If you’re scratching your head wondering, 'Zen-what now?', don’t fret! I'm here to guide you through this magical maze of patterns, swirls, and intricate designs, and inspire you with 50+ Zentangle Art Ideas!

3.5 inch square tile.

Here's a new tangle I've been playing with for a little while in private for the last month in my sketchbook, and which made an appearance early October here while I was exploring contour hatching with Joki and Narwal.

Maria writes: Some of you have mentioned your difficulty in creating strings. Whenever I am confronted with that, I resort to something real simple . . . stripes! . . . lines, ribbons, pipes, moldings, borders. In one of my past lives, I was part owner of a frame shop. I did not do the actual "cut the frame" part, but I often did the custom mat jobs . . . with either "French lines," marbled paper borders or calligraphy. Now, this has morphed into creating patterned borders around art or photos in a Zentangle way whether with pen and ink or with brush and color. There is a basic simplicity of tangling within the string of a stripe and then shading on the outer edges to tie it all together. This is also a fun exercise/challenge to do with tangles that you wouldn't immediately think of as "border" tangles. Simple. Rather impressive. Very cool! P.S. I am especially attracted to the unevenness of these stripes and borders because it's obviously hand-made . . . not machine made. So, no worries if your strings aren't perfectly straight or parallel! Click images for larger views.

Explore ZChrissieCZT's 991 photos on Flickr!

Toodles and Printemps in a dramatic 3D picture.

Zentangles can seem like complicated designs but there are many zentangles for beginners that are suitable for even very young children. it also helps kids mindfulness

I really liked this challenge for some reason – drawing star tangles:

Maria writes: Some of you have mentioned your difficulty in creating strings. Whenever I am confronted with that, I resort to something real simple . . . stripes! . . . lines, ribbons, pipes, moldings, borders. In one of my past lives, I was part owner of a frame shop. I did not do the actual "cut the frame" part, but I often did the custom mat jobs . . . with either "French lines," marbled paper borders or calligraphy. Now, this has morphed into creating patterned borders around art or photos in a Zentangle way whether with pen and ink or with brush and color. There is a basic simplicity of tangling within the string of a stripe and then shading on the outer edges to tie it all together. This is also a fun exercise/challenge to do with tangles that you wouldn't immediately think of as "border" tangles. Simple. Rather impressive. Very cool! P.S. I am especially attracted to the unevenness of these stripes and borders because it's obviously hand-made . . . not machine made. So, no worries if your strings aren't perfectly straight or parallel! Click images for larger views.

Amily or the no name tangle is a take off of several tangles, this happens often and is a fun way to find a new tangle. You will see Joki and Abundies. I think I could go on and on. I say this is a take off of Fescu so lets go from there. Enjoy this simple tangle.

I finished my entries for the Munny Munth contest and after trying to upload photos using FOUR different browsers - I succeeded! And just in time - the deadline is tomorrow. Phew! So now I need all of you folks to go and vote for my Munnys!! And don't look around because there are a ton of other amazing creations, but mine is covered with tangles so it's the best! Hee hee. Just kidding. You can vote for someone else's creature and I promise I won't hold it against you. Really. Go vote... right now.... I'm waiting! OK, you're back. The picture crops off parts so I'll post the full pics here. It's a Superhero Family: Meg is mega at 20" or so, Minnie is mini at 7" and BooBoo is mini-mini. They all have "Squid" on their heads. I love Meg's butt-crack and tattoo. Minnie wanted a tattoo, but she's too young, so she got a cape instead. Accessorize, baby!

Rick writes: A recent trip to a local museum inspired a new tangle. We call it well. We describe well and provide step-out instructions in this newsletter. Here are some larger views of images from that newsletter. How we named this tangle well Originally I wanted to call it higgins after the Higgins Armory Museum where this box was found. However we already have a tangle named huggins (named after the person who showed it to us). Even though well has echoes of huggins within it, it would have been a confusing name. OK, what next? Well, this box looked like a treasure chest that would hold jewels. How about jewel for a name? We didn't go with that because it's potentially too descriptive of an expected outcome. However it was a good enough inspiration to give us well. This name has an added benefit of offering opportunities for fun word play, which we love. Well . . . that's it for now! We look forward to your comments and to seeing how you draw well. Enjoy! Click images for larger views.

Okay so this challenge was to take a tangle that was designed to be more "free flowing" and put it into a grid OR take a tangle designed to be a "grid" tangle and make it free-flowing. Does that make sense? So I took out Wheelz (more free flowing) and designed it into a grid pattern. Then I took out Warble (a grid) and tried it as a more free flowing tangle. I think the graphics are self explanatory. Where they are labeled is the original design. You didn't have to do both but once you get started on this challenge you then HAVE to try to see what would happen the other way. I think for me, it's much easier to take a grid and let it flow than the other way around. Thanks Sandy Hunter for this interesting challenge as I would not have thought of this!!! Fun.

Trying out variations of the tangle Anibal in Delft Design style.

I've had some fun with Maryhill and the pre-strung Zentangle® Zendalas. Both of these used the same pre-strung tile pattern, and in each I chose to add to and ignore some of the string. For the first tile, I went with smaller segments and my lines were closer together. While I do really like it, it's a little busy. I decided with the second that I would use larger segments and space the lines further apart. I thought I'd share how the second tile evolved. Posted with Blogsy

Here's a new tangle I've been playing with for a little while in private for the last month in my sketchbook, and which made an appearance early October here while I was exploring contour hatching with Joki and Narwal.

Maria writes: Some of you have mentioned your difficulty in creating strings. Whenever I am confronted with that, I resort to something real simple . . . stripes! . . . lines, ribbons, pipes, moldings, borders. In one of my past lives, I was part owner of a frame shop. I did not do the actual "cut the frame" part, but I often did the custom mat jobs . . . with either "French lines," marbled paper borders or calligraphy. Now, this has morphed into creating patterned borders around art or photos in a Zentangle way whether with pen and ink or with brush and color. There is a basic simplicity of tangling within the string of a stripe and then shading on the outer edges to tie it all together. This is also a fun exercise/challenge to do with tangles that you wouldn't immediately think of as "border" tangles. Simple. Rather impressive. Very cool! P.S. I am especially attracted to the unevenness of these stripes and borders because it's obviously hand-made . . . not machine made. So, no worries if your strings aren't perfectly straight or parallel! Click images for larger views.

[Updated April 7 12:12 PM EST with new contributions.] In this blog we share the entries that people sent to CBS' Sunday Morning program. You can read about this adventure in this newsletter. You can either post a link to the art and envelope you sent in the comments below or, you can email an image to [email protected] and we'll add it to this blog for all to see. In a couple weeks, we'll pick one of you at random to receive a thank you gift that we (Rick and Maria) will create for you. We don't know where this will go, but it's a fun excuse to create some Zentangle art! Thank you! This will be fun. Here are some early samples: We'll continue to add more and more. Can't wait to see yours! Mary K: Barb M. Catherine L. Randall T. Laurel S. writes: Dear Mr. Osgood and Friends, We, myself and many others, hope you will feature the Zentangle* method of drawing on Sunday Morning. I have been a fan of the show since the early days of“On the Road” with that other beloved Charles. I am nowretired and thoroughly enjoying my experience of tangling. Discovery of the freedom of creativity unbound has helped me experience “the zone” without suffering the angst most artists and writers must go through to get there. My family and friends keep saying, “You did this?” Sometimes I even get treated like an artist, aka: with respect. Happiness floats! Zentangle* spreads. Why not help? and sends . . . Gotta run for now . . . will keep updating this blog entry. LOT'S more to do! Chris T. Susan B. Jackie H. writes Last December I bought a Zentangle book and was fascinated by it. In January this year I saw a Zentangle workshop advertised, and thought it would be a fun so I talked a friend into going with me. In my need for creativity I have always added my own creative flair in what I have done, searching for the creative aspect of what ever I was doing, to find some fulfillment. Along the way time for artistic creativity fell by the wayside. I thought this workshop might be a good way to get drawing again and open up a little creativity. Give myself a little meditation and quiet time. I take time during my lunch hour to draw a little. And it has opened up a creativity that I have not found with any other medium. It is allowing me a whimsical creativity I could only envy before. I have taken a second workshop and am very interested in becoming a certified Zentangle teacher so I can share this with as many others as possible. But most of all it seems to provide me with an outlet that satisfies my soul. I share my work on occasion but this work is for me. I cannot express how satisfying these little 'tiles' are. No rules, no boundaries, absolutely open. Zentangle provides sanity for me in a crazy world. I would love to see a segment on your show about it. Thank you, T.B. Dorian E. Barb R. Carole L. Looks like we may see how big a Blogger entry can be! The more I do, the more we get. Thank you all so much! OK, back to work. Elaine G. Sheryl L. Anita M. Mimi L. Hi R & M~ Here is my tile and note for the Z blog--ready to mail today. What a great idea! I've been a long-time viewer of 'Sunday Morning'-- recording it each week just in case I miss it. Their stories are presented with a blend of integrity and humor--a perfect venue for the two of you, and by association ALL of us--to shine! Love you both! Janet Susan C. Susan B. Valerie R. Christine R. If you don't get yours mailed today, I'm sure it will still contribute to this effort if it goes out in the next few days, as all will likely not arrive at the same time exactly. Here's some more beautiful . . . it just keeps coming! Patti S. Pat M. Sharon Anna Jane A. Elaine D. Adele B. Elaine B. Cheryl C. Louise R. Janet N. Sharon M. This was a fun project. So glad we did this. I am finding myself learning new ways to do Zentangle. It never fails me to be inspired. Many thanks to Rick and Maria and all the CZTs that have inspired me. M.R. Ginny S. A.B. Paula E. Julie E. Kimberly B. Genevieve C. Jennifer S. Shiryl W. Joy T. Dear CBS Sunday Morning -- There is an incredible experience out there waiting for those who are looking for a way to express themselves in art; a way to learn focus and mindfulness; a way to relax and find a peaceful experience in chaos; a way to show how joyful life can be. That is what I found when I found Zentangle. It has changed my life through the Seminar that certified me as a CZT (Certified Zentangle Teacher); through the students to whom I have taught this wonderful technique; and through many lovely fellow Tanglers that share their wisdom, experience and art. I am so thankful for the Zentangle program that Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas have developed. It is so much more than mere doodling. I doodled before Zentangle. As wonderful as that is, Zentangle is very different. It is meditative and energizing for me. I am going to be 82 years old this Saturday, and as a birthday gift to myself I am going to another Zentangle Seminar. The days with Rick, Maria and their marvelous staff, plus all those eager tanglers who also attend is a truly fabulous four days. I wish I could take CBS Sunday Morning with me. Joy T. Kat Kathy B. Ann G. Jane M. Linda K. Grace M. K. Kathy W. Jane H. Sofia Here is Sofia's note to CBS. Definitely made me cry. Thank you for giving this gift to my family. We love you. Rebecca L. Trisha B. Kelley M. Judy B. Carolyn T. Diane L. Dear Rick and Maria, I am loving the long picture story being created on the blog, so here is my letter (text below) and my pictures(attached). The anticipation is a bit hard to wrestle with... :o) Diane L., CZT My letter: April 1, 2014 Dear CBS Sunday Morning, Are you looking for something new and exciting for a CBS Sunday Morning? Something which immediately draws you in with one look, then takes a doubtful turn when described to you and then, finally blows your mind when experienced? If so, take a look at Zentangle...the rest will follow. Almost nothing is what it seems in Zentangle - one paradox after another is revealed. It is like a journey of puzzles opening one's mind, and eyes, the more one practices this mindful, easy and remarkable art form. Many enthusiasts are joining in this Zentangle blitz to CBS - so I will offer a small piece of the story, a few paradoxes: Zentangle looks complicated, yet one quickly realizes it is simple to do. Zentangle looks like it requires great effort, yet one enjoys the relaxing, meditative effects in the first encounter. Zentangles are drawn in a box (a 3-1/2 inch square paper tile), in order to teach one to draw out of the box. Zentangles are taught with structured steps so students learn to abandon that structure and create their own path and patterns. As an instructor, what has been most compelling about teaching Zentangle is how it allows students to learn traditional drawing skills in a discovery mode. While following the step by step approach to drawing Zentangle patterns, difficult concepts like depth, contour, scale, etc. are revealed. Students repeatedly have moments of revelation, or what I like to call "BAM" (Emeril) moments. The most common complaint I hear from my students is: "All my life, I thought it was beyond my ability to draw like this. Now you tell me it only take these few strokes!!" Personally, Zentangle has removed creative walls I never knew existed. Since learning Zentangle in 2009, I have never had so much continuous fun in my life! I hope you will decide to bring Zentangle to your viewers on a Sunday Morning soon, and introduce the possibilities into their lives as well. Happy Tangling! Diane L., Certified Zentangle Teacher Jean K. Tricia F. Lisa R. Marta D. Kimberly C. Sarah H. Ana R. Heidi H. Paula D. Kathy M. Tess I. Deb T. Mary Ann S. Thank you all so much for playing and for appreciating these contributions together with us! We will randomly select one person who emailed us or linked below to receive this first test print of an original that we recently created. Although it won't be a limited edition, it is numbered "001/many" and is signed and remarked. All who emailed, even though we didn't post your contribution (we ran out of time/room) will be in the group. Put on some tea, get comfortable and click images above for larger views and links below for more enjoyment.

An dieser Stelle möchte ich nach langer Zeit wieder einmal ein neues Muster vorstellen, welches viele Variationsmöglichkeiten bietet und sehr einfach zu zeichnen ist, brauchbar sowohl als Flächenfü…

You can find all my tangles here: www.amarylliscreations.com/zentangleharmony/my-tangles/

The Weekly Challenge can be found here: iamthedivaczt.blogspot.com/ We were challenged to use Cirquital and Opus. Thanks for looking!

tekening met Sakura Micron Pen 01 onderdeel van een Zentangle ensemble

Rick writes: We're just beginning to get back to our (ab)normal routine after another wonderful CZT training seminar. It's time to catch up on some blog posts. This morning at breakfast, I said to Maria, "Babe, remember that special email we received from Josh? We should do a blog post on that. Let's find some tiles to post with it." Maria replied, "Laura Harms' challenge this week is all about bugs. How 'bout we post some of my "bug" tiles?" "Done!" First, here's a bit of our conversation with Josh: Josh writes: Wow so we used to doodle this stuff late night in a Frisch's Big Boys in high school, and later on after I got out of the service I penned these. My best work was lost in an art book that was destroyed, but these surviving examples showcase this style. I haven't messed with my art in a long time, but now that I see you guys have turned this style into a discipline that can be taught in simple steps, I'm very very anxious to dive back into it again. I realize Zentangle is just a breakdown of how to free flow tribal design, but its so refreshing that someone has finally put it into proper words, and done it in a way that promotes endless creativity. You know, the way it should have been promoted throughout the art world properly for that last thousand years, but only now has finally found voice in your teachings. Highest regards, Josh I replied: Hi Josh, Thank you so much for writing that and sharing your images. Josh, you've captured our intention more succinctly and elegantly than I've seen yet. Using music as an analogy, a friend of ours wrote similar thoughts: -----+----- "Yes, there are gifted artists who paint well without lessons, or gifted musicians who can write and play songs without reading music. But they have no method for teaching students their craft. "My father grew up in an Amish home where musical instruments were forbidden. While I was yet in grade school, I would see him bring home from his monthly excursions to the local auction barn keyboard musical instruments: a bellows organ, an upright piano, or several accordions. I would marvel as in a few minutes he could teach himself to play familiar hymns as the family sang along. His method of teaching me to solve any problem was, "If you just look at it long enough, it will come to you." My brain was not wired like his. I never learned to play "by ear." "For certain gifted people no lessons are necessary to create art; not so for the general population. We need a way of learning to make art we enjoy. The Zentangle Method makes that possible for us 'one stroke at a time.'" -----+----- Our intention is to inspire people to put pen to paper, whether for the first time (because they have come to believe they aren't "artists") or to dust off their pen and get to feel again that thrill of creativity flowing - without preconception or self-criticism. And yes, as you say, "a breakdown of how to free flow tribal design." We take such inspiration from our collective human heritage of patterns and design. (Carl Jung would have enjoyed this "vocabulary"!) Thanks again for writing. Best, Rick (and Maria) Such a special letter deserves some special companion tiles for this blog post! Maria loves to draw bugs. Whenever we encounter an interesting one, I'll take pictures. Or, if it's no longer alive . . . like a great big beetle . . . it finds its way to her desk. She draws known bugs as well as yet-to-be-discovered bugs. Maria has discovered that when she looks closely, they are all covered in tangles! Such fun! -----+----- Congrats to "REI MAR" who was our random chosen commenter on our blog post, "Crack!" Watch your mail box! We welcome and invite your comments. And be sure to go check out Laura Harms' iamthedivaCZT 144th weekly challenge. Enjoy! Click images for larger views.

A complete list of all the guides that Tangle List that has published: Artist Tile Paper Options for Tangle Art Enhance Your Tangles — Free Zentangle Tutorials & Youtube Videos Find Tangle Pattern Step-outs — List of Tangle Pattern Websites How to Get Started as a Zentangle Beginner How to Organize and Store Your Tangle Patterns...Read More »

artline pen

Un blog avec les dessins, les gribouillages zendala et zentangle, créations Smaranda BOURGERY

I attended a Botanical Drawing Workshop by Sydney illustrator Adriana Picker, author of book The Garden of Earthly Delights.

We always knew that Zentangle was great for developing fine motor skills. Jella Verelst, CZT in Belgium, reinforces that view with this email: I challenged my students to draw a ‘first Zentangle’ again after 9 months. (same string, same tangles) They could see with their own eyes how Zentangle improves fine motor skills. Thank you for sending that Jella. Jella's website is here.