Hi and welcome back to the Chrissie Murphy Designs Blog. I’m moving on to the next fragment in the Magnified Fragments project today. Today we are looking at Fragment A3 using Dingbatz as an enhancer. So let’s get into it and I’ll fill you in on all you need to know.
Now before we go any further – I have a disclaimer I’d like to share. I have signed up to be an Affiliate for Amazon Australia. It means that I get a small percentage from the sale of anything you may purchase through links I use in my blog. Just want you to know before we get into today’s post.
The Expressive Bits
What is the Magnified Fragments Project?
Well in short, it’s the biggest zentangle project I have ever undertaken! We are working our way through every fragment in the Zentangle Collection of Reticula and Fragments book, putting them under the microscope and magnifying them.
We are using a different Zentangle Enhancer for each Fragment to thoroughly explore each enhancement technique in depth.
I have longed to undertake a serious project for some time and have been praying for guidance in this area. There are 49 fragments in the book, so this project will take us through to the end of the year, and then some.
By undertaking I hope to renew interest in fragments and enhancers as we visit components that may not have been used in a while.
And most importantly, you are welcome to join us – you can join in and follow along using the hashtag #MagnifiedFragments. Check out our Magnified Fragments Gallery! It’s full of all the fragments that Expressive’s have created in the project so far. It’s absolutely amazing!!
What is Fragment A3 using Dingbatz as an Enhancer?
Here is a close up of Fragment A3 that is featured in the Zentangle Collection of Reticula and Fragments book by Zentangle founders, Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas.
I have created a tile using this fragment as my string. In doing so, I effectively magnified it.
Dingbatz was the enhancer. Dingbatz is a technique that was introduced to the Zentangle community in 2017. It’s based on the typographic dingbat ornament. It’s a technique I really love because it adds so much extra interest to a tile.
I chose the following tangles for Fragment A3 using Dingbatz as an enhancer:
- Marasu by Zentangle. It’s a pattern that you can achieve great dimension with.
- Hollibaugh by Molly Hollibaugh, CZT. This is a pattern that can provide great contrast if you need it to. I was seeking good contrast, so I had to include it.
- I included a little variation of Archer by Chris Gerstner.
- Pokeroot by Zentangle as it’s an awesome filler and was perfect for the Dingbatz
- Betweed by Zentangle, another filler I’m enjoying lately.
- And lastly Scallops by Suzanne McNeill.
What does it mean in terms of my artistic work as a whole?
If I’m honest….. with this tile, I’m not really sure. I know I had a great time creating it, that’s for sure.
I just got lost in creating with this one. There was nothing really intentional about it, there was nothing I was setting out to do. I just had fun.
How can you take this idea and be more Expressive?
Have you ever heard the saying, “Throw caution to the wind?” Well, that’s how I felt with this tile….
I had no plan and no intentions. I knew we were working on Fragment A3 and we were enhancing it with Dingbatz, but other than that, I had nothing.
It just happened. Caution was thrown to the wind!
When was the last time you did that? Maybe you do it all the time. If so, I commend you, good on you! But if you don’t, why not give it a try this next week.
You might be surprised at what you create.
The Factual Bits
The materials used
- Strathmore Grey Artist Tile
- Uniball Signo Gel pens in varying colours
- Pitt Pastel pencils in White and Sanguine
- Grey Copic Markers in W4, W5 and W7
- Staedtler HB Pencil
- Distress Ink in Vintage Photo for the edges.
How big is Fragment A3 using Dingbatz as an enhancer?
It is 4 inches x 4 inches square.
Want to be more Expressive?
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Until next time, listen to your heart and sharpen your coloured pencils. A masterpiece awaits!
Bless you my friend
Chrissie xx
