Zentangle ®

About a month ago, I discovered a new art form called Zentangle®, which is appropriately dubbed, "yoga for the mind." The term, "Zentangle," was coined by the creators, Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. (Click HERE for their website.)

The Internet is already filled with a great deal of information and "how-to's" for Zentangling, so I won't take up much time explaining the history or technique. Actually, this blog was created for my own personal reference, as well as sharing that information with family and friends.

Here are a few reasons I love to Zentangle®....

1. You don't have to be an "artist" to create beautiful drawings.
   
2. The drawings can be done in 15 - 30 minutes, depending on how large you decide to make the drawing. Zentangle® is actually done on a 3.5 inch x 3.5 inch tile.
   
3. Few supplies are needed, in fact, all you need to begin is a fine line marker and some paper.
   
4. To begin a drawing, you don't need a "plan." Zentangle® just sort of evolves on its own and the outcomes can surprise you.
   

I started "tangling" in a sketchbook, but I also use 4-inch by 6-inch unlined index cards. The "tooth" on index card paper is much smoother than the paper my sketchbook, so I prefer to use the index cards. I have not yet invested in the official Zentangle® tiles. Each tile is custom die-cut from mould-made, acid-free, 100% cotton, heavy-weight fine artists' paper with a beautiful vellum surface finish. The tiles are available on the zentangle.com web site, as well as, numerous places on the Internet.

Besides paper, I have also invested in a Sakura® Pigma™ Micron pen set, which I purchased at Michaels with a 40% off coupon. These pens are quite nice and with the archival ink, my tangles will be preserved for a long time. On the subject of pens, I should note that a fine line black Sharpie marker also works adequately, at least until you make the decision to invest in a Sakura® Pigma™ Micron, or similar pen set.

As far as tutorials for Zentangle®, the Internet is filled with them.  My appreciation goes to the many fine folks who have taken their time to share their talents.  One of the things I've discovered is that there IS a distinct difference between Zentangle® and "doodling."  I like to visit the web sites belonging to Certified Zentangle® Trainers.  That way I know I am getting information specifically about Zentangle®.  Here is a page from Linda Farmer's site, TanglesPatterns.com, which provides a good description of what Zentangle® is.  Also, HERE is another article explaining Zentangle®e Theory.  Although reading this material is not required to begin practicing Zentangle®, it is good information regarding the intent, as well as the rewards stemming from this art form.