The CZT swap ensemble is shaded now.

                         Here are the tiles after being shaded.
                                    Completed on 3/11/13

You can click on the image to get a closer look at it. Shading the tiles added depth & more interest. You can shade in many different ways. With the true zentangle® method, we use pencils for shading. That is what I did on these zentangles. I made light pencil markings where I wanted & used a tortillon to smooth out the graphite. You can go back & add more graphite if you want it darker. I always do it lightly at first, going back to add more to darken it up. Remember, since we do not use erasers, darken it up a little at a time until you get just what you want.

The first ensemble swap came in from Illinois. I am hoping to post them all here after I get permission from each CZT. So far 8 of us have completed the tiles & posted to our CZT FB page.

One of many benefits from becoming a CZT is we have sites that only CZT's have access to. Since we are many, from all over the world, we are able to stay in contact & learn from each other. We are a very creative group & great resource for each other.

The Missing U tile swap came about from an event. Some of us would like to have attended this event but are unable. The event is a higher learning event back east. Over 50 CZT's will be attending. They are having a swap at the event. Hence, those who cannot attend have decided to create our own swap "Missing U".

Our many CZT groups have swaps often for any CZT's who wish to participate. We just had a Valentine swap. There is a Earth day swap going on now. Seems that all most every month a swap is going on.

This is my first time participating in a swap. So I tend to jump in the deep end first. I am hosting this swap. I organized the event. I asked for feedback about the string to use, & then created it. I keep in contact with those in this swap. As the ensembles are completed they are mailed to me. After I have received them all, I will break them apart & piece 4 different CZT tiles together. Those are then mailed back to each participant. This will be another way to learn a bit more about other CZT's. This is also fun & we have some surprises in store!

So go back to the last post prior to this & take a good look at the tiles before shading. You can compare the before & after. Which ones do you like better? Why? This is a good exercise to get insight into what you like & may not like, especially why. You may also be inspired to try something differently. That would be great!

For my next post I will show you a new pattern I created Monday while teaching a class. In fact I came up with two. I had the class help name the patterns. I need to do a little research to make sure these patterns are not published already by someone else. Until then, tangle away & have fun creating! Remember, if you have any questions, or would like to leave a comment please do so. I would love to hear from you! Thank you.

Enriching our lives through uncovering pathways!