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.
I am a recent zentangler…I started in 2019 and obviously had a ton of practice time with the pandemic! I have had 2 inperson classes and one live stream class recently. I love the fact that I can combine my already existing watercolor and acrylic interests with “embellishments” provided by the Zentangle patterns. I was immediately smitten with MapTangling due to this. I am hopeful to get to Rhode Island in 2022 as well. So excited to have found this art!
Sherry Turner on
Cathy Hiemer on
Lisa Anderson on
I started my Zentangle journey in 2015. I was looking for something different to do. Classes were offered by our CZT and I took them. Loved Zentangle and the wonderful teacher we had. Carol Graham CZT. I continued classes with her until the pandemic. Before the pandemic we had a group that met once a month to tangle and talk. Since the pandemic we have continued our monthly meetings on Zoom. We have a great time and I love our group! Yay Zentangle!
Maureen on
I love these. When I first started tangling, I used a decorative cigar-style box and labeled it “Zentangle to Go.” But of course as time went on and things got more adventurous, I had to expand to other boxes and bags. But I still love to organize my supplies for a beach trip where I can tangle all I want for a few days.
Lynnda Tenpenny on
My husband gave me my Zentangle kit for Christmas before I was to go to Whitingsville for Seminar #6. I still use that kit at times, it brings back wonderful memories. Since then I’ve shared the Zentangle method with many folks of such a variety of ages. Once Covid took over our lives, some of my family members and I decided to start a Sunday evening ZenZoom. We’ve continued most Sundays since August 2020 and we now have 2 more CZTs – my sister Sally Mack and our niece, Fiona Mack!! Perhaps my other niece will eventually become a CZT some day.
Jane MacKugler on
Leslee Feiwus on
It was 2011 or 2012 when I discovered Zentangle from a book at the Art Institute of Chicago. As I explored this art form I soon heard about Zentangle certification and my interest was piqued. However, travel was a problem for me. Then in 2020 my opportunity came—CZT training online. What a delight to achieve that long-standing goal! Thanks, Zentangle team.
Marjorie Webb, CZT 36 on
I became a CZT 7 at your first class in Rhode Island as your previous class was filled when I went to sign up for it. I ended up in the hospital during that previous class so the Rhode Island class was perfect timing for me. While still recovering from a health issue and still fatigued, I was energized and excited each day to learn your way of tangling – a string, one stroke at a time, and no mistakes, as you and your team put us at ease, made it effortless to learn and enjoy. I definitely was impressed that you made us feel that we were all on the same level as you.
I came home a little apprehensive that I could teach a class to others. I practiced on my husband and went on to teach off and on at 2 craft stores, in my home, our local library, in other’s homes and sometimes meeting someone at a fast food restaurant. All word of mouth teaching. The classic black and white tangling is so refreshing and so portable, it really is a favorite way to tangle. The amazed look and smile on the faces of individuals is so rewarding when they see their finished tiles. Thank you for the wonderful Zentangle experience that gives personal worth to every individual that learns the Zentangle experience.
Sharon Caforio - CZT 7 on
Tangling has infused my art ever since!
Melissa Cahn on
Laurie Doucette on
Carol Roenbaugh on
Brenda Shaver Shahin CZT 8
Brenda Shaver on
Carol Hagen on
La Tanya Polk on
Jeanie ‘JJ’ James on
Mika Shiohara on
I had been laid off from my job and decided to go to Michaels to find something to do besides job hunt all day long. Without realizing, I bought an Adult Coloring Book and a Zentangle Book. I sat down in my easy chair with the Zentangle Book at 11:00 am, and the next time I looked at my watch, it was 4:30 in the afternoon! I knew immediately, I had stumbled upon something magical! The following year I became a CZT!
Barbra Gary on
my Zentangle journey started at Kripalu and I look forward to another chapter of that someday
Jessica M on
I have a “string and button” Zentangle kit and many of the project packs as well. Excited to see the new expanded kit. I’m aiming to buy one of those – maybe for Christmas.
Joan Mitchell on
Lois Stokes on
That is so cool to hear the history. Thanks!
Cindy Brandt CZT on
Carol McKenzie on
I love seeing the progression of the kit boxes. It mirrors my own journey from early tangling using whatever I had to hand – cut down cheap white postcards and basic pen and pencil.
I began tangling on a hot day in the summer of 2013 when I was feeling a little lost due to life’s challenges. I’d heard a passing mention of Zentangle, so bought a book and began to teach myself. Today I find myself in similar circumstances, albeit for different reasons. But Zentangle is still here for me. As it has been for all the years in between. I never imagined it would be a ‘hobby’ that stuck, or that it would become such a large and wonderful part of my life. I don’t know quite where I’d be without it.
Jem Miller on
When I found my first Zentangle book, I had intended to give it as a gift. I decided I couldn’t part with it, so I got online and saw the beautiful kit and ordered it to give as the gift in place of the book I couldn’t part with. Well, when it arrived, I decided I couldn’t part with it either!!! Had to get back online and order another! 😂
Leslie Barr on