We hope that you have enjoyed our Back to Basics series as much as we have. It has been exciting, humbling, and inspiring to look back at where we started and how far we have come. At the same time, we also found comfort in the fact that over the years, the Zentangle Method has remained the same, guiding us on our creative journeys.
In this blog, we are taking a trip down memory lane and looking back at the Zentangle Kit over the years.
Enjoy!
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Rick writes:
When Maria and I gave our first Zentangle Workshop in July of 2003, we did not have a Zentangle Kit.
Until that workshop we didn't have a Zentangle tile . . . or a trademark!
So, just before that first workshop Maria lettered some art for the back of our 3.5 inch (89mm) square piece of paper we call a tile . . .
. . . printed them on the copy machine and the cut them by hand.
Meanwhile, we realized we should trademark "zentangle" so I got to work on that and, if memory serves correctly, we finished in the wee hours of the morning.
After that super successful class with about 100 of the most awesome calligraphers in the world, we started thinking about a kit for our Zentangle tiles and tools. (That first class was at the annual meeting of IAMPETH, the International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers, and Teachers of Handwriting.)
We mocked up ideas with pieces of foam board, mat board and tape . . . always with the divine proportion in mind to guide our design. Here's one of those early prototypes:
Once we had something we liked, Maria and I took our mock-up to a box maker we found in Hadley, a town in western Massachusetts. We chose the green because we liked the swatch from the limited assortment available.
Here is a picture of that first kit:
We used a ribbon as a "lifter" under the tiles instead of a finger cutout. There was no latch to keep it closed.
We used a 3.5" DVD which we thought was clever because, well, our tiles were 3.5" square and it fit so well in the tile section in the box. But that was a bit of a problem on slot feeding DVD drives. So our technical support (Rick) was forever sending instructions on how to get that tiny disk out of your Apple computer's DVD drive.
Our idea was that the Zentangle Kit could be like a book and fit nicely on your bookshelf.
The next version of our kit was made in Nepal. Maria had been tangling on lokta paper which is made from the bark of trees that grow in Nepal. Our paper supplier suggested it as a good material for our Zentangle Kit box. We appreciated the idea that the paper and the kit boxes would be handmade in local Nepali villages and that the trees regenerated their bark.
This version added a string and button closure. We also shifted to a full-size DVD in this kit.
Soon we learned we had to schedule our orders around the local monsoon season. Then, as we ordered larger quantities, we began having quality issues.
Molly's first Zentangle job was helping Maria and me repair the salvageable boxes with a hot glue gun. Often we would be up late at night with the hot glue blisters to show for it. So, if one of your older kits is held together with odd globs of hot glue . . . now you know the story!
Every shipment came with a different challenge and often a different color! We began to look for another option.
That led us to another local box maker, this time in Rhode Island. For many years we got our kit boxes from them. I remember unloading them and storing them at my parents' home when we ran out of room at our home.
This box came with a small foam button to hold the DVD and it closed with a magnetic flap.
We have been planning to introduce a new kit box for over a year. We thought we had enough kit boxes like the one above to last us well into 2021. But in 2020, with the increased interest in finding refuge in calm creativity amidst the clamor, we ran out of kit boxes sooner than we expected.
And now . . . (insert drum roll and cymbal, or, trumpets if you prefer) . . . we are thrilled to introduce our new Zentangle Kit.
Our new Zentangle Kit comes in two "flavors." Both flavors use the same larger box with sections to accommodate our different size tiles and to organize your various tools.
Our overall concept is to provide a portable Zentangle studio with plenty of room to grow as you add tools and tiles and collect your creative treasures.
Instead of including an instructional DVD, we provide links to a growing library of online Zentangle instructional videos. This first instructional video comes in four versions: an edited version in right and left handed formats, and an unedited, see every stroke, version - also in right and left handed formats.
Each Zentangle Kit includes a new and expanded instructional booklet.
Let's take a look at the two versions.
Zentangle Kit-Classic
In this Zentangle Kit-Classic you will find:
1 Introductory Booklet
34 White Zentangle® Tiles of assorted sizes
1 Black Sakura® Pigma Micron® 01 Pen
1 Black Sakura Pigma Micron PN Pen
2 Mini Graphite Pencils
2 Pouches (for tools and tiles)
1 Sharpener
2 Tortillions
This is a great foundation to begin your Zentangle journey. It has the basic tools you need to begin and offers plenty of room to grow and to collect your treasured works of art.
Zentangle Kit-Expanded
In this Zentangle Kit-Expanded you will find:
1 Introductory Booklet
34 White Zentangle® Tiles of assorted sizes
34 Colored Zentangle Tiles of assorted sizes
1 Black Sakura® Pigma Micron® 01 Pen
1 Black Sakura Pigma Micron PN Pen
1 Black Sakura Pigma Micron 10 Pen
1 Brown Sakura Pigma Micron 01 Pen
1 White Sakura Gelly Roll® 08 Pen
2 Mini Graphite Pencils
1 Mini White Charcoal Pencil
4 Tortillions
2 Pouches (for tools and tiles)
1 Sharpener (KUM® for graphite)
1 Sharpener (All Art® for white)
1 Zentangle Legend Booklet
1 Icosohedron Die
If you are familiar with Zentangle tools and tiles, you probably understand most of what is on that list. But what, you may ask, is a "Zentangle Legend Booklet?"
Ah, so glad you asked. That is the custom booklet that we released in Zentangle Project Pack No. 10. Gather your inspirations and imaginations in this delightful booklet as you create your own legend!
Zentangle Kits are currently available on Zentangle.com
Thank you again for enjoying with us this marvelous journey and exploration of all things possible (and once thought impossible) . . . one (delightful, relaxed, and fun) stroke at a time.
Enjoy!
Please share your stories about your Zentangle timeline in the comments below.
Mary Bartrop on
I discovered Zentangle this past year, I’m not sure how- but I’m so glad I did! It is such a calming practice. I can only imagine how anxious I might have been at times without it. I don’t have any of the kits, but I’ve made my own storage boxes by using clean pizza boxes! We buy unbaked fresh locally made pizzas from a small grocery store nearby, and the boxes are great for storing tools and finished artwork- not as nice as a true Zentangle kit, but it works! I must admit I have coveted a real Zentangle kit, but I have been happily drawing on everything from the inner surface of cut-up cereal boxes to pages in a sketchbook to pieces of card stock. I love having this as an artistic outlet, and have even ventured into making some watercolor paintings, holding in mind the “no mistakes” philosophy. Thank you so much for all the resources you all share & make so freely available! ❤️
Lucinda Mathews on
Annie Sargent, CZT 33 on
Rondy L Murray on
So wonderful to see this journey of kits! Totally reminds me of my journey with Zentangle – starting to learn about it (with a few pens and paper) and then getting the hang of it (a few more pens) until now I am fully comfortable with the Zentangle Method and have been able to expand my exploration into a variety of mediums (way more pens and paper). Thank you for all the innovation in the last year, it’s truly helped – refuge in calm creativity describes Zentangle for me in the last year perfectly.
Lauren H on
I love the story of the evolution of the box. It shows all the little things that were considered, planned, created, transitioned and built upon. The unexpected modifications and changes in material brought extra challenges but were handled one step at a time with a beautiful end result. Sounds like Zentangle to me!
Holly C on
I was gifted with the magnetic box by my best friend who is a CZT and had been wanting me to try it. I finally said I was interested in trying it and on New Year’s Eve 2018 I not only opened up the magnetic box but also received a lot of extras not in the kit to start my journey. I was instantly hooked.
DM Smith on
Thoroughly enjoyed reading about how the Zentangle tiles and then the kits came to be. I discovered Zentangle in 2017 and still LOVE it to this day. Both of the new kits sound incredible !!
Michele Werner on
wendy T on
Clara A Brunk on
Molly Siddoway King, CZT36 on
2016 – Just 5 minutes before leaving for the airport after visiting family in NY, my sister took me into her craft room to show me a new art form she was doing called Zentangle. She explained the dots, border & string & drew one quick tangle. She offered to give me the Primer, but I declined as I couldn’t fit even a toothpick in my over-filled suitcase. Living on a boat in the Caribbean, I have no access to stores or Amazon, so when I’m stateside I shop like it’s Christmas! However she definitely sparked an interest & upon returning, I Googled Zentangle & stumbled upon a Melinda Barlow video. Immediately hooked, I drew on a dime-store sketch pad with a Sharpie – for a year! The Microns, Markers & Zentangle tiles were eventually brought to me when friends/family came to visit. And I’ve never stopped tangling! In fact, in mid 2020 I actually donated half my clothing to make room in a drawer for my hundreds of tangles & vast supplies! What fun reading about the evolution of “the box” and re-living my very humble beginnings! 🤗
~Jan~ Sailandbejoyful on
My journey started in a bookshop when Inpicked up a zentangle beginners book in German. I still do not know what made me enter that bookshop on that day several years ago. zentangle has become one of my favourite retreats to give my mind a break. I have found a way to my inner artist and enjoy the process of creating. Thank you for all the joy you have given me so far.
Katrin on
Lisa Hoesing on
I fell in love with Zentangle many years ago when I picked up my first book at my local JoAnn Fabric Store. I didn’t do anything with it until the beginning of Covid when I ordered another Zentangle book from AQS written by Barbara Browning. I started with it and wanted more, so I googled Zentangle and found that I can order project pack 10. I worked on it diligently, then moved to all of your YouTube’s that I’m still working on.
I use this as a grounding/meditation tool for me when my anxiety is getting the best of me. I am looking to go to facilities on a volunteer basis once Covid is controlled and help bring a sense of gratitude through Zentangle to other anxiety sufferers.
Pamela M. Pandolfi on
I fell in love with Zentangle many years ago when I picked up my first book at my local JoAnn Fabric Store. I didn’t do anything with it until the beginning of Covid when I ordered another Zentangle book from AQS written by Barbara Browning. I started with it and wanted more, so I googled Zentangle and found that I can order project pack 10. I worked on it dillegently
Pamela M. Pandolfi on
I treasure my magnetic closure Aqua Box – I had to pay tax & customs for it so it ended up rather expensive being shipped to where I was living at the time. I love all the new sizes you’ve been introducing & try to keep an eye on what you’re doing. It’s always exciting to see the new Project Packs emerge. Congratulations on all that you have achieved.
Evy Browning on
Would you you believe one of the five women in my home Bible study was a CZT? She used to paint white patterns on the black windows of her car, and she said she could teach me.
I could never create something so beautiful, so I kept turning her down. After about six months, I got tired of her offers and said “Fine. I’ll do it, but I won’t do a good job at it.”
Little did I know a door would open in my soul!
After three years of constant tangling, I became aCZT in Seminar 32. I did it!
My depression ended the day I was introduced to Zentangle, and it’s been mostly gone ever since I learned to tangle!
Thank you Rick, Maria and the whole ZHQ crew for saving me!
Theresa Caillouette on
I love love love the new kits! Of course I love my own Zentangle kit, acquired in 2017 at my seminar! So many new products have come to be since then and I think these kits are a great way for someone to really begin practicing the Zentangle Method! Thanks as always for bringing us awesome products!
Brenda Campbell, CZT29 on
I went to CZT 11 just to study with Rick and Maria with no intention of teaching, but Rick chose me as the last person of five or so to present my deconstructed pattern before the group. The silence in the room got me hooked. The group even helped choose the name of the pattern, Carp3 after the carpet on floor 3
In Hotel Providence.
I
Georgianna Klein on
Harley King on
Marjorie Goosen on
I became a CZT in 2013. So did my daughter. We enjoy the process of slowing down that Zentangle has brought into our lives.
Jackie on
I started learning more about the Zentangle method after discovering on Pinterest. The different tangles fascinated me. I love art, although am challenged by it! Zentangle with it method of simple ways to create beautiful art just fit me. Recently I introduced my best friend to it. She has been having health challenges and to see how she embraced it has been heartwarming. My bucket list includes becoming a CTZ. When the time is right. And my wish list a Zentangle box. It has been so very interesting to read about the beginnings of Zentangle and all those little details make it even more special and unique. I look forward to my “time away” from every day life when I can tangle away. Thank you for sharing the journey.
Gem on
Mary Illana Perrin CZT on July 21,2021 on