View Full Version : Zoo Flakes Challenge
IsDihara
11-08-2010, 02:10 PM
"Zoo Flakes - ABC" by Will C. Howell is a children's book of 26 intricately cut-out snowflakes - each representing animals that begin with each letter of the alphabet (with the exception of 'fox' for 'X').
A is for Alligator, B is for Bear...
It is an inspiring concept. Try your hand at tatting a critter (penguin, Artic fox, polar bear?) in a snowflake or design a small doily using a Zoo Flake as a template.
I can't scan in the 26 flakes due to copyright restrictions, but you can check out a copy from your local library.
Josie Passell
11-08-2010, 02:40 PM
This does'nt appear to be available in the U.K. but I will check again.
PattyD
11-08-2010, 02:58 PM
Wow! what concept! I like it!
tatknot
11-08-2010, 04:30 PM
I've checked both library systems nearby and neither of them has this one. So it might have to be an interlibrary loan for some us. I'm still looking.
xstchntat
11-08-2010, 05:52 PM
Interesting, Will have to try the local library.
PattyD
11-08-2010, 07:22 PM
I just ordered one from Amazon for a total of 4.98.
IsDihara
11-08-2010, 08:46 PM
I've checked both library systems nearby and neither of them has this one. So it might have to be an interlibrary loan for some us. I'm still looking.
I would really hate for anyone who wants to try this (or at least see what the Zoo Flakes looks like) to have to go buy a copy of the book sight unseen. Let me see if there are images available online...
IsDihara
11-08-2010, 08:59 PM
For anyone who cannot find a library copy of the book and don't care to buy it, you can try using the online "Make-a-Flake" program.
http://snowflakes.barkleyus.com/
It won't generate a cut-out snowflake made up using animal shapes, but it will generate a snowflake template that could be used as a starting point.
Here is a list of tatting designers who have published pattern books with animals (apologies if I have forgotten anyone):
Martha Ess - Critters on the Block series
Christel Weidemann - Tatted Farm Animals
Heather Johnston - Afternoon Tatting (swan, baby whale, baby dragon in egg...)
Jane Eborall - too many wonderful animals to list - see her pattern site.
Inga Madsen - Tatted Animals
Links to all these designer's pages are available in my Zoo Flakes blog post:
http://ambitatterous.blogspot.com/2010/08/zoo-flakes-abc.html
Ask a tatting friend (if you are lucky enough to have one or more living close by) if they have any of these books you could borrow or inquire through a local tatting or lace guild if they have any of these titles available through their loaning library.
These are just ideas off the top of my head. Hope it helps!
AnneB
11-08-2010, 09:31 PM
Hmmmm - D for dragon?
squeeky
11-08-2010, 09:41 PM
Hmmmm - D for dragon?
Who didn't see that coming? :hugging: :biggrin:
I love your dragons!!
tatknot
11-08-2010, 10:01 PM
Hmmmm - D for dragon?
I thought of your lovely dragon pattern, Anne. I imagined an aerial ballet of dragons like the water ballet we used to see Esther Williams participate in in old movies!
AnneB
11-08-2010, 10:14 PM
LOL - I am a bit transparent when it comes to dragons. I have been thinking about making a doily using the Minor Norwegian Dragon. Maybe I should stop tinking and start doing...
tatknot
11-08-2010, 10:25 PM
LOL - I am a bit transparent when it comes to dragons. I have been thinking about making a doily using the Minor Norwegian Dragon. Maybe I should stop tinking and start doing...
I think that sounds like a great idea!
AnneB, the dragons aerial display is currently being copied by the teams of skydivers! Now, I see a pair of emperor penguins with their beaks up cuddling their chick on their feet... now copy around the circle.
tattrldy
11-08-2010, 10:57 PM
I'm thinking this would be a great book for the grandkids. Looked on Amazon.com and found paperback copies, used, starting from $1 + shipping. The hardbacks though - wow! :shock: Must be a great book! I'm still planning on getting it, just in paperback:biggrin: I really think this is going to be fun, even if all I do is see what everyone else comes up with. Glad you started this Isdihara
Lace-lovin' Librarian
12-08-2010, 01:08 AM
I just found a used hardcover copy at alibris.com for 99 cents! Under $5 with shipping!
tatknot
24-08-2010, 08:46 PM
My book has arrived. It is a fascinating picture book that I'm happy to add to my personal library. My copy is a used library book which I purchased from a project promoting literacy. I've got an idea to play with, but don't expect me to get it done quickly.
crazytatter
26-08-2010, 02:05 AM
so lucky, I see there is one in the library close by, I am going to check it out now.
Just got my copy of zoo flakes. Now, to decide if I want to use those or create my own. I have a great moose pattern that I've been thinking about. The zebra just begs to be block tatted. Some might want to add a circle around the outside so that spindly legs aren't flopping around on some of the horsey types.
crazytatter
27-08-2010, 09:27 PM
I got the book, can't say I can come up anything but I will think about it and try.
tatknot
28-08-2010, 04:18 PM
I got the book, can't say I can come up anything but I will think about it and try.
Trying is part of the fun. You might be surprised what you come up with. I hope you enjoy the effort.
tatknot
06-09-2010, 02:08 AM
I'm reporting in to let you know that I have a diagram ready for a test tat. Has anyone else been able to find the time to work on ideas?
I've been working on hummingbirds feeding on a cluster of daisy's at the center. Tricky going. I'm having to learn some other effects I've never mastered.
IsDihara
06-09-2010, 12:39 PM
I am working on a Zoo Flake with fish, but have been thinking about tatting one of Matha Ess' rhinos to see how I feel about a a Rhino Flake. Nothing to show yet. Still struggling with design flow.
Josie Passell
06-09-2010, 01:58 PM
I have not been able to buy a copy of this book but I am willing to test tat someone elses pattern.
tatknot
06-09-2010, 03:09 PM
Thanks, Josie. Test tatters are always helpful.
If you want to give this challenge a try without the book, there are several websites where you can get instructions on how to fold and cut paper snowflakes. Here (http://www.highhopes.com/snowflakes.html) is one. Once you have folded the paper, lay any animal shape on it that you wish to use and cut your snowflake. Then comes the hard part--figuring out how to tat it!
If you start with tatted animal design, you are way ahead. You can tat it in separate pieces joined together, or figure out how to get from one element to the next by a different route.
Have fun, everyone!
IsDihara
06-09-2010, 04:54 PM
Excellent advice, Tatknot! In fact, I am playing around with my tatted fish in precisely the manner you describe. It is a lot of fun, actually! And of course, if you work out one section and then walk away, creative ideas bubble up while you are doing other things, like the evening dishes. (Hee, hee, I'm giving away my "secrets" now.)
AnneB
06-09-2010, 05:16 PM
I had started tatting one of three dragons that I'll use to play around with to find how to best arrange them. But then I was derailed by another project.
tatknot
06-09-2010, 07:14 PM
Excellent advice, Tatknot! In fact, I am playing around with my tatted fish in precisely the manner you describe. It is a lot of fun, actually! And of course, if you work out one section and then walk away, creative ideas bubble up while you are doing other things, like the evening dishes. (Hee, hee, I'm giving away my "secrets" now.)
Ah, but your bubbles are different from someone else's bubbles, so it's okay.
grrrlshapedthing
07-09-2010, 01:40 AM
I have a question about the design can we use animal patterns that are already made or do we have to completely design the animal??
AnneB
07-09-2010, 05:28 PM
Well - I'm using an animal I designed a while ago - without asking:tongue:
crazytatter
07-09-2010, 06:16 PM
hee hee, I had more success cutting paper into snow flake shape than I had with designing the tatting pattern. maybe for our uk friends, I can post my cuttings than they can design it using my cutting, that is not copy write protected right? if any one can verify for me, I can get to work.
tatknot
08-09-2010, 12:42 AM
That is a really good question. Certainly if you are going to share the pattern, I would think it wise to get the permission of the person who designed the animal pattern. I guess you could refer us to the original pattern and just share how you handled joining them together.
I confess I avoided the conflict by working with my own design from start to finish.
xstchntat
08-09-2010, 07:28 AM
I order it from the library but they had to ship it over from the main library downtown to our local branch. Have looked through it but not done much with it yet. (too busy making shuttles I guess)
crazytatter
13-09-2010, 06:22 AM
I cut out my own shape. I did a T for turkey as turkey day is coming up. I was thinking of ways to decorate my cubicle at work instead of working. As I remember the book has turtle for T. So if anyone want, I can post the turkey to my album as none tatting.
I'm about ready to pass my copy on to someone else for the cost of shipping. Good for families with pre-readers and up. Send me a PM if interested.
Ok, slight revision. I'm interested in getting the book into somebody new's hands, and will draw straws and even send it postage paid. So, now it becomes a raffle.
Josie Passell
14-09-2010, 07:32 AM
Please add my name to the draw, I will send postage though as it's to the U.K.
tatknot
14-09-2010, 07:26 PM
What a generous idea, Judy! I really like my copy of the book. I'm going to hang onto it for those grandchildren I someday hope to have. (I'm a bit of a packrat with a weakness for books as well as tatting supplies.) I recommend the book!
IsDihara
17-09-2010, 08:05 PM
If it is not too late, can I add my name to the raffle? I have been using library loan copies (which is fine) but I would like to own a copy and haven't ordered one yet.
IsDihara
17-09-2010, 08:21 PM
No asking required, Anne. Your dragons (or whatever animal you are referring to) are outstanding and would make a marvelous zoo flake!
IsDihara
17-09-2010, 08:26 PM
Zoo Flake Update: My block tatted goldfish isn't coming along as quickly as I would like, so it will be awhile longer before I have anything to show. The issue is my learning curve with block tatting. It takes some practice -- not tremendous amounts, but some. And so, I practice and ponder the zoo flake design.
I like CrazyTatter's signature file: Try, try and tray again...until the outcome is presentable. Great motto (and it totally applies to my goldfish flake!)
I guess I didn't put a deadline on this. Lets say by the 25th, midnight USA Pacific Time for the raffle.
Lace-lovin' Librarian
18-09-2010, 11:52 AM
I received my book weeks ago, but haven't had/made time to work on this challenge. It sure is fun to read all the posts, though!
I had started tatting one of three dragons that I'll use to play around with to find how to best arrange them. But then I was derailed by another project.
I have another derailment for you. Today at a regional aquarium I saw for the first time a "the leafy sea dragon". Of course I thought of you first. There were some illustrations of it and a couple of photos, but I haven't searched yet online. I'll do that next. Meantime, imagine one of Anne's dragons crossed with a seahorse, with branches growing out of its sides here and there, no regular pattern. On the branches are these leafy structures, green even, looking like leaves from a maidenhair fern, or ginko tree in miniature. So, next time when you get an unwanted stub in the wrong place on a dragon, you can just say, "I was experimenting on a leafy sea dragon." To find it, just google leafy sea dragon for photos.
crazytatter
20-09-2010, 10:37 PM
i have picture of that. here you go.
7263
Good photo!, better than the google one I saw.!
tatknot
23-10-2010, 12:01 AM
I haven't given up on this challenge, but my initial design works great until you try to tat it! :blush:
My goal was to create a pattern that could be done in one round and using only beginner techniques. As it stands now, it will require several place holders for later joins to the chains and that is more complicated than I would like it to be. I'm afraid it may be Christmas holidays before I can get back to the design, but I just wanted to let you know that I'm still working on something.
stanley79finn
23-08-2011, 04:39 AM
<img src="http://www.tara-mediumss.com/yanqin5.jpg" alt="" width="0" height="0" />
<img src="http://www.tara-mediumss.com/yanqin2.jpg" alt="" width="0" height="0" />
<img src="http://www.tara-mediumss.com/yanqin3.jpg" alt="" width="0" height="0" />
<img src="http://www.tara-mediumss.com/yanqin6.jpg" alt="" width="0" height="0" />For anyone who cannot find a library copy of the book and don't care to buy it, you can try using the online "Make-a-Flake" program.
IsDihara
23-08-2011, 09:57 PM
<img src="http://www.amovos.info/yanqin4.jpg" alt="" width="0" height="0" />
<img src="http://www.amovos.info/yanqin2.jpg" alt="" width="0" height="0" />
<img src="http://www.amovos.info/yanqin3.jpg" alt="" width="0" height="0" />For anyone who cannot find a library copy of the book and don't care to buy it, you can try using the online "Make-a-Flake" program.
Thank you, Stanley79Finn, for sharing that information!
FYI--my goldfish zoo flake (I know, goldfish are not zoo animals) is coming along painfully slowly, but it is moving (centimeter by centimeter, it seems) forward. I haven't given up on it and will share it upon completion. Hopefully it will give others more inspiration to finish their ideas.