Day 31 - Coloring

Started and finished a loopy pattern from "Lotus Designs Coloring Book."  It really is relaxing to spend 3 hours getting lost in the curls of a pattern.

From start-

- to finish

Two previous designs from this book are here and here.

Day 30 - Coloring

Finished the Turkish design postcard I started on Day 23.  It's done mostly in colored pencils, with a background of watercolor.

Get some of your own postcards to work on.

Day 29 - Coloring

Continuing work on this mehndi-inspired design.

I started this page on January 6th. Compare how far I've gotten here.

Day 28 - Zentangle

I tried a more structured zentangle this time.  Also the paper surface has distinct texture, so it creates an interesting pattern when shaded.

Day 27 - Electronic coloring

One of the mandala designs from the Colorfy App.  This first image is the basic colored design.

This is after applying the filters of removing lines and changing the background to wooden slats.

Day 26 - Coloring

I finished up this relaxingly repetitive pattern from "Lotus Designs" using markers and colored pencils.

Day 25 - Zentangle

It's too early, I know, but I was working on valentines with my nephew and started this.  Just a cute little red tangle.

Day 24 - Modeling Clay

My nephew came over this afternoon and we did some craft projects.  It started with making valentines for his parents and ended with finding an unopened package of modeling clay.  Between the two of us, we created a little prehistoric gathering.

First creation was a brontosaurus, for which my nephew made a fantastic tree.

Next he requested a triceratops.  This one I'm actually a tad proud of.

After that he told me to make a troodon.  I didn't even know what that looked like, but he described it as having a long tail and standing on 2 legs.  

So, that was our evening.  I mostly handled the dinosaurs while he made the tree, all bushes, and the fish in the lake.  It was a wonderful time.

Day 23 - Coloring

I'm about halfway through coloring this postcard.  It's from a set of Turkish designs from Artist's Loft: Art For Everyone. I also picked up a set of Art Nouveau designs, which will probably show up in the next week or two.

Day 22 - Zentangle

This one I've been told resembles a fish. Although not the intention, I can certainly see it.

Day 21 - Coloring

I completed this design from "Lotus Designs Coloring Book" by Alberta Hutchinson in marker.

Day 20 - Coloring

Finally finished up the piece from "Tangled Treasures coloring book" by Jane Monk that I started on January 11th.

Day 19 - Electronic coloring

Coloring on the go again.  I completed this one while waiting for my hair color to develop at the salon.  I used the app filters to remove the black boundary lines and give the texture of painted canvas.

Day 18 - Zentangle

Exploring more white space on this tangle

Day 17 - Zentangle

Zentangle done on bristol artist tile (4" x 4") using designs crescent moon, tipple, poke root, shattuck, isochor, and printemps.

Day 16 - Craft

I made a gift for a coworker who is transferring out of my branch at the end of the month.  He particularly likes these pens, so I got two and painted a box to put them in.

Day 15 - Electronic coloring

I've been using the Colorfy app on my phone for several months.  It's a fun way to easily color on the go.

Day 14 - Coloring

Finished up this mehndi design primarily in marker, with colored pencil for the background.

Day 13 - Poem "Chimera Job Offer"

Chimera Job Offer

it's a corporate platypus
a chimera job offer
cobbled together from all the odds
the necessary hats for wearing
and so I sit there stunned
trying to wrap my head around
but somehow the edges don't meet
so I tread water thinking
until they tip the scale
without even realizing the weight
"we want you"
not an exact quote, but precise sentiment
they aren't tossing roles to placate
this amalgamation is my value
my disparate (read unique) skill set
and so I'll grow three more heads
or maybe just a tail

~Christy Sundberg
    1/13/2016

Day 12 - Coloring

Finished the majority of yesterday's piece. Not sure what color to go with for the background and the little swoops & circles.

Day 11 - Coloring

Starting on a flower design in "Tangled Treasures coloring book" by Jane Monk

Day 10 - Poem "The Movement"

The Movement

expectant at the starting block
tension gripping the physical
even as it is banished from thought
because winning the race isn't victory
celebration resides in the attempt
tossing fear aside like refuse
the movement is the moment
and in the silence before the shot
she takes questionable aim
bullet piercing, hobbled from the first
the movement is the moment
and the moment is slipping past
unwieldy thoughts stumble and fall
no movement is no moment
the attempt stolen from me
so that I almost regret
and remember the peace of repose

~Christy Sundberg
    1/10/2016

Day 9 - Writing

Started a poem before heading to sleep.  I like to write poetry with pen on paper as opposed to typing.  Something about the movement keeps the words flowing.

Day 8 - Coloring

Going after a mehndi design with Sakura brush markers.

Day 7 -Zentangle

More "sparkle" practice using the tangles crescent moon, nekton, poke root, shattuck, isochor, and printemps.

Day 6 - Coloring

Slowly working on a floral design from "Mehndi Designs Coloring Book" by Marty Noble.  Here's a close-up of the piece I focused on tonight.

I still have quite a bit more before I'm done, as you can see.

Day 5 - Zentangle

Practicing adding a "sparkle" to the tangle designs printemps, isochor, poke root, and festune*.  A sparkle is a highlight created by leaving a deliberate gap in a stroke.

*terms taken from Tangle Art Pack by Beckah Krahula

Day 4 - Coloring

Finished up the flower from yesterday

Day 3 - Coloring

Working on a flower picture in the book "Tangled Treasures coloring book" by Jane Monk.

Day 2 -Zentangle

Mom got me this wonderful Zentangle art set for Christmas.  It's been so fun and relaxing.  There will certainly be more of these to share this year.

Here's my tangle for today-

Also here's my first one Christmas day-

And my favorite so far -

2016 Resolution - Day 1

2016 New Year's Resolution 

Do something creative everyday.

Big or small,

full project or just a piece,

it doesn't matter. 

January 1 - coloring with markers