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A Zentangle Origin Story

A Zentangle Origin Story

Some of you may know the story of how Zentangle got started.  (Or, not!)  But today I would like to tell you a few things that perhaps you didn’t know. 

When Zentangle presented itself to us, Rick and I had  been together for about a year or so. We were excited about everything in our lives. (We still are!) We loved our work, our family, our home, our town, our friends.  Each day brought more for us to be grateful for. 

Then, it happened. We were gifted this new “thing” in our life, not sure what to make of it . . . but, for sure, we both knew it was important and could not be ignored.

I absolutely loved my work as a full-time calligrapher. I was creating beautiful things and making people happy. It was always a labor of love. And with Rick now working with me in my stationery company, life was great.

So, why was I questioning my life all of a sudden? When Zentangle presented itself to me and Rick, we both knew right away it was important. How could I say I was grateful for this amazing life and not do anything about it. Maybe Zentangle was shown to us as a way for me (and Rick) to show how grateful we were.  The instant we realized there was nothing stopping us from dedicating our lives to this, we quit our day jobs and only looked ahead with no hesitation. 

What was missing in my life was to do something important, something essential, to find some way to give back.  Even more than that (can there even be more?) we get to give others this gift of giving this Zentangle gift as well. Each time a Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT) teaches a class; each time a Zentangle enthusiast shares with a friend how the Zentangle Method works, you get the same you that we get.

And I think that's something important.

And that’s it. That’s all I wanted to share with you today.  It came to me in my dreams, and I could not not listen.

We’d love to give this tile away, I did it while I was thinking how to write this story.
Raised gold leaf, ink, gelly, and ❤️.

Leave your thoughts below and we will choose a name at random from the commenters on this blog.

 

Maria Thomas

199 comments

  • I am so grateful for you and for Zentangle, especially in these times now. My 11 year old son loves to tangle as well, and it keeps his spirits up while he can’t be at school and with his friends. Many many thanks!

    Susan Ingham CZT 31 on

  • I love knowing the extra little details of the birth of Zentangle. I’ll be sharing a few of your details with students participating in an online class I’m teaching in a few weeks. It’s a free Covid-19 gift from the art school to the students who take classes throughout the year. I’m pleased to be one of the instructors.

    Gale sherman on

  • Inspired in 2014, became a CZT 2019. As a CZT I have been blessed to be able to share the Zentangle method with friends who are struggling through this difficult time in our lives. Grateful for Maria and Rick and all you do to continue to inspire us to be grateful for today.

    Elizabeth Hubbard on

  • These times are challenging. I am grateful that I have Zentangle art and the HQ folks in my life! Thanks to your listening, Maria!

    GInny Lockhart on

  • Whether getting me through times of intense grief, or as now, through times of anxiety, boredom and loneliness, Zentangle has brought me such peace and joy. Now, more than ever, I feel compelled to share the serenity it brings me. I am so grateful for my CZT training so that I can share this gift with others. Wishing all of my Zentangle family health and safety during these long days!

    Leslie Barr on

  • What a beautiful story and how timely (at least for me). I’m in love with Zentangle and it has truly changed my life! I’m a passionate CZT trying to find my niche. I feel like all this time at home is an opportunity to reflect and discover! Yes! Some things simply must not be ignored! Thank you for this beautiful gift! 💗😇💗

    Brenda Campbell on

  • What a wonderful story. Zentangle has been a source of comfort to me in these uncertain times. As soon as I put pen to paper, I know in my heart ❤️ of hearts that I am just where I am supposed to be. Thank you for the gift that you generously share every day with others around the globe!

    Janice Kohn on

  • Lovely to hear a bit more of the history. We seem to have lost much of our ability to “trust your gut”. I’m so happy that you two trusted and proceeded. <3

    Margaret Bremner on

  • Zentangle has been more than a gift to me. Perhaps, it’s been a life saver. When you retire, the first thing people ask is “what are you going to do with your spare time”? I didn’t really have an answer…..I’ve just about tried every sort of creative hobby from sewing to creating large stained glass windows. I loved them all, bout other than stained glass, none of them really “stuck”. I even had to give up stained glass after my hands began to scream at me because of arthritis. One day while shopping, I stumbled upon “The Joy of Zentangle “. I was immediately hooked-went through the store gathering essential supplies! You can tell from my work that I’m an amateur and self-taught, but I spent every day of the next 18 months learning all I could! I enjoy the Mosaic app and all of the Project Packs. I spend most days searching YouTube for ideas, learning different techniques. I’ve really enjoyed Molly’s voice-guided tangles. I hope she continues this on a regular basis. Now when asked how I made. The transition from working full time to being retired- I answer with one word. ZENTANGLE!

    LaJuania Dorman on

  • So very appropriate for the times we find ourselves in! Thank you so much for sharing a little serenity, and a piece if your incredible talent, which inspires all of us to the possibility of climbing out of ourselves, if only for a brief moment. We’re all “Strung” together, let’s make the most of this time!!!

    Bonnie Buggee on

  • It is fitting that this meditative process has roots in a creative’s dreams. ❤️

    Kathy on

  • I discovered Zentangle while on stress leave from my work. Talk about perfect timing! The whole concept of relaxation, gratitude, no mistakes and appreciation was just what I needed. I have a memory from primary school that stands out because I’m left handed and although teachers did not try to convert me to my right hand they did criticize how I did things. I was told I made my O’s or circles backwards…Really!!! So thank you for reminding me that something does not have to be perfect to be beautiful.

    Michele Couture on

  • Zentangle has me hooked. It is such a wonderful way to pass the time away while mandatory self quarantine is in effect here in Florida. Hoping to get into one of your CZT training classes in 2021. Lets pray this Virus is gone by then.

    Debbie Murphy on

  • Every journey, every miracle begins with the first step. So good that you left him, so many people all over the world can experience a little miracle every day.

    BaraAraCZT on

  • I can’t thank you enough for bringing this incredible art form to us. I have not been lucky enough to attend a czt training seminar yet but it is on my bucket list! Thank you for showing us how to unwind and destress in a very trying and scary time!

    Kathy TIndal on

  • Life takes us in directions we cannot predict – as we are currently experiencing. You were open to life’s leanings & we all have benefitted! Thank you for hearing the call. Stay safe in this uncertain time.

    Daryle D Coleman on

  • Zentangle has played such a huge role in my life these past few years. When I was able to finally attend seminar #31 it was really a dream come true. As a result of that I’ve been able to share my love and send tangle with many many people who have now become enamored with this wonderful art form. I’ve had so many people tell me how big a roll it is playing in their lives bringing creativity, relaxation, focus and a sense of well being. I have also had the privilege of meeting people all over the world who share a love for this art form. Thank you Rick and Maria!

    Jeanne Hamilton, CZT #31 on

  • Social distancing? Not with the CZTs. We are joined together around our world more than ever as we live in the “now space” of life. We have been prepared to stay connected no matter what comes our way. And we have been taught how to meditate while holding our quality pens and paper. Being “in the zone” erases our time zones in both space and time. Thank you for helping to create that in each of us.

    Lisa Barreto on

  • Let’s face it: You guys ROCK. All of you. But Maria and Rick, thank heavens you followed your intuition. We are all so much richer for it—richer in spirit. Heartfelt thanks, and love.

    Devin R on

  • Wow. What I hear in this post is that from the soil of gratefulness or maybe the seed of gratefulness planted in good soil, arises a new life form that just continues to grow and grow and spread goodness all over the world. It is like a Jesus parable especially the one about the mustard seed. I am so glad you guys said YES!!!

    Jenny Meyers on

  • It takes a lot of courage to give up something familiar and start working in new unchartered territory. I am so glad that you both did!

    I work in a hospital and when I come home at night, I look forward to tangling to unwind from the busy, sometimes stressful day.
    Thank you for bringing such a fun and joyful process to the world.

    Karen Norman on

  • I have felt a sense of comfort knowing that I have Zentangle in my life and it is now becoming clear just how precious that gift is! I would love to be the lucky recipient of that beautiful Zendala tile!

    AndreaR on

  • What a wonderful story. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful gift of Zentangle. I have been enjoying it so much. It is very relaxing as well as fulfilling by using my artistic talents. Thank you again.

    Deborah Davis on

  • Thank you for sharing this part of the Zentangle story. You have given the world such a wonderful gift! Francie Riley CZT#10

    Francie Riley on

  • Thank you so much for following your Dream. I can’t imagine life without Zentangle, so many beautiful things have been created by so many people all around the world.

    Paula Breaux on

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