Learn how to create a Zentangle
I use the technique of Zentangling in my own artwork, incorporating them into sketching, art-journalling and collage. Originally I created 'stand-alone' Zentangles, as shown on Rick and Maria's website Zentangle Homepage.
On this page, I will describe how to create a Zentangle from scratch, what materials are required and also show you how to use the techniques imaginatively in your own work.
Note: all images are copyright and must not be used without permission.
Materials required to make Zentangles
Smooth watercolor paper - I use Fabriano Artistico HPFine liner pens - My favorites are Sakura Pigma Micron, size 1 to 5
Pencil
Eraser
That's it.
Sakura Pigma Micron Pen Set 6 Per Package, Black Ink
Start your Zentangle
Begin small, work on a piece of paper approximately 3.5" (9cm) square.I am using a pen for the initial steps so it shows on the scan but you should use a pencil.
Draw a border around the square of paper, about a half inch (1cm) from the edge as shown. Do it freehand and let it be 'rough'.
Draw a 'string'
Again with a pencil draw a light random line within the border - it can be anything but keep it simple to begin with. Rick and Maria call these lines 'strings', which helps you to visualise the kind of lines that work. Experiment until you get something you are happy with. Fill your Zentangle
Using some of the examples on this page and on the Zentangle page begin to fill the shapes made by your string. Oh... and put some soft music on and allow your mind to wander. Are you feeling relaxed?
Keep going. Don't fret over what pattern to use, you will find as you do more, that the next pattern seems to suggest itself.My example here is very rough and I seem to have misplaced the border while scanning, but I'm sure you get the idea.
As you can see, I have worked up to the border, making my Zentangle a square, however, you don't have to do that - leaving white space can work well too.
All done
Here is my rather rushed example finished.Erase all the pencil lines and use a little shading in order to make your drawing more three dimensional.
Watch the video below to see a demo of a 'Zendalla' by the artist Millande - fascinating.
Why Sakura Pigma Micron pens are the best for Zentangles
Sakura Pigma Micron Pen Set 6 Per Package, Black Ink
Amazon Price: $15.98 (as of 11/19/2009)
Colleen F says, "Couldn't do without them. I am an avid pen and pencil artist. I have tried several brands of pens, these being a "must have" for me. They last quite awhile, the point stays firm, and the ink does not "bleed". The smallest is .005, largest .08. My favorites are the .005 and .01, but I own all sizes and colors. I HIGHLY recommend this set to start with, but beware - once you try these, you will be hooked!"
Lynn Hoffman says, "The perfect feel for drawing or writing. The fiber points of these pens are just rough enough to give the user a sense of the texture of the paper. It's a bit like going back to a standard transmission after years of driving an automatic. The inks themselves are, like some modern poetry, marvellously opaque. Images drawn with them scan and copy beautifully. The very smallest sizes (.05 and .1) tend to break down with rough use, but even the slightly crushed tips give a useful line on paper. Used for writing, they encourage a light grip that makes for less fatigue and there's even something pleasant about a cap that has to be removed and replaced. --Lynn Hoffman, author of THE NEW SHORT COURSE IN WINE
How to draw a Zendala
by Milliande
Using Zentangles in your art
When I initially discovered Zentangles, I was addicted and drew over a hundred over the course of a month or two. Eventually my enthusiasm wore off and instead I began to use the technique with other projects. I find it is very effective in my art journals. Here's an example of watercolor, collage and Zentangles combined. You can see that I used a white pen for some of the Zentangling on the man's clothes.
In this project I also decided to use Zentangles to border the facing pages.
Watercolor paper
ARCHES WATERCOLOR 300HP 22X30 5/SHEETS
Amazon Price: $9.32 (as of 11/19/2009)
Inkpress Fine Art Watercolor Rag Textured Surface, 15 mil, 95% Bright, Single Sided, 4 x 6, (50 sheets)
Amazon Price: $14.51 (as of 11/19/2009)
Arches Watercolor Block 140#, 20 Sheets Hot Press 9" x 12"
Amazon Price: (as of 11/19/2009)
Fabriano Quadrato Artists Journal 6x6 Inch
Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 11/19/2009)
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Abundance Blog
- Abundance Blog at Marelisa Online
- "For all those who feel stuck in the left-side of their brain, and who desperately want to create something and begin to awaken their right-brain hemisphere, below you'll find 17 resources-some free, some not-that will help get you started.">
Beez in the Belfry
Fantastic Zentangle Blog
This is a great resource for Zentanglers, Zen Doodlers, or just plain doodle enthusiasts! Sandy Bartholomew is a trained teacher of Zentangles and you will find such delights as 'Tangle of the Week' and details of Zentangle classes.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byGoing to give it a go?
For more inspiration, see the video below.....
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- eclecticeducation eclecticeducation Nov 19, 2009 @ 11:59 pm
- I had to come and see this lens that I heard so much about!!! Great lens! love it! :)
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- Jewelsofawe Jewelsofawe Nov 19, 2009 @ 11:56 pm
- Cool! This goes with the journaling lens you have that I love so much! I am going to lensroll it to my Why write a journal lens.
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- luvmyludwig luvmyludwig Nov 19, 2009 @ 7:01 pm
- This is really cool! I love it! Now I know what I want to do for the space above my couch. A Giant Zentangle perhaps....
***Blessed***
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- sema sema Nov 19, 2009 @ 12:05 am
- I too find doodling meditative and realizing it can be developed to an art form is exciting.Thank you for the informative lens.
sema
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- Sandy Bartholomew Sandy Bartholomew Nov 18, 2009 @ 8:52 pm
- Thank you for featuring my blog! And for mentioning the NH Magazine article. I love your tangled journal pages. If you read Cloth Paper Scissors Magazine, I have an article in the current issue about Zentangles and journals!
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- theraggededge theraggededge Nov 19, 2009 @ 3:48 am
- Thank YOU, Sandy. I hope the visitors to this page will jump straight over to Beez in the Belfry!
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- Ramkitten Ramkitten Nov 18, 2009 @ 11:38 am
- So, THAT's what a Zentagle is! How neat! My husband is going to love this. And now I have the term for a lot of the artwork he creates, because it's at least similar to this, especially the doodles he makes in his sketchbook. He'll listen to "space music" and draw designs. Me, I'm usually too busy typing to doodle anymore, but "back in the day" I used to do zen-like doodles all over my notebook covers in school. Anyhow, great lens and congrats on top 100!
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- Tipi Tipi Nov 18, 2009 @ 12:13 pm
- This is real nice isn't Deb? ~ I enjoyed a very relaxing time visiting here. I'm an artist and really like to doodle, these are very nice designs. Thank you for making this interesting place to visit. Congratulations in getting into the top 100! I hope that a Squid Angel blessing will help. ~ Best wishes for the holidays and Happy Thanksgiving.
Susie
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- theraggededge theraggededge Nov 18, 2009 @ 12:35 pm
- Thank you!
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- ChapelHillFiddler ChapelHillFiddler Nov 18, 2009 @ 6:02 am
- Lovely. I used to fill half-pages with these when I was in high school bored out of my mind.
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- mbgphoto mbgphoto Nov 17, 2009 @ 8:20 am
- This is really cool! I love to doodle. This looks like a fun idea! Blessed by a SquidAngel
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- lou16 lou16 Nov 17, 2009 @ 6:37 am
- Lovely lens, this is something that I've been doing for a while, I just didn't know there was a name for it other than 'mom's doodling again!' Now I can tell them I'm designing zentangles :)
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- Qualitee Qualitee Nov 17, 2009 @ 3:39 am
- Just wanted you to know that I have been so inspired by your zentangle lens that I shall be designing a zentangle for my t-shirts.............thank you, you really are an inspiration.
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- kimmanleyort kimmanleyort Nov 16, 2009 @ 10:11 pm
- Very cool examples and great how-to also.
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- OhMe OhMe Nov 16, 2009 @ 8:49 pm
- I had no idea what Zentangles were until I read this wonderful lens. I think I might have to give it a try. Blessed by a Squid Angel.
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- drifter0658 drifter0658 Nov 16, 2009 @ 8:19 pm
- Very cool! I just saw this technique used in a movie. Some chick was getting letters delivered that where covered in Zentangles. Didn't know what they were until just now ;)
Smell the smoke of a burn-out blessing?
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- theraggededge theraggededge Nov 16, 2009 @ 5:22 pm
- Thank you Mimi and Holley! And a big kiss to Welshalex cos he's my boy!
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- 24websurf 24websurf Nov 16, 2009 @ 5:08 pm
- I had never heard of this but the effect is beautiful! ~ Blessed by a Squid angel ~
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- GrowWear GrowWear Nov 16, 2009 @ 2:42 pm
- Thank you for introducing me to Zentangles. Angel blessed. :)
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- welshalex welshalex Nov 16, 2009 @ 6:28 am
- wow cool zens must give it a go!!
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