So what is Zentangle?

Some of my friends have been asking for more information about Zentangles. Rather than go into my own description I thought I would share with you the words of Zentangle creators, Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas.

From the Zentangle website:

"Zentangle is an easy to learn method of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns. It is a fascinating new art form that is fun and relaxing. It increases focus and creativity. Zentangle provides artistic satisfaction and an increased sense of personal well being. Zentangle is enjoyed by a wide range of skills and ages and is used in many fields of interest."

Zentangles are created on a 3.5 inch square, called a tile. I have been working on cartridge paper, but this really isn't ideal. A heavier weight, like the tiles available directly from the Zentangle store, would result in a better finished product. I intend to purchase some tiles, but I just wanted to get started with my tangling, so I used what I had available at the time.

The only other supplies required are a pencil, sharpener and a fine tipped black pigment ink pen. (No eraser is required, as there are no mistakes in this art form - yay!)

I have packaged my supplies into a small zippered hard drive case that I found in Officeworks. It hold everything perfectly, keeps things safe and is easy to transport.

The process of creating a Zentangle is simple:

1. Use your pencil to a mark a dot in each corner of the tile. Connect the dots to form a border.
2. Draw a string in pencil - the string divides the tile up into sections. Strings can be any shape - straight, swirly, looped - there are no rules.
3. Using your pen, fill each of the sections on the tile using a Tangle. (Tangle is the name given to the patterns used)
4. Shading can be added to create depth using a pencil.
5. Add your initials (yeah I am bad at this part), and sign and date the back.

Linda Farmer has a fabulous site, called Tangle Patterns, which is an index and graphical guide to tangles that are available on the web. There are plenty of links to step by step tutorials showing how to draw them. You can also subscribe to receive links to any new additions, so you won't miss a thing! Tangle Patterns is a fantastic resource for those starting out.

The time taken to create a Zentangle varies. Some tiles can come together in 15 or 20 minutes, others have taken me an hour. It really depends on the tangles being used, and how complex your string is. I have found it useful to have a notebook to practice new tangles in before using them on a tile. It really help to get the flow happening - or decide that you actually don't like the tangle.

I really like these two tiles. The tangles used are heavier. Florez, created by Andrea Shuman, and Fern, an official tangle, are my latest favourites.

 #21 - 13.02.11

#22 - 13.02.11

My First Comment!

I have to admit to being a little excited this morning when I saw I had a comment on one of my posts - thanks Jane. I always wonder once that PUBLISH POST button is pressed if anyone ever actually reads what I have written.

These Zentangles were completed throughout the end of January. I realised after taking photos that I have forgotten to initial most of my tiles. Oh well, I will try and remember for next time.

Zentangle #17 20.01.11

 Zentangle #18 - 20.01.11

 Zentangle #19

Zentangle #20

Challenge #4 - Starry Eyed Surprise - I am the diva

Inspired by a love of astrology and a song  - which I have had stuck in my head for the past month - Laura Harms' Challenge #4 is Starry Eyed Surprise.

This one was a real struggle for me - so I decided just to use tangles that were 'starry'.

Zentangle #16 - 20.01.11

Challenge #5 - Orbs - I am the diva

Challenge #5 from Laura Harms - I am the diva - was to create a Zentangle using Orbs. This one wasn't really a challenge for me as I have found myself drawn to tangles which are circular. I especially like using rows of teeny circles as borders along my strings.

Zentangle #15 - 19.01.11

This one looks a bit like a surreal landscape. The string filled with orbs ended up looking a bit like a tree, and the background has become hills with flowers and a windy sky. Funny how things appear like that.

Challenge #3 - Eyes Wide Shut - I am the diva

Back in January I stumbled across Laura Harms' blog - I am the diva - and was inspired by her Weekly Challenges. Since then I have completed a few of the challenges - out of order of course - and hope to catch up soon.

Challenge #3 was my starting point - this involved drawing the 'string' with your eyes closed.

My string was a little wonky and off centre, but that was why I chose too start with this challenge. I had found myself in a rut and all my strings seemed to look the same, so I wanted to challenge myself in this area. Sorry for the terrible image - taken in iPhone at night.

But I have to admit - I am not happy with my completed Zentangle. It just isn't me. So I think I had better stick with working with my eyes open from now on.

Zentangle #14 - 19.01.11

Worst Blogger Ever!

It has been confirmed ... I really am the worst blogger in the world. I always have good intentions but the posts never eventuate. So I am going to try and play catch up with my tangling activities for the past month. Bear with me whilst I try and get up to date.

Zentangle #13