Today’s post comes from Joanne Fink. I know a few of you who have subscribed to this blog have an interest in Zentangles. Yesterday, I received information about this book by Joanne Fink, featuring her drawing and patterning techniques.
The following letter is from Joanne Fink. She gave me permission to post this:
“Dear Friends & Family,
Three years ago, I began a new stage of my creative journey when I was introduced to the wonderful world of Zentangle®. I enjoyed ‘tangling’ for a couple of weeks, then returned to my calligraphic roots and started incorporating patterns into my letterforms and designs. Since I was inspired by Zentangle, I called my new style “Zenspirations™”, and began teaching others how to enhance their work with simple patterns. I had never worked with a mono-line pen before, but quickly became so enamored with all of Sakura’s wonderful pens that I became a ‘Sakura Fanatic’, and filmed a series of videos showing how I use their tools to create my Zenspirations art. You can find them on Sakura’s website, or by clicking on the links below.
In addition to the videos, I’ve designed and licensed lots of Zenspirations products for the craft market, and Inspired Journey items for the stationery and gift market. My new book, Zenspirations Letters & Patterning, was introduced by Design Originals at the Craft & Hobby Show in July. My publisher is offering a “Friends & Family” 20% discount to anyone who wants to order the book between now and January 2, 2012. Just click this link:
BUY NOW and put in the promo code “zensp” at checkout.
And for those of you who are looking for last minute holiday gifts, please check out my new magnetic jewelry design inserts for Magnabilities at http://www.magnabilities.com/store/design-inserts-licensed-c-3_1213_1109.html. The Christmas designs (see samples below) are available now, and my monogram inserts will be available soon.
Thanks for helping me get the word out about the book, jewelry and videos… I really appreciate it.
Happy Holidays!
Joanne”
ZENSPIRATIONS™ VIDEO LINKS:1. Zenspirations Patterning Techniques with Joanne Fink
2. Zenspirations Shape & Edge Patterning with Joanne Fink
3. Zenspirations Patterned Monograms with Joanne Fink
4. Zenspirations Borders & Frames with Joanne Fink
5. Sakura Fanatic with Joanne Fink
6. Zenspirations Koi Watercolor Painting with Samantha Trattner (Joanne’s daughter)
Hope you enjoy the videos… you can see other great videos on Sakura’s website: www.sakuraofamerica.com.
________________
Caffeine for the Creative Soul 
Zentangle is so much fun! I had to do a page for a Scrapbooking Challenge I’ve been participating in. I had never done anything like that and I just loved it! It’s totally addicting and I definitely want to do much more! I’ve looked for books all over my area and haven’t been able to find any. Some of us aren’t familiar with doodling but I can see how I would improve with practice. It’s a very relaxing practice. Thanks for sharing this, Tim! I appreciate the information. Here’s a link to my Zentangle page if you want to take a peek:
http://www.nickelnook.com/2011/02/52-week-scrapbook-challenge-zentangle.html
Hi Nancy, I just looked at your Zentangle page, and I think your work is beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing that link.
Tim :0)
Thanks so much, Tim! That means a lot coming from you! 😀
wow, thanks for the finger pointing such a direction, I love it (~_~)I have never heard of this and will check it out.
Hi Art, I’m glad I was able to introduce you to this – thanks for letting me know you hadn’t heard of Zentangles. It was something that was brought up in the first few days of this blog.
Tim
I love Zentange and am looking forward to watching Joanne’s videos! I recently participated in a Zentangle challenge with friends. We were to create a Zentangle and then use it in a creative way. I did mine on an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper, reduced it and used it to cover mini notebooks. Here’s a link to some photos.
https://picasaweb.google.com/111643444618837896883/ZentangleChallenge?authkey=Gv1sRgCKejqdyfzMWKFg#
Thanks Tim!
Hi Mary Jane, Those notebooks came out great! I love the black, white and red color palette. Thanks for the link!
Tim :0)
Zentangle has been a part of my life without even knowing it. I would then call it doodling. I remember when I was little and in Mexico the children’s workbooks had lines and circles with a few sheets of onion paper like or tracing paper that help us practice. That part of training never left my side. I love to handwrite and in order to not loose my curves and loops fluidity practice practice practice. I started showing my son 4 and daughter 2 to zentangle. My oldest 8 has no interest (as she looks from the corner of her eye lol). New subscriber to Joanne YT. TFS
Hi Jessica, Thanks for sharing your story. I’m glad I was able to connect you with Joanne Finks work!
Tim
I’ve never heard of the term zentangle, but I think I do something similar! I will have to go look at the videos. What fun! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Amy, Thanks for letting me know you’re interested in this.
Tim :0)
Hi Tim,
I just ordered your new Zentangle book. I can’t wait to receive it. I love Zentangle and love lettering, so this is a match made in heaven. Thanks for being so talented!!!!!
Have a wonderful Holiday Season
Lorraine
Hi Lorraine, It’s actually not my book – I can’t take credit for this book at all! The author and artist’s name is Joanne Fink. I was just passing along the information – it’s not my work at all! I hope you enjoy the book!
Happy Holidays!
Tim
your nominated for the Kreative Blogger Award
http://zendictive.wordpress.com/2011/12/21/kreativ-blogger-award/
Hi Art, It was a surprise to see you’d nominated me for this blog award. Thanks so much. There are so many great blogs out there – I’m so honored you’ve chosen to include me in this!
Tim :0)
I really enjpy zentangles as well. Thanks for sharing the links.