New tangle, Oussia, and Review of Geneviève Crabes Tangle Organizers and Journal 2012

Zentangle addicts, there is now a tangle organizer specifically made with you in mind!  (For those of you unfamiliar with zentangle, please see my page What is a Zentangle ).


CZT, Geneviève Crabe offers Tangle Organizers in 4 different formats.  


Whether you like the 'classic' look that allows six steps and an example of the tangle pattern or prefer to just show small examples of the pattern with no steps, you're covered.  

I chose to buy Layout #1, because I think it is best for sharing tangles online.  There's an ample box for each step and a large tangle example.  For my own personal use, to carry around, I think I'd go with Layout #4.  With 100 pages and 12 tangle examples per page, you could get 1200 tangles in the book!   But if you want larger examples, or room for steps or notes Layouts #2 or #3 might be a better choice for you.

My new tangle pattern Oussia.

The layouts leave enough room that you can write yourself notes.  


She also offers a Tangle Journal 2012,  which is a planner with line drawings designed to stimulate your own artistic talents.






Although Geneviève is calling this book a tangle journal it could be used as coloring book, a weekly planner, an art prompt journal or a combination of all of these. There isn’t anything inherently ‘tangle’ about it, other than lots of cool line art you can tangle in.

At a 7.5x7.5 inch size, it is large enough to let you get fancy, but small enough to be portable. 

The left side of the journal is formatted as a two-page-a-week calendar, running Monday through Sunday (had to mention that for my US readers), starting at Dec. 26, 2011 and ending on Jan. 6, 2013.  At the back of the book there is a two page calendar with a section for every month of 2013.   





Some of the line-drawings are abstract, mandalas or patterns, and some are realistic, ranging from teacups to parrots.  These line art prompts are simple in design, just enough to stir your creativity. 

As I mentioned before the paper has enough tooth that color pencil works well.  I added as many as four layers of color in some areas, without having it turn slick or refuse to take more color.  I believe I could have continued to layer if I so desired.  The quality of your color pencils will determine how much you can do, but whether cheap or expensive pencils, you’ll do well on this paper.

One notion that struck me, with this journal, is that it would be an excellent first planner for a child, inviting them to jot down and organize their ideas, but flexible enough that they could let their imaginations run wild, as well. 

Not such a bad idea for us adults, either.  I know I’ll be tucking both Organizer and Journal into my purse, and will be proud to be seen working in them as I wait in lines, or for a meal.  I fully expect to engage in conversation with strangers, as I explain what they are, and what zentangle is.

The Covers and Paper  
Both Organizer and Journal are spiral-bound with cardstock covers.  The spiral-binding allows the books to lie completely flat, or to folded back, but for a leftie, like myself, might cause problems.  I did have to rest my hand on the binding, but it was small enough, and gave enough, that it didn't hinder my drawing.

In the Organizer, Geneviève explains that she chose economical paper that would do the job.  I think she made a good choice, especially for the journal, because the paper holds a crisp line yet has enough tooth to allow layering with color pencil.  


As you can see, from the Journal page below, done with Sharpie Fineline pen, shadows do come through on the back of the page.  I didn’t find that a problem, but it might be disturbing for some.  The paper also allows some transference of ink, and Geneviève suggests placing a sheet of card stock behind the sheet you are working on.


Tangled with Sharpie Fineline Pen (NOT MARKER)
The paper is off-white, with a parchment-like sound and feel. You won’t want to use markers on it, but most ballpoints, gel pens and art pens will work nicely, and the paper color is white enough for clarity, and brilliance.  Pen colors are sharp and clear, and you can get subtle effects with colored pencil.  

I tested with a Micron Pigma, size .01, .02, .05 and .08 in Dark Sepia and Black.  I also used Sharpie Fineline pen (NOT markers) in both red and black for drawing my pattern steps; a Pilot B2P ballpoint pen, and a Lamy Safari fountain pen with Diamine Chocolate Brown Ink, Colored Pencils and even Watercolors! 


I honestly wouldn't recommend either fountain pens or watercolors, but this paper held up better than I expected with both.  The fountain pen feathered slightly, and left spots if I rested in one spot too long or blacked out too large an area.  The watercolor made the page buckle, and showed through heavily on the back.  You find out the best in a paper by throwing the worst at it and this paper did a decent job in handling media it wasn't designed for.  I've had watercolor paper that buckled worse.
B2P Ballpoint Bottle Pen
Lamy Safari Fountain Pen
Lyra Rembrandt Watercolors

Watercolor-not recommended, but the paper handled better than expected

The winner of prize package 1 is carirabz and of price pacakage 2 is Lori Bradford. The Giveaway is now closed.


The Giveaway
Yes!  A new giveaway!  Two winners! The prizes:

Prize Package 1: A Tangle Organizer, signed by Geneviève Crabe
4 Micron Pigma Sepia-colored pens—one .25mm, one .45mm, one 1.0mm and one brush tip.
4 Sharpie Fineline pens-Black, Blue, Green and Red

Prize Package 2:  a Tangle Journal, signed by Geneviève Crabe
4 Micron Pigma Sepia-colored pens—one .25mm, one .45mm, one 1.0mm and one brush tip.
3 Pentel Slicci Mettalic Pens-Copper, Gold & Silver

Please read the rules.  They are simple, but must be followed or your entry will be voided.




  1. Leave a comment on this post with an email where I can reach you.
  2. Only 1 entry per person.  I’m running this giveaway at both of my blogs—please only enter on one of them.  All duplicate entries will be eliminated from the giveaway.  If you accidentally comment twice, email me at lifeimitatesdoodles@gmail.com and I’ll remove the duplicates.
  3. If you don’t wish to leave an email in the comments—copy your comment post, paste it into an email and send it to me at:  lifeimitatesdoodles@gmail.com


I hate to be so insistent but I had a giveaway where two people claimed they were the winner, and it was very upsetting because I didn’t have an email I could use to validate the correct person.

The contest starts at midnight 12/8/11 PST, and ends at midnight when 12/12/11 PST becomes 12/13/11.  The winner will be posted on 12/13/11.

Each comment will be assigned a number, and the winning numbers  will be chosen by random generator.  The first number drawn will receive Prize Package #1 and the second number drawn will receive Prize Package #2.


I want to thank Geneviève.  I bought an Organizer & Journal for the purposes of this giveaway, and when I contacted to see if it was possible to get them signed, she generously offered to send me more!  This let me use the copies I bought for a review, and I’ve spent the weekend designing patterns and tangling!  My kind of weekend!


I will try and get the winners their prizes before Christmas, but I can't guarantee it (especially if it's shipped outside the U.S., so if you want one of these for a present, I suggest going to Geneviève's blog and ordering as soon as possible.  Organizer Order Page.  Journal 2012 Order Page.


Update! Geneviève just told me that Lulu is having a 25% discount on all orders until December 14th, with Coupon code COUNTDOWN.

Good luck, everyone!

Comments

  1. Your reviews are always so professional!! :)
    I'm planning to buy both items for Christmas.

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  2. I'm very glad of reviews to save me lots of money to spend on pads or pens. Also nice pictures that you done when you are doing reviews. Gorgeous pictures!

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  3. Thanks for the detailed reviews and the giveaway. Your blog always has something of interest; I appreciate the time and work you put into it (and I also enjoy your fine art work!)

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  4. Thank you for this give-away. Very helpful product reviews and general information.

    TangleWithMe (at) cox (dot) net

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  6. I was not considering these products personally until I saw your review and they are actually pretty neat. Right now I have several tangles on a page in my pattern book and there is no organization. Loving these - thanks for the chance to win!
    OOPS - missed adding my email on the first try (which I deleted!)
    kaborus@gmail.com

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  7. Sandra, This is a great review of the products. I would be thrilled to get either prize package! Thank you so much for all that you do!
    pupton58 at gmail dot com

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  8. Thanks so much for making us aware of these new items. I always appreciate hearing from someone who has actually tried the items.
    Zentangle has given me yet another reason for getting up and about in the morning.
    lmd42@swbell.net

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  9. I have found a new challenge for 2012! I am so excited this information is amazing & a giveaway opportunity...Merry Christmas one & all
    ♥Debi aka. prudencepuddleduck@gmail.com

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  10. These look wonderful! Thank you for such a well thought review.I am resolved to doodle more in 12 anyway, and winning would give me a boost!

    edie
    purpleone at gmail dot com

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  11. What an amazing and wonderful giveaway. Love how you have tested them and shown your zentangles.
    Linda
    lindasc01@gmail.com

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  12. What wonderful reviews...as always ! I to love the testing you do on the products... helps take away the wonder of will this work, etc. I would love either of these for sure !!! Thanks again Sandra !!! Hugs.. Rosie
    flamingocreek@yahoo.com

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  13. Thanks for the reviews and also for the opportunity to win. Have a great weekend.
    You can reach me at caroricbretonathotmaildot com.

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  14. I really appriciate your reviews, would love to win either prize.
    Zenpen
    shirleymccarty57@yahoo.com

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  15. I would love either prize. Thanks for the review and the chance to win.

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  16. Awesome review. I will be taking advantage of that holiday sale as well. Thank you for the time and talents that you so grciously share with others. Love, love, love your patterns!

    Cindyangiel(at) gmail(dot)com

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  17. What a cool giveaway. Thanks for all the information you have given.
    Jacque
    jlddavis@charter.net

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  18. Sounds like a great give-away! Count me in, I am Janice H coloradojan2003@yahoo.com I love to tangle. I have been doing ZIA for about 1 year.

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  19. Hey Molossus

    I only use Pigma microns for my tangles. I got a used graph paper sketchpad that I document my tangles in for now, but always admire the more "official" ones. I like reviewing your giveaways, that this one has some great stuff.

    I am in recovery and I tangle during my meetings. I think my art tends to be more out of the box like your than the typical tiles done by official Ztanglers.

    Always looking forward to updates-
    all the best
    hartveron@gmail.com

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  20. Thanks for the review of these organzers and sharing your work as well. The new tangle Oussia is one with lot of potential.
    If I'm a winner you may contact me at betteabdu@gmail.com
    Happy Holidays!

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  21. Wonderful give-a-way Idea normajb@cox.net

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  22. FaB books ! would really like to win. Stunning artwork. m-lly z.

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  23. Oh I would love one of those ! I live in Honduras so can not buy art supplies here!

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  24. Love your blog.. it's my first time visiting. Saw your post on Everyday Matters on facebook. Thanks for the chance to win and now I'm off to explore your blog some more!

    Tee
    shadohart ( at )gmail ( dot ) com

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  25. Great review. I have purchased the journal and I am now anziously awaiting the beginning of the new year! I love it and I highly recommend it to others. (But mine is not signed :( )
    Maybe I can win a signed one? hehe
    BellatrixTangles (at)gmail [dot} com

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  26. Have just 'stumbled' across this site. (surfing from Tanglepatterns.com) Love those books you have reviewed and the pictures you showed of each. The jounal is awesome. Have bookmarked your site so I can read more.
    Mrs B (bryant@adam.com.au)

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  27. Thanks for all the contest and shopping tips!
    I use Sharpie Ultra fine pens and they don't bleed. The micron is my pen of choice but when I don't have time to go to the craft store... Walmart has Sharpie. I love Geneviève's journals and the way they are formated. Thanks for all you ladies are doing for Zentangle.

    Sharon Payne CZT
    jazztangled.blogspot.com
    slynnpayne@aol.com

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  28. Thanks for the great reviews. I had no idea these were out there.

    And thanks for the give away
    Ticpen99@hotmail.com

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  29. The artwork is fabulous!! I had to take a break from my arts & crafts due to "life issues" this year. However, my plan for 2012 is to make time for me and arts & crafts are a top priority me time. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Dawn
    djsaves@hotmail.com

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  30. Great reviews! Thanks for the wonderful info and nice tangles. I'm also excited about the give-aways. Yippee!
    jmackugler at gmail dot com

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  31. Wow!! Ijust found your blog via Flickr and how lucky too, I can enter your giveaway. Thanks!!!
    robin
    klpich AT aol dot com

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  32. What a wonderful and generous giveaway!
    Your review is awesome and I love the artwork you did with the pencils, so pretty. Thanks for all the info and the chance to win something cool.
    I think I prefer the journal but the organizer would be equally useful!
    topfloort AT gmail.com

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  33. I read your blog every time you post. I find it very interesting. Thank you.peggydaniels12@yahoo.com

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  34. This is a great contest! Hope to win!

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  35. Hi from Italy :)
    I keep on experimenting with ZIA and planning to do some zentangle inspired Christmas stars :)
    Have a good Christmastime!!! :)
    adele
    adele.cammarataATgmail.com

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  36. I am having such a great time learning to draw tangles! Thank you for all the help your sites have provided. lori.bradford@hotmail.ca

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  37. I really appreciate your reviews. They are so informative and very helpful to a seasoned tangler as well as a beginner. These 2 products sound like they will be great helps to everyone. Thanks.

    stampkat1@cox.net

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  38. Fantastic giveaways and thank you for your reviews! Your zentangles are so incredible, I love them!

    azizah.asgarali (at) gmail.com

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  39. Thanks so much for the review! I didn't know these journals were even available!!! Teresa
    t42goller@yahoo.com

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  40. These journals would make great gifts! marilynbuel@gmail.com

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  41. What a wonderful giveaway. They seem like a great product that I would love to get my hands on! danachel@yahoo.com

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  42. Lovely only sums up what you are offering.Its a visual delight definately.Thanks!!!
    radhan0877@gmail.com

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  43. molossus commenting for Webster:

    For some reason that I can't figure out, I can't get the comment box to appear on your blog. I would like to be entered in your latest giveaway.
    Who knows? Someone has to win, and this time it might just be me!

    Either way, I will be buying one of these lovely organizers/planners after Christmas.

    I thank you for entering my name in the drawing.

    Webster

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  44. Imagine that! Someone has already created the kind of "organizer" i've been thinking about since I was introduced to ZENTANGLES a few months ago. I'd love to win (but happy to see they can be purchased via Geneviève's website. pbrooke66@yahoo.com

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  45. Your blog is awesome! I found you by linking through from Everyday Matters on FB. I love the idea of the journals and hope I'm lucky.

    Thanks!
    Christina

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  46. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  47. I love reading your blog. The journal looks like a neat thing to have. Thanks for hosting this giveaway.

    Stacey (blogsawait@gmail.com)

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  48. Thanks for the contest! Thanks to you I've won 2 other contests too- everything comes in 3's right? :o)

    suzanne ranza6980(at)gmail.com

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  49. Ooooh, a contest. Big fan. Please add my name to the draw. And thanks!

    -Andie

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  50. The Virgo in me wants my tangles "untangled" and organzied. And then what organization nut can't use an extra planner....

    knottyneedle@gmail.com

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