Category: Mindfulness Crafting

1. From knitting to paper, mandalas have become a cornerstone of my creative work

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 18th Oct 2024

   This morning, I had the most relaxing and creatively fulfilling experience at a mandala drawing workshop led by Jane at Mandala Holmfirth. I walked in with a stressed mind, but left feeling completely refreshed and centered. The workshop focused on the art of mandalas—a form of circular design often used in meditation and mindfulness practices. A mandala is more than just a beautiful, symmetrical drawing. In many cultures, it represents wholeness, unity, and the universe, making it a powerful tool for mindfulness. The process of drawing helps bring focus and calm as your attention stays in the moment, much like in Zentangle, but with a more circular, structured approach. We started by creating a grid of concentric circles, using a compass at various sizes to form the basis of our mandala. From there, we added symmetrical patterns, some following strict geometric designs, while others were more freeform, using additional circular shapes to build layers of structure. Each ring of the mandala is like a chapter of a story, unfolding with every stroke of the pen. The slow, rhythmic process allowed me to become fully immersed in the creative flow, letting go of any outside stressors.

   What really made the workshop special was how personal each mandala became. No two were the same, even though we all started from similar circular grids. Some people added more intricate details and others stuck with simplicity, yet each design carried a sense of balance and harmony. Drawing mandalas is an excellent practice for mindfulness, bringing a sense of peace and creativity into your day. It was the perfect way to unplug and let my stress melt away, one circle at a time

   Venturing into the world of mandala art has been a bit of a spiritual adventure for me, blending mindfulness with my love of craft. I’ve explored this art form not only through traditional drawing but as you know also in fiber arts. One of my proudest achievements has been translating mandalas into a series of knitted brioche mandala art pieces. Using the intricate brioche stitch—a technique that lends itself to bold, two-color designs—I’ve created patterns that capture the symmetry and meditative qualities of mandalas, but in a soft, textured medium.

   In addition to my art pieces, I’ve designed two knitted patterns developed from the art I created.. Flower Garden Mandala Starburst Mandala These patterns take the core principles of circularity, repetition and meditative brioche offering a peaceful, rhythmic process similar to mandala drawing. Each round builds on the last, resulting in striking, intricate pieces that evoke the same sense of balance and unity.

   I’ve also extended my passion for mandalas into more everyday expressions by creating greeting cards featuring my designs. These cards provide a unique and personal touch for any occasion

   From knitting to paper, mandalas have become a cornerstone of my creative work, offering endless ways to explore mindfulness, symmetry, and beauty in different mediums. Hope you like them xx

2. Designing with Zentangle Doodles & New Zentangle Geometric Buttons!

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 2nd Aug 2024

   Last night I returned to the creative outlet that has been both relaxing and inspiring: zentangle. I've been feeling particularly stressed with the challenges of dog training, especially yesterday when we met for a 1:1 session with our dog trainer. I've found that taking some time to engage in this meditative drawing practice helped me unwind. Zentangle, with its unstructured patterns and focus on mindfulness, provides a calming escape and a way to channel my energy creatively. What I love about last night's zentangle is that it allowed me to experiment with different knitting stitches and patterns on paper in a completely random and spontaneous way. This freeform exploration not only helped me relax but also sparked some new ideas for future knitting designs. I found that each doodle lead to an unexpected pattern or stitch combination, offering fresh inspiration that I might incorporate into my next project. So here are the Zentangle tiles that I created. I'm not a good artist by any means and my hands are all wobbly (think it's an age related thing) but the whole process kept my mind at rest whilst creating something beautiful in my eyes. Watch this space because more tiles will be produced so I can eventually create my own Zentangled Sweater. Want join in? Send in your tiles or your finished zentangled garment.  Get your own Sweater to Zentangle Get your own Vest to Zentangle Get your own T Shirt to Zentangle Find out more about Zentangling from Sandra A boxy sweater with a patchwork of traditional Nordic knitting patterns.     A beautiful design that does somehow mimic my zentangle thoughts. I just HAD to show you these new beauties that landed in my web site shop.

   Check out our ZENTANGLE BUTTONS Introducing Our Black and White Geometric "Zentangle" Buttons Elevate your crafts and garments with our stunning collection of black and white geometric buttons! These buttons are a perfect blend of modern elegance and timeless style, designed to add a unique touch to any project. Whether you're a knitter, seamstress, or DIY enthusiast, our buttons are the ideal accessory to complete your creations. Why Choose Our Zentangle Buttons? Striking Designs: Our collection features a variety of geometric shapes, from classic circles and squares to edgy triangles and oval shapes. The bold black and white palette ensures that these buttons make a statement, whether they're used on clothing, accessories, or home decor. Versatility: These buttons are perfect for adding a contemporary touch to a wide range of projects. Use them to embellish knitwear, upgrade a plain shirt, or even as a focal point on a handmade bag. Their simple yet striking design complements any color scheme, making them incredibly versatile. Quality Craftsmanship: Made from durable materials, our buttons are designed to last. They are meticulously crafted to ensure smooth edges and a high-quality finish, providing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Unique Touch: Each button is a mini piece of art, capable of transforming an ordinary piece into something extraordinary. The geometric shapes offer a modern twist, perfect for anyone looking to add a stylish and contemporary element to their creations.   CHECK OUT OUR BUTTONS Novelty Buttons Pre Loved Buttons Wooden Buttons Happy Zentangling Designing or Knitting ! Sandra