Sunday, December 13, 2015

On the twelfth day of Christmas, Bijou gifted me,


A deck full of Bijou philosophies.


With passion and gratitude we bring our 2015 twelve-day series to a close.

We trust that you all had a chance to enjoy each day as we challenged ourselves to create beautiful things using the Zentangle Method and with items we found around our home.

More importantly it gave us an opportunity to slow down, to breathe through our thoughts, and to focus on the hidden gems that Zentangle has allowed us to discover. We of course thank Bijou for coming out of his shell to share these zentiments with us. With confidence he has shown us how to admire and appreciate all of the deliberate strokes that we, as Zentangle artists, put down as we as speak in tangles and take comfort in a place where the string’s the thing.

We can relax knowing we are all supported by a global community, where there are no mistakes, where you can always choose your tangles, and in the end leave yourself a moment or two to enjoy the shade.

Bijou, and now Alfie, have shown us how to savor the little things as much as much as the big things. Trust your inner artist and spend some a moment or two during this busy time of year to embellish your own visions and to inspire others just as Alfie and Bijou have done for us.

This has been such fun occasion to deconstruct our journey and to reflect on the memories that are beautiful and beyond.


Alfie says, "Thank you Bijou, for Bijouisms 1-24!"

-----+-----

Complete sets of Bijouisms are now available here. 

More info and ideas in this newsletter.

-----+-----

Winning, randomly chosen commenters from the Eleventh Day:

  • Angelia Lanouette
  • Jackie CZT 8
  • Mamie P.

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

Thanks again for all your wonderful comments over these past few days!

With all our best wishes to you and yours for this holiday season and the coming year,

All of us at Zentangle HQ!


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92 comments:

  1. rrjncalDecember 13, 2015 at 12:30 PM

    Bijou is as sweet as a sugarplum! Thank you for a dozen lovely posts. Happy holidays!

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  2. Laura B.December 13, 2015 at 12:31 PM

    Such a beautiful series! Thank you for doing this and happy holidays to the Zentangle family!

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  3. Paula (PEP)December 13, 2015 at 12:32 PM

    Have a wonderful Christmas & thank you for a dozen days of wisdom & fun.
    Paula (PEP)

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  4. Mamie P.December 13, 2015 at 12:35 PM

    I have really enjoyed these Twelve Days of Christmas with Bijou and Alfie (and Rick, Maria, Molly, and Julie). As I mentally processed each day's blog, I tried to tie each Bijou-ism into my daily routine. I believe it has really helped me be more relaxed and focused on the day's needs. Here's to stress free holidays. Happy Christmas and New Year to all of you at HQ. Many blessings to you all. mlp

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  5. Linda DeedyDecember 13, 2015 at 12:47 PM

    What a great idea!

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  6. EllenDecember 13, 2015 at 12:48 PM

    Happy hollidays and all the best for 2016.

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  7. AnonymousDecember 13, 2015 at 12:50 PM

    Thank you for this wonderful series of postings on Bijouisms. Jackie CZT XIII

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  8. Diane CDecember 13, 2015 at 12:52 PM

    Thanks for sharing . Enjoyed every single day.

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  9. UnknownDecember 13, 2015 at 1:00 PM

    On the front of each of the Christmas cards that I made and have sent out, I have inserted a tangled Bijou tile, each one different. I have had so much fun doing these, I hope a few unexpected cards show up so I can do a few more.

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  10. UnknownDecember 13, 2015 at 1:00 PM

    On the front of each of the Christmas cards that I made and have sent out, I have inserted a tangled Bijou tile, each one different. I have had so much fun doing these, I hope a few unexpected cards show up so I can do a few more.

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  11. Kristin Y.December 13, 2015 at 1:01 PM

    What a wonderful way to end the 12 days of Christmas and embrace some good basic "distressing" ideas, for the holidays and on my birthday. (Much better than pondering getting older. Lol) Needless to say, Bijou, is a favorite in our family(having a 7-year old, ensures that). Thanks, for sharing him with us. Happy Holidays!

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  12. UnknownDecember 13, 2015 at 1:02 PM

    This has been fun! Thank you for the joyful journey :)

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  13. Sue ClarkDecember 13, 2015 at 1:03 PM

    Thank you so much for the wonderful 12 day posts! I really enjoyed following them and looked forward to each day! As I opened a new Bijou tin last night, I told myself not to use them all without going back over your posts and trying some of the ornaments. I am looking forward to that and also to reading all of your inspiring words again! Merry Christmas to all of you at Zentangle HQ!

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  14. JulieDecember 13, 2015 at 1:13 PM

    What a wonderful series of posts this has been! Thanks so much to all who were involved. Wishing you a very happy holiday season and looking forward to meeting you at seminar #24 in June 2016.

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  15. UnknownDecember 13, 2015 at 1:20 PM

    This wonderful series was just what I needed to get back on track, and get back to a place of Zen. No self - help books, or therapist has ever put me in such a peaceful, confident place as the Zentangle art form, with its Bijouisms, has. I will always remain so grateful for stumbling upon such a gem. Bijou and, now Alfie, really made my last couple weeks. Thank u Rick, Maria, and Molly.

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  16. Jan Brandt, CZTDecember 13, 2015 at 1:21 PM

    A perfect gift for the 12th and last day of these absolutely delightful posts! Rick, Maria, Molly & Julie, you have offered us all such wisdom, creative inspiration and light-hearted fun! These are some of my favorite gifts ... I don't have to feed, water, dust, wash or store them. With continuing gratitude and my sincere wish for your best holidays ever ~
    Jan Brandt, CZT XII, Reno, Nevada, USA

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  17. Maureen StottDecember 13, 2015 at 1:21 PM

    Thank you for the series. Each posting has had special meaning and little treasures to think about the whole year through. Merry Christmas to all!

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  18. Karen McGuinessDecember 13, 2015 at 1:21 PM

    I have loved Bijou since he arrived in our Zentangle world. Having a collection of his Bijouism cards is a wonderful way to focus on a different calming and pleasant idea each time I choose one. Molly, will you please give him a gentle pat on the head from me? Thank you, Bijoux, for all for the richness you've brought to my thoughts! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and holiday season. P.S. Try not to overeat.

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  19. Taz42December 13, 2015 at 1:27 PM

    How thought-provoking these twelve days of Bijou's Christmas have been! Thank you so much for sharing with us all. Merry Christmas! May your season be bright and joyous!

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  20. UnknownDecember 13, 2015 at 1:30 PM

    LOVE the 12 days od Christmas!!! just ordered my bijouisms!!! Happy holidays!!

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  21. BarbaraDecember 13, 2015 at 1:35 PM

    Bijou is such giving individual! Thank you so much for showing us all of the twelve days of ideas!

    Barbara B.

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  22. TishaDecember 13, 2015 at 1:35 PM

    So cute! And such wonderful inspirations.

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  23. AnnDecember 13, 2015 at 1:36 PM

    These bijouisms are such a great idea. And the handwriting is amazing. :)

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  24. Betsy (Ben Stein's Grandma)December 13, 2015 at 1:41 PM

    Thank you for the wonderful twelve days of Christmas Posts of Bijou. What a pleasure and fun it has been to read and see the tangles representing his Bijouisms as well as Alfie's antics. May you all enjoy a very Merry Christmas. Betsy

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  25. Kathy YoungDecember 13, 2015 at 2:04 PM

    My feet have not touched the ground since signing up for CZT in April. I hope to see Bijou there as well since it's his zen~spiration that keeps me centered and focused. Wishing you all the happiness of this season and in 2016. Peace

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  26. KathyDecember 13, 2015 at 2:09 PM

    Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share their inspiring Zentangle designs in 2015 . A Very Happy and Peaceful New Year to Zentanglers around the World xxx

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  27. UnknownDecember 13, 2015 at 2:20 PM

    Thank you for sharing this beautiful series to remind me about what this season is truly about!

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  28. TopstitchDecember 13, 2015 at 2:23 PM

    With Bijou's dancing in my head.

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  29. AnonymousDecember 13, 2015 at 2:26 PM

    What a delightful series of posts. I have enjoyed each and every one! Merry Christmas to you all.
    Kate Ahrens CZT IX

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  30. Amber ArmstrongDecember 13, 2015 at 2:30 PM

    Love this series. Happy holidays.

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  31. UnknownDecember 13, 2015 at 2:30 PM

    Merry merry!! Such great ideas throughout the series. Much appreciation to Maria and Rick and the whole gang at Zentangle...and of course Bijou!!

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  32. UnknownDecember 13, 2015 at 2:38 PM

    What beautiful creations and a wonderful reminder to slow down and enjoy the holidays! Merry Christmas
    Becky

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  33. AnonymousDecember 13, 2015 at 2:47 PM

    With the business of the season we all need to "stop and smell the roses"...thanks for the wonderful reminder! Happy Holidays to you and your's! Jill

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  34. AnonymousDecember 13, 2015 at 2:47 PM

    With the business of the season we all need to "stop and smell the roses"...thanks for the wonderful reminder! Happy Holidays to you and your's! Jill

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  35. OnefineteacherDecember 13, 2015 at 2:54 PM

    Thank you all for the wonderful inspiration! The ideas were motivating and beautiful! I hope all of your families have a wonderful Christmas season!

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  36. UnknownDecember 13, 2015 at 3:00 PM

    Thank you for all the lovely thoughts. Have you considered doing this during the "real" 12 days of Christmas? (December 2 5-January 6)

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  37. AnonymousDecember 13, 2015 at 3:20 PM

    Each day has been delightful...a good reminder to slow down and enjoy this season. Thank you and wishing you the merriest!

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  38. Amy L. Smith, CZTDecember 13, 2015 at 3:33 PM

    I am so happy to be able to share a bijouism with everyone I know and even those I don't....they are fun to leave in random places! Bijou shows up in my kid's lunch box and on the bananas in the grocery store!!

    ReplyDelete
  39. UnknownDecember 13, 2015 at 3:49 PM

    Thank you so much for the reminders to de-stress during such a busy and crazy time of year!

    ReplyDelete
  40. UnknownDecember 13, 2015 at 3:50 PM

    Thank you so much for the reminders to de-stress during such a busy and crazy time of year!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Holly WilliamsDecember 13, 2015 at 4:52 PM

    Thanks so much for the gift of this series~~ Happy Holidays, and happy tangling!

    ReplyDelete
  42. ElipellaDecember 13, 2015 at 4:54 PM

    Bijouisms- how fun! I can't wait to try them. Thank you for this wonderful community. I feel truly blessed to have learned this art form and be surrounded by all that is offered here. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.

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  43. Nancy RothDecember 13, 2015 at 4:59 PM

    I really enjoyed your 12 days of christmas. They were delightful!

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  44. tangledDecember 13, 2015 at 5:04 PM

    Have a wonderful Christmas to everyone at Zentangle HQ. Here's to an inspiring 2016 to all the people who enjoy sharing the wonderful world of Zentangle.

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  45. UnknownDecember 13, 2015 at 5:16 PM

    Happy holidays :)

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  46. UnknownDecember 13, 2015 at 5:27 PM

    A wonderful sense of peace, brought on by the beautiful note on the twelfth day of Christmas.... So much fun, like being a child once again.

    Thank you, everyone at Zentangle.com and Alfie and Bijou! Love to all at this beautiful time of the year!

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  47. Donna Jacobson, CZTDecember 13, 2015 at 6:47 PM

    Beautifully said! I really enjoyed all twelve days of Chritmas and sharing them with my students and friends in Alaska! Thank you all for the wonderful ideas that Bijou gave us! It's a perfect way of introducing Bijou to those who don't know him. Much love to my Zentangle family who work so hard and Happy Holidays to all of you! ❤️

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  48. UnknownDecember 13, 2015 at 7:32 PM

    I love the way all Bijouisms were included in this post's opening paragraphs. Reformulated to describe the experience of Zentangle (and not just the 12 Days of Zentangle) with the Bijouisms in bold as you have done, it would make a wonderful card to help us keep this approach to life before us!

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  49. Sue ZankerDecember 13, 2015 at 7:38 PM

    I have so enjoyed all the twelve days and the little philosophies each day. I am now using them, one written in the centre of a tile, with tangles all around and then I leave them to find their own people.......on a bus stop, at the supermarket, in the Library, at the swimming pool, in the local coffee shop.
    Although they are anonymous, on the back, I write ....."this is called "Tangling", it has found YOU for a reason". Then, if they want to discover more, they will have fun searching on the Internet, where many sites are easily found, including your Zentangle site. If not, they can leave it be for another person to find !
    Thank you all for making such a difference in MY life, I couldn't survive, and nearly didn't, without Zentangle.

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  50. Sue SharpDecember 13, 2015 at 7:59 PM

    I'm sad that it's over for this year, but have enjoyed and been inspired by these posts. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year to all of you 💖

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  51. Michaela RosenbergerDecember 13, 2015 at 8:04 PM

    Thank you for these Twelve Days of ZenTangle delight. I treasured the gifts, both day and night.

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  52. UnknownDecember 13, 2015 at 8:19 PM

    Thank you for these Twelve Days of Zentangle. What a great way to close the year and remind us of what's most important. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and look forward to seeing what you launch in the New Year. Alyss Amster CZT9

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  53. UnknownDecember 13, 2015 at 8:19 PM

    Thank you for these Twelve Days of Zentangle. What a great way to close the year and remind us of what's most important. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and look forward to seeing what you launch in the New Year. Alyss Amster CZT9

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  54. Bobbi J.December 13, 2015 at 8:32 PM

    I really enjoyed these 12 days! Thanks for all the inspiration. Merry Christmas

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  55. Donna RavenscraftDecember 13, 2015 at 8:36 PM

    What wonderful inspiration anytime of the year - yet how beautiful when melded with the holidays. Thank this has been such a lovely journey. Gotta love that little Bijou - so wise.

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  56. Phyllis CDecember 13, 2015 at 9:00 PM

    Thanks for the great 12 Days of Zentangle. It has given me so many great ideas and all of the Bijouisms. I hope to try many of these in the coming days.

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  57. PatsyDecember 13, 2015 at 9:02 PM

    Thanks so much for the wonderful Bijou posts, such a treat. And, Merry Christmas to you and yours and I look forward to going over each and every post again.
    Strange, how the first thing I do when opening your News...take a deep breath and I can feel myself relaxing? Of course I know it is the relaxing feeling I get when I sit or get into bed with my pens, paper and
    do at least one tangle to de-stress from life.......so grateful for that.

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  58. Donna Pilato,CZT 18December 13, 2015 at 9:36 PM

    What a great series of reminders. Sad to see them come to an end. Thank goodness that box of bijouisms are now available!

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  59. Karina ReidDecember 13, 2015 at 9:58 PM

    Hi all thank you for the Adventures of Bijou! That little snail cracks me up! I have depression and anxiety issues and Zentangle helps however it is really hard for me to get started. Bijou's little wise words have assisted in getting me off a blank tile. Merry Christmas Bijou!

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  60. Angelia LanouetteDecember 13, 2015 at 10:03 PM

    Thank you for the wonderful and inspiring 12 Days of Christmas! I really enjoyed reading each post and learned a lot! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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  61. twin410December 13, 2015 at 10:46 PM

    Loved the 12 Days of Christmas inspiration.
    Someone is going to be DECKing the Halls when they
    are chosen for the 12th day.

    I'll be ordering the Bijou deck to share with others.
    Thanks for all you do.
    S

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  62. AnonymousDecember 13, 2015 at 10:48 PM

    Born in Paris (almost) 61 spins around the sun ago now, and have not made it back yet, but the daily dose of Bijou for awhile really resonated --- helped smooth out some of the pre-holiday and end-of-semester overload.

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  63. Cathrine nDecember 13, 2015 at 11:02 PM

    All those, that I've taught love the Bijou story of how he came to be.

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  64. UnknownDecember 13, 2015 at 11:11 PM

    Thank you for SHARING your Bijou philopsophies. My new Brenda philosophy is to CHECK-IN with my body which is how I notice where I am holding tension and where I have got caught up in doing something or in thinking processes that I almost go out of body. So I am learning to stay in my body. I hope maybe one day to learn to letter, but for now patterns is the most I can manage . . . . . always something to ASPIRE to.

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  65. Linda Dochter, CZTDecember 13, 2015 at 11:27 PM

    So much fun "unwrapping" the presents Bijou left for the last 12 days. Merry Christmas to all of you at Zentangle.com.

    Linda Dochter, CZT "Sweet 16"

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  66. WendyDecember 13, 2015 at 11:34 PM

    Merry Christmas and thank you to all

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  67. AnonymousDecember 13, 2015 at 11:36 PM

    enjoying Bijou's 12 days of Christmas. Thanks for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  68. AnonymousDecember 13, 2015 at 11:38 PM

    enjoying Bijou's 12 days of Christmas. Thanks for the chance to win.
    funkkaren@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  69. Lynn JarrettDecember 13, 2015 at 11:57 PM

    Thank you for these Twelve Days of Christmas treats. I have thoroughly enjoyed them. I do hope they will remain on the blog so I can refer back to them in the future.

    Peace and happiness to you . . .

    ReplyDelete
  70. UnknownDecember 14, 2015 at 12:04 AM

    What a wonderful series! I have enjoyed reading and soaking in all the Bijouisms and ideas! I will be reflecting on these past 12 days while making special holiday memories with family and friends. Thank you for sharing and Happy Holidays!

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  71. AndreaDecember 14, 2015 at 12:27 AM

    Nice posts - thank you, Bijou!

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  72. Ginger RogersDecember 14, 2015 at 12:57 AM

    Aww! Somehow I've missed these postings. I Only recently joined. Now I can't wait to go back and read them all. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  73. charchickDecember 14, 2015 at 1:03 AM

    Thank you for this 12 Days of Christmas. It's been a real joy to read the postings each day and be inspired.

    ReplyDelete
  74. AmpuTeeHee aka BonnieDecember 14, 2015 at 1:55 AM

    Thank you for such an inspiring series! Happy Holiday Season!

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  75. Anne's tangle blogDecember 14, 2015 at 2:24 AM

    Thanks to you all for these great posts. I wish you a warm and peaceful Christmas and love, health, light and PEACE for 2016.

    ReplyDelete
  76. Terri Y CZT16December 14, 2015 at 5:03 AM

    I just taught a class Saturday and was able to use the recently purchased Bijouisms for each student. They were all so surprised at how their little framed tiles turned out and they were all lovely. Thank all y'all for being in my life! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  77. luvhymnsDecember 14, 2015 at 5:35 AM

    The 12 days were so much fun. Thank you for taking the time to create, give and make the holidays a rich blessing.

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  78. LucyDecember 14, 2015 at 8:14 AM

    Thank you for the daily reminders, which have been relaxing and inspirational. Merry Christmas to all.

    ReplyDelete
  79. gobarb26December 14, 2015 at 10:46 AM

    I have really enjoyed all 12 days of Bijouisms. They really help to remind me of what Zentangle is all about. I have also enjoyed getting to know Alfie and seeing all of the beautiful tiles that were used as ornaments. I am going to do some decorating with my tiles this year. Thank you for a great time and a great life of Zentangle!

    ReplyDelete
  80. UnknownDecember 14, 2015 at 11:35 AM

    Bijouisms are such great life-isms! Thanks again for inspiring my life!

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  81. Leslie Hancock CZT 17December 14, 2015 at 12:04 PM

    Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Bijou and everyone at the Zentangle HQ!

    ReplyDelete
  82. Judy VogesDecember 14, 2015 at 1:51 PM

    Filled my "bucket" with Bijouisms - food for the soul!
    Thank you

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  83. Mary B.December 14, 2015 at 4:07 PM

    Thank you for the gift of bijou inspiration that came in my email for 12 days. It was all so lovely and much appreciated. A blessed Christmas and happy new year to all of you at zentangle.

    ReplyDelete
  84. Shelly BeauchDecember 14, 2015 at 5:22 PM

    Thank You Maria, Rick and everyone at Zentangle HQ! You always add a special touch which is truly appreciated. Love and hugs for a wonderful safe Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  85. UnknownDecember 15, 2015 at 7:07 AM

    Ok so somehow I missed ALL THE FUN! But I sat down to do my christmas cards, and check my list….and here you are! Thank you for 12 MONTHS of Fun! I recd an email from a new student yesterday, inquiring about when my next workshop will be!! This has been one amazing journey, and it's only the beginning. God Bless All and Merry Christmas Bijou

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  86. Karin GodynsDecember 15, 2015 at 7:30 AM

    Life is all about Bijou... You enter into this life without anything... if you want to spark it up, you add Bijous, as much as you can. And more Bijou will follow automatically :o)
    Have a wonderful Xmas to all of you. Love, Karin Godyns - CZT - Belgium

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  87. Michelle LimDecember 15, 2015 at 7:47 AM

    I was so amazed with all the inspired Bijou ideas here. All these ideas will help me a lot for me to design my new classes. I was overwhelmed when I received the news about the new Tinful of Bijou in black! I must buy it now!

    Michelle Lim, CZT 14&18

    ReplyDelete
  88. LorinurseDecember 15, 2015 at 10:53 AM

    Thank you for your efforts which most certainly contribute to improved mental health in many ways!

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  89. LynneGDecember 15, 2015 at 4:12 PM

    I'm giving Bijou an A for penmanship!

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  90. UnknownDecember 15, 2015 at 6:04 PM

    I love the way the Bijouisms serve as reminders and are also incorporated into the ornaments.

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  91. AnonymousDecember 15, 2015 at 6:37 PM

    I bought some of the bijouism sets and they are fabulous. They will bring smiles this christmas to many of my friends. Thanks for this series so inspiring!

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  92. Midori OkasakoDecember 18, 2015 at 1:05 PM

    oh my goodness, where have i been last several days?!
    as always, i am so inspired... beautiful bijous***

    ReplyDelete

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