If you feel a certain zeal for Zentangle, then follow me along another winding path …
Image by LittleGretchen via Flickr
to the Spirograph!
You might recall this mesmerizing pastime from childhood, complete with little plastic gears and multi-colored pens.
With all of the recent buzz about adult coloring books and Zentangle, it’s no surprise that the Spirograph is finding its way back into fashion.
“The only toy I still have from growing up is a Super Spirograph,” shares Heather Holm of Spirographic Art. “I was already a teenager when I got it, so that would have been in the early 1970s. My sister had a regular Spirograph, and we both loved it, so when the Super Spirograph came out, I had to get one. It has survived many moves and a fire … now my son enjoys playing with it too. One day he observed, ‘Whoever invented this was a genius.’”
Heather is such a passionate proponent of the Spirograph and all of its gorgeous geometric possibility that she dedicated her entire website to the art—tutorials, tips, product reviews, and coloring pages.
A variety of Spirograph kits are available from vendors like Amazon, from travel sized sets to super deluxe versions with a dozen or more discs in different shapes and sizes. To get an idea of how hypnotically creative you can get with circles and spirals (stick with the video to the grand finale), watch:
Thanks for the mention! My SpirographicArt.com website has connected me with people around the world who are intrigued with those crazy curves, from parents to artists to mathematicians and inventors. The user feedback keeps me going and trying new things, like Wild Gears, which is a step up from Spirograph. I’m also fascinated by the art people make with their Spirograph designs. Presently I’m working on more videos and coloring pages!
You’re an early bird, Heather! I think my grandgirls are going to love it.
Oh my gosh that is amazing artwork!!! I can’t tell you how many hours I spent playing with a Spirograph – even got my kid brothers hooked on it and that wasn’t always an easy thing to do! I can’t believe I never thought to color the designs in ~ hahaha! Guess you really are not ever too old to learn something new. Thanks so much for the link. New ideas for my grandkids are always good 🙂
I remember spending hours using my Spirograph kit! I also never thought about coloring in the designs but now I wish I would have. The colored in designs are so visually pleasing. I know I still have my Spirograph kit somewhere, so now I need to go find it and play with them again!
I just brought one home from the Thrift store in a beat up ole box…my 21-year old daughter was like–what is that thing? jeez! Can’t wait to play with it this winter when it snows!
Those Spirograph cookies are pretty! I used to do this when I was a kid and I have one of these sets so I think I might try it again soon.
Thanks
darlene
My favorite toy growing up was the Spirograph set I got for Christmas. 2 Christmases ago, when I saw that a new version had come out, I put it on my list to “Santa”. Apparently I was a good girl that year because it was under the tree Christmas morning. After watching this video, I think I’m going to pull it back out because (I’m ashamed to admit) I never once thought of coloring the shapes in like Rachel Evans has done. MaryJane, thanks so much for this particular story. It has truly inspired me!
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