Thursday, December 10, 2015

On the ninth day of Christmas,


Bijou (and friend) created for me, a jewel for my Christmas tree!


Molly writes:

COME OUT OF YOUR SHELL
One of the things I have enjoyed most about being a Certified Zentangle Teacher is watching all the creative souls "come out of their shells."

Bijou encourages us to do this of course and because it is something he, too, has had to learn. I love seeing someone create something beautiful that is completely unique and then recognize it as something wonderful.


I love to watch each student's journey as they draw their strokes – one at a time – slowly and deliberately. I watch them escape into their own worlds with such focus.

When they have put their final touches on that tile, I invite them to hold their tile at arm's length and admire their work. Then, I watch a smile appear on their face as they say, "I did that!"


It is crazy and true that anyone can discover their artist within . . . you just have to give yourself a chance to "come out of your shell."

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Rick writes:
Bijou's friend apparently did just that!


Inspired by all these blog posts, he found his way onto Maria's tangled blotter on her desk, grabbed some tools and tiles, and came out of his shell . . . just in time to tangle a tiny tile for today's ornament.

-----+-----

Maria writes:
Many of you commented on our little buddy in the photos. "Alfie" was a gift from my sister Sue many years ago, way before the "Elf on the Shelf" thingy. I think he's kind of cute. He's loving his role in these "12 Days of Bijou."

The ornament du jour, is made from: 3 Bijou tiles, a Bijouism, a snippet of fine hand-dyed silk ribbon, and an orphaned earring. First, I cut two slits in the top tile with my trusty Exacto® knife. Then, I slid the second tile (the one with Bijou in the middle) into the slit and stuck another tile to the back of the bottom tile with double sided tape. Then I stuck a Bijouism to the back of the top tile and punched a hole on the top for the ribbon and another on the bottom for the earring.

I tangled the tiles after I assembled them, But you could go either way.

Oh yeah . . . I added Alfie's 3/4" tile (which Julie helped him with).

-----+-----

Winning commenters from Day Eight:

  • Antonine Koval 
  • Jean Chaney 
  • Kellie May

Congratulations! Winners, please send your snail mail address to Zentangle (at) gmail (dot) com.

Thanks again for all your wonderful comments!

Rick, Maria, Bijou, Molly, Alfie, and Julie
at

62 comments:

  1. UnknownDecember 10, 2015 at 5:46 PM

    Wow this so meshes with my love of Fairy Gardening. I feel inspired to make a fairy sized Zentangle carpet, artwork for the walls of my fairy houses, oh my I need a nap. Maybe a Fairy Zentangled quilt for a fairy bed or fairy cradle, ohhhhhhhhhhh, I am in mental bliss just anticipating the possibilities Alfie has opened up for me. Thanks Alfie.

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  2. AnonymousDecember 10, 2015 at 6:20 PM

    With all these adorable projects I just ordered more bijoux tiles. I can't wait to combine them with ribbon, beads and old jewelry.

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  3. Chrissie FramptonDecember 10, 2015 at 6:21 PM

    I think these have been my favourite tiles so far with the little gems attached. Oh so pretty. Odd earrings come to mind.

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  4. UnknownDecember 10, 2015 at 6:40 PM

    Lovely! I'm still being enticed with visions of a tree decorated all in zentangles! Wonder how long that would take me? Many Christmases of fun for sure!

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  5. Taz42December 10, 2015 at 7:26 PM

    I think this is my favourite so far too. So simple. Thank you for sharing.

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  6. Donna PilatoDecember 10, 2015 at 7:29 PM

    This is definitely my favorite ornament so far! And I could see hanging it by a sunny window throughout the year too.

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  7. Wendy HDecember 10, 2015 at 7:52 PM

    I really like this one and how you worked the tangle around the tiles. So cute.

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  8. kimmieDecember 10, 2015 at 8:16 PM

    Thanks for being so generous with your creativity. It is a dangerous thing to open up these blogs late at night. It is hard to fall asleep with all the Bijous dancing in my head!
    Kim Mastromartino

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  9. UnknownDecember 10, 2015 at 9:18 PM

    What a fun way to add color!

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  10. UnknownDecember 10, 2015 at 9:20 PM

    I need to add another tree - bijou themed ! Love all these ornaments! Thank you!

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  11. OnefineteacherDecember 10, 2015 at 9:26 PM

    Love all of your fantastic ideas! Thanks for sharing!

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  12. Mamie P.December 10, 2015 at 9:43 PM

    Very nice presentation! Bijou and Alfie make a great team, along with all the other elves at headquarters. Sometimes the hardest part of coming out of my shell is making that first stroke...then the rest comes to take the final step of admiration and enjoyment. Tangling is the best thing I've ever done for myself. Many thanks for all the ideas.

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  13. MartyGDecember 10, 2015 at 9:51 PM

    Bijou is so profound. I feel like I am coming out of my shell with zentangle. MartyG

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  14. Holly WilliamsDecember 10, 2015 at 10:32 PM

    Bijou, thank you for your quiet wisdom! ❤️

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  15. Nancy RothDecember 10, 2015 at 10:34 PM

    this is lovely. just lovely

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  16. Lady DragonessDecember 10, 2015 at 10:39 PM

    Thanks for the rundown on Alfie's history. I knew there would be something of interest about that. :)

    I'm probably going to be ordering some Bijou tiles soon; it's about the only size I don't have on hand. This series has been most inspiring.

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  17. Angelia LanouetteDecember 10, 2015 at 10:40 PM

    I think Alfie is really cute and he is working very hard! This might be my favorite ornament so far...pretty!

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  18. Natureluvr57December 10, 2015 at 10:46 PM

    I love your Alfie and those ink wells! I do some calligraphy and love my nibs but never came across crystal ink wells.

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  19. UnknownDecember 10, 2015 at 10:47 PM

    So beautiful, thanks for sharing all the wonders of Zentangle 💜

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  20. AnonymousDecember 10, 2015 at 10:48 PM

    These are just lovely! I am getting so many wonderful ideas for my handmade Christmas gifts! Thank you! Cheryl C. :)

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  21. DorianDecember 10, 2015 at 11:00 PM

    I would never have been able to teach if it weren't for the confidence from my certification and encouragement from the Zentangle family across the world. Thank you.

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  22. Cathrine nDecember 10, 2015 at 11:06 PM

    Just loving the 12 days if Christmas and the little guy is just too cute!

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  23. gobarb26December 10, 2015 at 11:09 PM

    This is sooo much fun! I just love Alfie. He is adorable and I bet he and Bijou are the best of friends! The ornament is beautiful too.

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  24. Mindy ShapiroDecember 10, 2015 at 11:16 PM

    I am in love with Alfie. I also love the daily inspiration. Thank you

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  25. AnnDecember 10, 2015 at 11:17 PM

    This is so pretty. :)

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  26. AnonymousDecember 10, 2015 at 11:34 PM

    Agreed ~~~ I had to come out of my shell in order to start teaching, and my first semester or two with the new community college students is usually largely about getting them to do the same (or disconnect from their electronic shells) and start observing & interacting with the other students and the new world around them.
    Then the magic kicks in and they start making progress and getting turned on to graphics and design instead of just going through the (minimal) motions.

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  27. UnknownDecember 10, 2015 at 11:38 PM

    Coming out of one's shell is risky--but so worth it in the long run (and often the short run too)! It has been fun to see your 'elf' throughout this holiday series!

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  28. WendyDecember 10, 2015 at 11:45 PM

    Tonight... I will make a tile for our tree. Thanks for the inspiration

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  29. lishamarieDecember 11, 2015 at 12:07 AM

    These little bits of art are amazing! This is my next project this weekend.

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  30. UnknownDecember 11, 2015 at 12:26 AM

    Love the Bijou tiles and Bijouisms. This ornament is beautiful and I love Alfie's tiny tile!

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  31. DeeptiDecember 11, 2015 at 12:52 AM

    How nice it is to start the day with these blogposts. There is already much of a difference in the way I feel while Zentangling. Every time I am stiff and my neck starts hurting while tangling, I just sit up and "breathe". Every time I think that I may have made a mistake, I remind myself that "there are no mistakes". Thank you Bijou for teaching me day after day how to "be". :)

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  32. LucyDecember 11, 2015 at 1:20 AM

    What a fun idea. Orphaned earrings could have many possibilities, thanks for the idea!

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  33. UnknownDecember 11, 2015 at 1:38 AM

    So, we are on the 9th day of Christmas and I was feeling all in a shell as far as my art is concerned. I felt like I had lost my inspiration until I read your blog about coming out of one's shell. Then I started searching the Internet for Zentangle designs and I became very inspired be creative.
    Thank you for your inspiration.

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  34. Lynn JarrettDecember 11, 2015 at 1:50 AM

    I like the simplicity of this project. Hanging an earring, bead, stone, or jewel from the bottom really sets it off nicely!! Thank you for sharing another great idea.

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  35. Anne's tangle blogDecember 11, 2015 at 1:52 AM

    After starting Zentangle in June 2011 I'm still astonished many times that I (who couldn't draw all my life) am able to creature beautiful art.
    And ..... even was asked to sell an ensemble to someone.

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  36. Jan Brandt, CZTDecember 11, 2015 at 2:32 AM

    A tile smaller than a Bijou??? Leave it to Alfie ... :) I love it! Coming out of my shell ... that's EXACTLY what Zentangle has done for me. I have yearned to be an artist ever since I was 3 ... but never actually felt like one ... 'til now. What a priceless gift. Thank you, Maria and Rick. <3

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  37. Stephanie JenniferDecember 11, 2015 at 5:15 AM

    I really like the bead hanging off of the tile. Really clever. Going to have to try that one day. ^-^

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  38. luvhymnsDecember 11, 2015 at 5:42 AM

    The colors surrounding this tile is music to my eyes. Love Alfie helping! Creativity all around!

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  39. UnknownDecember 11, 2015 at 6:25 AM

    Love the dangling bling!

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  40. UnknownDecember 11, 2015 at 6:25 AM

    Love the dangling bling!

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  41. ShirleyDecember 11, 2015 at 6:41 AM

    Going to come back to these inspiring gems post Christmas Card addressing task...so fairy land exquisite!

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  42. WEBSTERDecember 11, 2015 at 7:15 AM

    Perhaps I will start on a Valentine's "tree" - a branch like yours with dangling Bijous!

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  43. Kathie McDonaldDecember 11, 2015 at 7:24 AM

    I am shy usually about things like this. But I wanted to say to you is Thank You. It is for the wonderful gift that you both have given to myself and others by having Zentangle online for those of us that searched for something to do/new to try.
    I loved this 12 days blog series. Always look forward to see what's happening. I have only been doing this for about 2 years. Daily. I try to practice all the tips. Very helpful.
    Happy holidays to you both. Thank you.

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  44. AnonymousDecember 11, 2015 at 8:11 AM

    Beautiful ! Alfie is so cute ! Who couldn't use a "helper" elf ? Jackie S CZT XIII

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  45. Sue SharpDecember 11, 2015 at 8:45 AM

    Another innovative beauty! I love how one tile is inserted into the other, love the tangling, and the super mini tile is adorable! So inspiring!

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  46. RoseanneDecember 11, 2015 at 9:06 AM

    The "layering" of these tiles is a great idea....just one more to tuck away for reference. (Good thing I have a reference file in icloud or else I'd have run out of room by now!)
    Thank you, once again.

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  47. Pam TruittDecember 11, 2015 at 9:52 AM


    These are so wonderful!! Can't thank all of you enough for these posts!!! Your designs and comments always make my day better. Much love is sent your way!!!

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  48. DebbieDecember 11, 2015 at 10:43 AM

    I like the way the tiles came together with the Bijouism. I'm glad we can now purchase Bijouisms separately. Happy Holiday!
    Debbie Butterfield

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  49. Sandy Kelley-Jones CZTDecember 11, 2015 at 11:02 AM

    On the ninth day of Christmas, Bijou brought to me, joyful thoughts of CZT Twenty-Threeeeee!

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  50. Carol GrahamDecember 11, 2015 at 11:59 AM

    Tangles, dangles, bangles...what's not to love!

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  51. AndreaDecember 11, 2015 at 12:30 PM

    another pretty sparkle for the tree!

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  52. that catDecember 11, 2015 at 12:35 PM

    zentangle has helped me find what i love. i have always liked to do "art" but have never found anything that i simply had to do EVERY DAY. since i found zentangle about 7 years ago it has become the one thing i need to do each day to make my day complete. i know they are just little pieces of papertape but i love them and i love looking back at the books that i stick them in and see what a FABULOUS job i actually do! if you do something you don't like, put it down and look at it in a few days and you will be amazed how much you love your own artwork! merry christmas to all at zentangle and tell bijou that i love his ornaments!!
    donna lacey
    czt 6

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  53. Mary B.December 11, 2015 at 12:44 PM

    So nice that Alfie is able to help all of you. Taking that first step out of the shell is the hardest. Pretty soon a beautiful tangle appears. As if by magic.

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  54. AnonymousDecember 11, 2015 at 1:59 PM

    I Love how beautifully elegant this decoration is. Alfie is a cutie too, and what fun to see your lovely ink wells! Kate Ahrens CZT IX

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  55. Diane Wright, CZTDecember 11, 2015 at 2:55 PM

    I love the inspiring ideas everyday.

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  56. UnknownDecember 11, 2015 at 3:00 PM

    I love this particular ornament most for some reason. It never ceases to amaze me how so much beauty can be done on those tiny tiles. I create on much bigger paper, because I don't know how to work so small. I'm in awe. As for coming out of one's shell, I'm definitely a different person since finding this art form. I am very private and shy, but I have found myself readily sharing my work lately, and it's a wonderful feeling. Thank u.

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  57. MayAnn Scheblein-Dawson, CZTDecember 11, 2015 at 3:11 PM

    A great idea and so do-able for a class!!! Thanks for sharing Maria!!!

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  58. Ken ClaypoolDecember 11, 2015 at 4:42 PM

    Zentangle has brought me out of my shell....so I have shared this with several co-workers....and I am thrilled every time I see someone try zentangle for themselves...and the look on their faces as they also have their creative and artistic selves come out of their shells.
    Merry Christmas Bijou!

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  59. MLGoosenDecember 11, 2015 at 5:22 PM

    I like Alfie, he adds a whimsy to the Bijou process which seems so appropriate. Thanks.

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  60. Laura CarpenterDecember 12, 2015 at 5:55 AM

    As a child I was always trying all kinds of crafts. Then as I got older and busier their wasn't time ( or so that's what I tell myself!). Zentangle has revived my creative juices. So grateful <3

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  61. ReneeDecember 12, 2015 at 6:44 AM

    What a nice idea and method to preserve all those little broken pieces of life into something beautiful! Thanks for bringing me joy this morning with this lovely idea.

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