Googling Over Doodling – The New Zentangle Craze

Feaured Shop – Wingdoodle • Warner Artists are springing up this fall in Warner. Stroll in to Wingdoodle, 19 East Main St., Warner, and feel your imagination take flight. Wingdoodle is a studio, a gift gallery and a magical place where non-artists are able to discover inner talents never before realized. The newest craze is all about doodling. It’s called Zentangle, and it is the brainchild of two artists from Massachusetts who coined the term. While Wingdoodle Creative Director Sandy Bartholomew is the certified instructor for Zentangle, everyone in the shop knows how to do it. Wingdoodle Business Manager Kay Steen explains the craze.What is Zentangle? It’s a form of doodling. Using pen and paper, it is a relaxing form of meditation that uses pattern making to focus your mind. A lot of people say they cannot draw a straight line, then they do a Zentangle and they love it.What do you mean by patterns? The world is full of patterns. Hindu and Asian artists use a lot of patterns. When you see a pattern, you have to look at it and figure out what lines come first. That is what we teach in Zentangle, how to analyze patterns and put them down on paper.How do you start? You start by making an outline, a large square or a circle or whatever shape you want, and then make swirls and lines to section it out to begin making patterns. I first started with a circle, like pearls, then triangles and then shapes that looked like eyes and it became very geometric with just a bunch of patterns.Is it addicting? Yes, but in a good way! Some of the kids who come in here say they Zentangle in school. By keeping their hands busy making patterns, their brain listens. They say they can focus better and remember things.So What’s New?Heads Up! Bottoms Up!Assets Jean Company, 2170 White Mountain Hwy., North Conway Village, is like a visit to your best friend’s closet. Look long and hard enough and you will find a pair of jeans that beckons your affection. When it comes to fashion-forward designers owner Amanda Shackford can drop more names than a Concord lobbyist:Tag, Miss Me, Rock Revival and See Thru Soul are just a few. Fun accessories include a large selection of colorful scarves for neck or waist. Plan to spend some time here and a little more money, but the investment in a pair of great fitting, flattering jeans from Assets Jean Company is well worth the kick in the butt to your selfesteem.2170 White Mountain Hwy.North Conway Villageassetsjeanco@yahoo.com(603) 356-0303Lovin’ is EasyWhat’s not to love at Smitten at The Bedford Village Inn, 2 Olde Bedford Way, Bedford? The old Carriage House at the inn has been re-invented as a breezy new classic women’s apparel shop and gift boutique. This trendy shop is brimming with labels you’d expect to find at Neiman’s. Check out the oh-so-popular Big Buddha handbags (nothing over $100). For last-minute hostess gifts, let manager-buyer Erin McKenna suggest something sophisticated and functional. And you’ll go crazy nuts over the large selection of Joanne Katherine Jewelry by Concord artist/designer Joanne Wiren.2 Olde Bedford WayBedfordwww.bedfordvillageinn.com(603) 296-3922Nashua Whistle StopLooking to wrap your holidays in nothing but nostalgia? Look no further than New England Railroad, 89 Main St., Nashua, for a classic train set to circle your holiday tree. “Some trains come with sound, like whistles or the chuffing sound of steam,” says owner Peter DerSarkisian. “We even have model trains that you can turn on and listen to authentic engineera dialog from old recordings.” Plan your visit early if you want a Polar Express Train Set, which increases in popularity each year. Classic Lionel train sets begin at $149 and include engine, train, track and transformer. For model train enthusiasts of all ages, New England Railroad is not just a shop, but a destination.89 Main St.Nashua(603) 791-0080Fun and FiberFall in love with fiber, learn new knitting techniques and form new friendships, all at Ewe’ll Love It!, 17 Factory St., Nashua. This welcoming studio offers an array of classic and luxury yarns, accessories and a full fall line up of classes. Quiet music and patience fill this studio with owner Beverly Vasquez at the helm offering advice and encouragement. “Anyone can learn to knit,” says Vasquez. “Fingerless gloves are quick, easy, functional and very popular with people whose hands are cold at work but need to have the fingers free to type.” The Tree Frog Alpaca yarns in yummy colors are irresistible.17 Factory St.Nashuawww.ewellloveit.com(603) 578-2630