"It's a String Thing" #121

It is Tuesday, your good news day!

I do love when numbers align and today is December 1 or 12/1.  It is also our 121st consecutive String Thing challenge - how fun is that?!

On Thursday in Washington, D.C., the national Christmas tree will be lit.  It is always a beautiful spectacle.

With the beginning of the Christmas season, we will celebrate this week with a tree theme.

Ever since I first saw Carole Ohl's Christmas tree made with Maria Thomas' pattern Aquafleur, I have been mesmerized with the possibility of creating one as well.

Click here to view Carole's blog post that features her beautiful tree.
Click here for Maria's step out for Aquafleur.

Below you will find the directions and suggestions for this week's challenge.  They are lengthy, but their purpose is to make the seemingly complicated more simplified.

We begin with a string in the shape of a tree along with a few suggestions.

Here is the initial string:

Adele Bruno, CZT

Once your tree is penciled in, add the amoeba shapes that Aquafleur begins with, like so ~

Adele Bruno, CZT

I used a Micron to indicate the string lines and initial pattern lines to make them more visible.  You may want to use a pencil.

To add more interest, make the shapes less uniform is size:

Adele Bruno, CZT

Notice how I pushed passed the initial string lines when adding the pattern spaces.  Add as many or as few of these spaces as you wish, this is just one possibility.


You can also use an alternate orientation for your tree shape, like so ~

Or use a tree shape without a trunk, like this one ~

Have fun with this - my suggestions are merely suggestions.  The main goal is to create a tree with Maria Thomas' enchanting Aquafleur.


The step out for the pattern can be found by clicking Aquafleur and/or TanglePatterns.


Simply pencil the string line onto your tile and tangle away!  

Here are the (Not so) Official Guidelines: 
* Challenges are posted on Tuesdays.
*Use the string posted for the week and patterns that begin or contain the letter(s) indicated
* Submit a photo of your tile saved as jpg or scan your tile (300 dpi or higher) and save as a jpg
*Email your jpg file as an attachment to - brunoadelem@gmail.com
*Entries are to be submitted by Saturday evenings.
*Photos and 'Best of Show' are posted on Mondays. 

Send in your photos - you will encourage and inspire fellow Zentangle® enthusiasts all over the world. WHEN YOU SIGN YOUR NAME, FEEL FREE TO  INCLUDE YOUR STATE/COUNTRY. 
FOR EXAMPLE:   Adele Bruno (Florida)

PLEASE NOTE: It is not necessary for you to have a blog or website to participate.

If you do have a blog or website, I will add a link upon request.  
Please include the site specific URL. 

I look forward to your emails.
HAVE FUN!