posts every day. So inspirational and I'm very happy I've DISCOVERED this new way to be creative!

Sarah Hluchy said...

Love the gift tin idea! Y'all are so clever. I'd have come up with something similar eventually

Carol McCready said...

What a fun idea. Looks gorgeous.

Marg Jones said...

Merry Christmas, Rick, Maria, Molly, et Bijou!

pulverschwein said...

These posts have been very helpful during a tough time. Keeping me actively meditating and creating. Thank-you for the inspiration!

Unknown said...

It is so fun to see all the creative twists to the usual single tile! They are lovely in their own right, but the 12 days is a festive, fun freedom from the frazzle of family and friends frolicking in a fashion that forms fatigue and frowns following fancy feasts fixed with fondness for fidelity.

JanLo said...

Really nice use of the tin. Great ideas for Xmas or gifting anytime. I'm loving these 12 days of Christmas with Bijou.

Andrea said...

Another great idea.

Jacquelyn Morris-Smith said...

These Bijou ideas are awesome.....

I am thrilled to have you share them with us/me. I look forward daily to each Bijou Christmas gift.

I plan to try them out.

Unknown said...

Wishing all of you a "jewel" of a day. Thanks for the inspiration!

Unknown said...

Tres belle! What a great way to showcase Zendalla tiles and combining it with a Bijouism! The photo corners make it look so beautiful and "finished." And I LOVE the idea of filling the tin with a treat! What a sweet gift to give! So glad I received all these wonderful ideas and will be able to create them in time for the holiday celebrations!

Unknown said...

I love these ideas! I'm getting some great ideas for Christmas presents

Unknown said...

I look forward to reading this blog! Each day you share unique and inspiring ideas. I love these precious little Bijou Christmas gifts! They are so whimsical and charming!

Unknown said...

Or to discover than you can actually draw :). I love these daily blogs with the explainations of the bijouisms, thank you for making these.

Cathrine N said...

Such a creative idea. Thanks.

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for these ideas. They are beautiful!

Michele Wynne said...

I love these daily "Bijouisms" and all of the wonderful artistic ideas! Through this holiday season I'm so thankful that I discovered Zentangle. Thank you;-)

Unknown said...

These are so lovely and some great ideas too!

CraftyQuilter said...

Nothing is better than a homemade ornament! Either to make your home decorating unique and meaningful. And giving or receiving handmade ornaments is like getting a gift of beauty and membories that last a lifetime.

Petrified Peep Eater said...

Thank You so much for sharing these! I have been unmotivated, feeling unworthy... and not really enjoying adding tangles to my practice book, but these posts have re-ignited the fire a bit... a little "Focus" and "Discover" will let me set aside the random stresses around me.
I'm really enjoying Bijou's 12 Days !
Thank You again !

Lynn Clarke said...

I was a fine arts major in college and have enjoyed drawing, painting and other mediums since I was a little girl. I stopped doing art for many years for several reasons I won't go into. The longer you stay out of the right side of your brain, however, the harder it is to get back into it. I attempted it many times over the years but got discouraged and felt I lost my abilities. Nothing ever looked "right" to me. My mother bought me a Zentangle kit for my birthday in October, and I got very excited! It clicked with me right away. I could get back into the creative side of my brain with no pressure! I could create for just the joy of creating without worrying about the final result. Zentangle has given me the gift of art again! Thanks, Mom, for introducing me to this wonderful art form! BTW, my husband says to mention that he misses me very much! LOL

Mary B. said...

Another fun gift and ornament idea. Love the idea of putting a surprise inside the tin.

Unknown said...

What a great idea! I've been a little afraid of working on tiles, but love the idea of trying a Zendala tile. I might have to order some...and the cute tin!

Unknown said...

Zentangle is such a blessing to me. It continuously gives me confidence to express my creativity in a way that I did not know I had. Thanks to my teacher and to Rick and Maria for bringing this special and creative art form to my life.
I love all the various ways to tangle, countless ideas and lots of encouragement.
Happy Holidays.

Natureluvr57 said...

Such a creative idea.

savannahmarie said...

All we can say is wow! And aww! We were just thinking about Bijou and wondering what he was up to. After communng with numerous of his American cousins(there are many in FL) we decided that Bijou favors the male persona. Just love hike and his work. Mercy, Bijou, and the rest of you. FredW/KarenB

Jeane Parker, CZT21 said...

Merci, Bijou!

Unknown said...

I would like to make some for my children as well. I'm thinking of using a jar lid with a tangle to fit on in the bottom of the lid, tangle on top, and ribbon around the edge with a top loop as a hanger, and ends hanging into a bow with some beads. Great idea to get those juices going.

Mindy Shapiro said...

Being a Jewish mindfulness teacher, I have also learned that it is all about the breath. Thanks for helping me start the day in mindful way.

Kimba said...

I showed my class of 9&10 year olds the animation of Bijou.They were intrigued with the little character but what was really interesting was their reaction to the words. Inspiring!

Diane Wright, CZT said...

I have loved all the inspiration I have seen these last few days. I can't wait to see what is still to come.