Holiday Lights

"I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month."

                                     --Harlan Miller

Feliz Navidad

Beauty

"Love of beauty is taste.  The creation of beauty is art."

                                                         --Ralph Waldo Emerson

ReUSE

No, this is not one of my favorite photographs nor a treasured tangle; however, it is an example of my love for creative and colorful printed patterns and images.  Honestly, I have a hard time parting with beautifully patterned paper boxes and other miscellaneous items, including this Santa, reindeer and snowman.  Originally it was the front of a program for a holiday light display....and I just had to keep it.

So, in my spare time (laugh, laugh), I decided to dig into the wide selection of paper in my craft closet and place these three cuties on coordinating backgrounds.  And in about 10 minutes this is what I created....just something cute and cheery for the holiday season.

At this point, well, I'm not sure what I'll do with it -- perhaps send it to a family member or maybe just post it somewhere at school.  Either way, it's still cute and an example of reduce, reuse, recyle.

Get Noticed

"Why fit in when you were born to stand out!"

                            --Dr. Seuss

La Flor de La Noche Buena

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, 

everything is softer and more beautiful."

                                                        --Norman Vincent Peale

El Sol

Artwork by Stephanie Funke, CZT

"The sun shines not on us but in us."

                                             --John Muir

Starry Night

Artwork by Stephanie Funke, CZT

"There wouldn't be a sky full of stars if we were all

 meant to wish on the same one."

                                         --Frances Clark

The Little Things

Where did this come from?  Recently I was looking through some holiday images that I'd taken a few years ago and stumbled upon this shot of colorful plastic strips full of rain drops.  Initially this appears as abstract art loved most by the artist; however, there is a deeper message that invites us to consider the beauty that surrounds us in all the things we often overlook.  Upon second glance one easily recognizes the subtle yet delightfully beautiful water droplets that give so much depth and texture to the smooth, rich colors.

"The details are not the design.  They make the design."

                         --Charles Eames

Holiday Exhibit

Make plans to attend this annual opening reception that features artwork by local artists listed above.  A variety of mediums are included to offer something for everyone.  Enjoy shopping for unique holiday gifts and speaking to the artists as well as listening to music and enjoying some light refreshments.  The event is this coming Friday, December 1st, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Carnegie-Stout Public Library in downtown Dubuque, Iowa, at 360 West 11th Street.

Gratitude

"The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude."

                                                          --Friedrich Nietzsche

Circles

"Thoughts will lead you in circles.

Silence will bring you back to centre."

                                     --Rasheed Ogunlaru

A Glimpse of November

"So dull and dark are the November days.

The lazy mist high up the evening curled,

And now the morn quite hides in smoke and haze;

The place we occupy seems all the world."

                                                                 --John Clare

Without an Eraser

"Life is the art of drawing without an eraser."

                                            --John W. Gardner

Honoring Veterans

Shades of November

"November comes

And November goes,

With the last red berries 

And the first white snows,

With night coming early,

And dawn coming late,

And ice in the bucket

And frost by the gate.

The fires burn

And the kettles sing,

And earth sinks to rest

Until next spring."

                                       --Clyde Wilson

Still Pumpkin Season

Artwork by Stephanie Funke, CZT

Advice from a Pumpkin:

Be well rounded

Get plenty of sunshine

Give thanks for life's bounty

Have a thick skin

Keep growing

Be outstanding in your field

Think big

                                  --Ilan Shamir

Pumpkins Galore

"When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam,

May luck be yours on Halloween."

                                                                --Unknown

Just Tangle

Artwork by Stephanie Funke, CZT

"Creativity takes courage."

          --Henri Matisse

Simplicity

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."

                                              --Leonardo Da Vinci

Join In

Artwork by Stephanie Funke, CZT

The Zentangle® Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. All purchased supplies will be yours to take home and continue practicing of this exciting method of pattern drawing. The class instructor is a Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT) who has trained with the Zentangle founders. "Zentangle" is a registered trademark of Zentangle, Inc. Learn more at zentangle.com

Class #:         59487

Date:              Wednesdays, Nov. 1 –15

Time:             6- 8 p.m.

Cost:              $39 / Additional Supply Fee Due the First night of class

Instructor:    Stephanie Funke

Location:      NICC Manchester Center, 1200 ½ W. Main St.

Registration Deadline: Monday, Oct. 30

           

         563.822.1016

         www.nicc.edu/solutions

Fall Mosaic

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."

                                                                                                   --Albert Camus

Seek Peace

Artwork by Stephanie Funke, CZT

    "Seek peace and pursue it."
                                                                                                                                  --Psalm 34:14


                          

Backbone State Park

This image is of the boathouse at Backbone State Park in scenic northeast Iowa.  As the state's first state park, it remains one of the most unique as it is named for the steep and narrow ridge of rock cut by a loop of the Maquoketa River.  And, as a result, the highest point in this area was formed and is still referred to as the Devil's Backbone.  Although it is delightfully beautiful in all seasons, autumn is a perfect time to visit.

Register Now!

The Zentangle® Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. All purchased supplies will be yours to take home and continue practicing of this exciting method of pattern drawing. The class instructor is a Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT) who has trained with the Zentangle founders. "Zentangle" is a registered trademark of Zentangle, Inc. Learn more at zentangle.com

Class #:         59487

Date:              Wednesdays, Nov. 1 –15

Time:             6- 8 p.m.

Cost:              $39 / Additional Supply Fee Due the First night of class

Instructor:    Stephanie Funke

Location:      NICC Manchester Center, 1200 ½ W. Main St.

Registration Deadline: Monday, Oct. 30

           

         563.822.1016

         www.nicc.edu/solutions

Octo

Octo by Stephanie Funke, CZT

Recently I named this creation "Octo" but upon further observation I noticed there were more than eight tentacles; therefore, this is more accurately known as Octo Plus One.  Unlike most of my tangles, this was different as I didn't have a preconceived idea about where it would end or the shape it would take.  And, I love it as it swims perpetually on the paper and flows effortlessly in all directions.

"My mind's an octopus reaching tentacles of thought in eight different directions at once."

                                                                                      --Unknown

Fall Colors

"Autumn paints in colors that summer has never seen."

                                                    --Unknown

Here's One

Tangle by Stephanie Funke, CZT

Each time I tangle my tendency is do begin with something easy and or very familiar; however, I have challenged myself to try new patterns and incorporate those into new tangles.  This image is an example of trying a few new things.  And, what appears to be several 'yin and yang' circles are a new favorite as they are super easy, fit in anywhere and add a neat new dimension to a tangle.   Visit zentangle.com to learn more about this delightful art form. 

"Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties."

                                                                   --Erich Fromm

A Blanket of Blooms

Each year I look forward to this blanket of delicate white blooms that adorns much of our home's facade.  Specifically it is a perennial known as Sweet Autumn Clematis.  This is not the only late-flowering clematis variety but certainly is one of my favorites as it is hearty, and provides nesting habitat for small song birds and shade for the house.

"The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grows it under his feet."

                                                              --James Oppenheim

Homecoming Parades

In Iowa an annual fall tradition is a Homecoming football game along with a parade.  Of course, two mainstays in these special events are the marching band and floats.  The week is filled with all sorts of activities that involve students and the community.  In my area of the state some high schools just concluded these festivities but most are still to come.  Look for what's going on in your area.

A "Funke" Creation

Artwork by Stephanie Funke, CZT

"Think left and think right and think low and think high.

Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!"

                                                             --Dr. Seuss

Home Sweet Home

 "Be faithful to your own taste because nothing you really like is ever out of style."

                                                       --Billy Baldwin

A Bit of Whimsy

"You must not ever stop being whimsical.  And you must not, ever,

give anyone else the responsibility for your life."

                                     --Mary Oliver

Mix It Up

Stuck in a rut?  If so, use these images as inspiration.

Begin with something mundane or predictable or common.

Then give it a slightly different twist.  Maybe that means drink your cup of coffee outside on the steps instead of at your kitchen table.  Or, instead of adding salt to your food, today you add pepper or some olive oil.  Take it easy on this Labor Day holiday but have some fun as well.

Rest

"Take a rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop."

                                                               --Ovid

Mosaic

Artwork by Stephanie Funke, CZT

Recently I completed these six tangles to give as gifts to my nieces and nephews.  Each contains a first initial with some, for the little tykes, being quite obvious and others, for the teens, a bit more inconspicuous.  Take a closer look and see if you can detect the letter.

Snapdragons

"Just living is not enough...one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower."

                                          --Hans Christian Anderson

Originality

Artwork by Stephanie Funke, CZT

"It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation."

                                          --Herman Melville

Gardens at The Elms

My recent trip to Newport, RI, included at tour of The Elms mansion that was completed in 1901 for approximately $1.4 million.   Of course, the interior is stunning with a collection of Renaissance ceramics, 18th century French and Venetian paintings as well as Oriental jades.  But, my favorite part of the property was the Classical Revival gardens that were created between 1907 and 1914. Featured are a couple images that show the marble pavilion in the sunken garden; however, throuhgout the gardens are terraces with marble and bronze sculpture, a park with multiple prized species of trees, fountains, and a carriage house.  Have a look.