How to Zentangle ®

So I am back and here is a how to. This is how I prefer to tangle ® so here are the steps I use and what I use for my mini-projects. 


Tools: The tools I use are a micron for the very fine lines and a sharpie for the fill-in parts. I find these two pens work wonderfully together for this type of work. I also have a thick paper template I made that is just a square of 3.5 inch by 3.5 inch paper. This helps me locate where my four beginning points should be. Lastly, you will need a pencil. I prefer a 3B pencil and using my fingers to smudge but it is up to you. (Oh, and I also use the internet for ideas on patterns/tangles ®.) 


Steps: So let's get started! 

Step One: Start with your pencil and your template. Mark out four points that are your four corners. At these four corners, connect them in a simple fashion to form a square. 

Step Two: Now, still using your pencil, lightly draw in what is called a "string". This can be any shape that separates the square into sections. I like to add a box along the edge of the border for my initials. This is optional.

 Step Three: Next, I take my micron and sharpie to outline the pencil drawing. I use my sharpie for the "string" and my micron for the rest. Then I add my initials in. I believe this creates a cleaner look for the finished product.

Step Four: Choose a pattern for a section of the project. I started with the top section and chose a zebra print. I find all of my patterns at Zentangle.com or tanglepatterns.com. Below is a diagram and explanation as to how this pattern can be created. 

Step Five: Continue to choose patterns for this project. This time I am using the bottom section and I choose the bead lines pattern. The directions are below. For this pattern, more or less lines can be added in. 

Step Six: This is the last pattern I added into this piece of work. Here I choose a simple pattern that would leave space for journaling or just the effect. This pattern is called Queen's Crown and directions are below. I particularly love this pattern for my designs. 

  
Step Seven: Lastly, it is time to grab the pencil again. This time it is used for shading around the patterns to add depth and dimension. Try not to add too much shading as to not overwhelm the piece. After I am done with shading I prefer to use Workable Fixatif  by Krylon. This will seal the pencil so that it does not smudge afterwards. 

So this is how I tangle ® and what I like to use when drawing. These are wonderful projects that can be done in as little as fifteen minutes. For more information visit Zentangle.com or tanglepatterns.com.

The Zentangle ® art form and method was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas and is copyrighted. Zentangle ® is a registered trademark of Zentangle, Inc. Learn more at zentangle.com. I am not a Certified Zentangle ® Teacher, I am just trying to share my experiences with the method.