Maria writes...
Hello everyone. It's a great day to tangle! I was thinking about new tanglers, and the questions and doubts that may concern them in the beginning. I have been doing this so long now that I have almost forgotten what it was like to wonder "what was the next step?", "did I do this right?", "will this look good?".
Then it came to me! There are so many seasoned tanglers, with so much knowledge, experience, passion, gratitude...that maybe, just maybe they would be willing to give just one piece of advice to the person just starting out on this magical journey.
And, just maybe these bits of wisdom might be valuable to the not so new tanglers, too!
So, please, send us your best piece of tangle wisdom/advice in a comment below, and we'll randomly choose from the comments to send Zentanglish goodies!
Oh...my suggestion to new tanglers: Take chances.
This tile was a monotangle called “well well well." After I thought I was done, it seemed it just needed more. I boldly added radiating straight lines from the largest orb, and pencil shaded every other section to create a “folded” effect.
When finishing this cluster of energetic Mooka, I added a dark background for some drama. (I painted a walnut ink onto the white tile). Added the tiny white dots after the ink was very dry.
When finished with the center of this tan tile, I drew a few very thick black lines radiating out from the tangling. They were rather “V” shaped. Then added the white lacy lines in an aura around it all. Then,(!) I spotted a pair of tiny embroidery scissors on my desk, and, clipped the V’s out quickly...before I could think of reasons not to!
-Maria
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Yesterday I taught my first class. I’m adding “blink” to my steps! Several people mentioned having trouble seeing after a while :)
Robbin K CZT41 on
My advice….. enjoy it and just go with the flow ( of ink that is).
Laurie Cohen on
Aude on
Priya Venkatesan on
Kathy Long on
Janet Thomas on
Gina Olive, would love to see pictures of your zenquiltangles. It sounds wonderful
Carole on
Nancy NEedler on
Ellen on
It’s about the process, not the product. When I find myself getting too hung up on wanting the final product to be ideal, then I don’t enjoy the process. When I find myself lost in the zen flow of the process, the end result naturally reflect he joy of the experience.
Leslie Barr on
Olga Dendrinou Fink on
I became overwhelmed by all the different places online where there were tangles.
I am also guilty of overthinking pretty much everything in my life, so I took the advice to find a couple of tangles I like and get used to them, how they feel to draw, how the ink flows from the pen, what the nib feels like on the paper, what the paper feels like, and there I was overthinking again. But this time it was in a positive way as I realised I was appreciating my tools and enjoying putting a line down on the paper and seeing what happens. It’s slow progress, but I can’t imagine not having this as part of my life now.
Marie ANtoinette on
MaryAnn S-D CZT #1 on
It’s just paper! Have fun. Approach tangling with a sense of wonder. If your hand wants to go a different way, or use a different tangle, go with it! Be mindful, but not forceful. Enjoy!
Tandika Star on
Peg Farmer, CZT 3 & 7 on
Eveline Bendeler on
So many comments! Before I leap down the rabbit hole of reading, I will leave my advice so I don’t get lost and forget to; I apologize if it is a repeat of advice already shared (but I feel it is worth hearing more than once anyway!):
Embrace the tangles you know and be open to learning new ones…BUT… (here’s the hard part!) resist the urge to try to collect them ALL. There are soooooo many glorious tangles out there, but you do not need to know each and every one. It’s easy to get caught up in “collecting” tangles, however it can also quickly become overwhelming, and you can lose sight of the gentle mindfulness and simple joy of inking familiar strokes on paper. Knowing there are loads of lovely tangles out there to discover and spend time with at some point on your journey can be quite comforting, and can take off any pressure you feel to immediately learn and master each new tangle that crosses your path.
Also: some people love the word play of tangle names and enjoy knowing their identity…others don’t worry much about about remembering the names. It’s all good! Don’t fret about names if it spoils your enjoyment. Tangle names are helpful, for sure. I am a “word person” who cherishes the verbal identity of patterns; it’s part of the joy for me, but I know many amazing tanglers who don’t recall tangle names. It’s not anything to stress about.
Happy Tangling! —Amy in TN, CZT4
Amy Broady on
Embrace the “what if” question and be curious what would happen if you just tried an inspiration. A change of perspective is another key when tangling (and daily life). Just that small distanced view allows you to see opportunities that didn’t exist when focused so closely to your tile. And remember that you are worthy to receive all the joy and calm that you create.
Mary Rose Feldman on
Sumita Roy on
Sue Sharp on
Diane Wright on
I’ve been tangling about 1 1/2 years due to Doris Wilbur CTZ, who invited me to attend her class to possibly help me through a devastating loss. I cannot thank Doris and the founders enough for the peace of mind and joy I get from Zentangle, especially in tough “can do nothing” times. This and prayer has taught me comfort, self-confidence,and a hidden talent I never knew I had. Thank you!
Pam Haines on
Be sure to enjoy the journey as well as the destination! While creating Zentangle art can seem intimidating to some beginners at first, remember everyone was a beginner at one time or another. I recently advised a very good friend of mine who is a very talented artist herself to “Begin at the Beginning!” It can be difficult to get motivated to create art during this isolation time but remember, be kind to yourself, have patience and just relax. Take time to create daily even if all you can do is five minutes, soon after creating for a few minutes you will be sure to want to continue longer. It is the art of taking time for yourself that is important, self care and loving yourself and your art no matter how it turns out is most important. I have taught many amazing artists Zentangle and they always impress me with their skills after they practice daily or regularly. Zentangle is no different than any other art form, you must practice to advance to learn more, enjoy the process each and every time and most of all, always create for yourself and no one else! Happiness is enjoying your art, Zentangle and everything you create!🖊🖤🎨😊
Dolly Bolen on
Love to all of you from Mexico.
Veronica VAzquez ORozco on
KAthy Y on