Molly writes:
I recently received the following question about our latest Project Pack:
“I've been doing Zentangle only since April, and I have done a lot of the traditional black ink on white 3.5" or 2" tiles. I have followed the Zentangle Primer Vol 1 book and many YouTube videos of yours and other CZTs but have never done a project pack. I am still new to Zentangle. Do you think it would be ok to dive into project pack 21 or would I be better off going back and doing other project packs before it? I guess I'm asking if project pack 21 is for more advanced tanglers?”
Zentangle Project Packs are designed for all levels of tanglers that have some experience with the Zentangle Method. The lessons use common Zentangle language and techniques that would be better understood with some prior Zentangle knowledge. In the beginning we started with basic concepts, and though not in order of difficulty, it does seem that our Project Packs have thematically become more sophisticated over time. With that being said, there are some Project Packs that offer more basic instruction and exposure to fundamentals of the Method than others. We try to vary the themes throughout the year and seek out ideas that tanglers might be interested in exploring.
Many, if not all our project packs, have multiple underlying themes which overlap. For instance, there are some that feature materials, but we wrap a little bit of philosophy into each lesson. Or we start with philosophy but wrap a new technique or skill into the lessons. It is this intersection of artistic technique and Zentangle philosophy that is ultimately where the value lies.
When I review the collection of our Project Packs, there are a few Project Packs that offer more to those who are new to the Zentangle Method. If I were to select the best Project Packs for learning tangles, I would recommend Project Pack No. 04 and No. 10. Both offer fun ways to learn individual tangles in their basic forms. If I were to choose the best Project Pack to introduce you to different tile shapes and paper surfaces, I would choose Project Pack No. 02 which offers a taste of many of our different tile shapes and colors as well as accompanying pens and pencils. If I were to recommend Project Packs that bring focus to Zentangle philosophies I would suggest Project Packs No. 06 and No. 14.
We have Project Packs that feature themes that take a deep dive into a specific collection of materials such as No. 01 with Black tiles or No. 12 with Renaissance tiles. Some Project Packs work thematically around a surface or a specifically curated collection of tools, such as No. 07, No. 08, No. 11, No. 17, and No. 18. These Project Packs usually feature lessons that are independent from one another and are not sequential. In other words, you can do some or all of the lessons in the series and they can be done out of order. These are great opportunities to progress from working on white tiles and you can learn a lot about different materials and techniques specific to those tools and tiles.
Then there are Project Packs that are more thematically tied to a technique or project. These include ones like No. 05 that features Zentangle Cartouche, and No. 15 that works with letter forms and alphabets. Project Packs No. 09, No. 13, and No. 16 also guide us through fun tiles that thematically work around a style or technique that we as artists can get all tangled into. Each of the project packs leave you with another tangling skill to take with you and integrate into your practice.
In 2019 we began a series of Project Packs that work with our concept of Zentomology®. These include Project Packs No. 19, No. 20, and No. 21. They all focus on learning the different categories of tangles, their characteristics, and how they work with each other compositionally.
If you were to ask me if there was a Project Pack that is not a beginner experience, I would have to say Project Pack No. 19. It has been, thus far in our series, the marathon of Project Packs. It is also my favorite one and the one I would recommend to any avid tangler. You can get lost in this project for hours and hours of tangling bliss. It challenges, inspires, and requires quite a bit of tangling stamina. It leaves you learning about many different tangle categories, how to build composition with tangles and works you through sophisticated shading techniques. And it leaves you with a very large and impressive piece of artwork!
We really do believe that all our Project Packs can be approached by tanglers of all abilities.
- Will some people need to watch a lesson a few times? Perhaps they might.
- Will there be challenges or mis-strokes here and there? Perhaps there will be.
- Will each and every tile or composition created be unique? You bet they will be!
Project Packs as a whole can be approached just like any other tile, one stroke at a time. Take it slow, enjoy your pace and embrace your Zentangle practice. Have faith in yourself as an artist and give yourself some room to explore and go in different directions.
Finally, to answer the specific question asked, "Is Project Pack No. 21 for more advanced tanglers?"
My response would be, “not necessarily.”
“Should you try Project Pack No. 21?”
The answer is, “Yes”. If you have any introductory exposure to the method, you have enough experience to do the Project Pack. Work at your own pace and embrace your work. More importantly, do it the best that you can. It is your journey, not anybody else’s. Following along as the videos are released is fun and the energy is supportive. It is exciting watching it all unfold. You can always watch a video lesson first without tangling and then watch it again and tangle at your own pace. It is magical to see what others are creating along with you, and you can always choose to take your time on your own work but still follow what others are doing.
Our Project Pack series unfolded almost accidentally and has unexpectedly grown into something we both love and cherish. We never envisioned that we would get this far. Here we are, 21 packs later, and things have evolved in a very exciting way. We have learned and been inspired by all of you and thank you all for supporting us and tangling along. If you are also new to the Zentangle Method, I give you an encouraging, “Go for it!”, any Project Pack is possible, one stroke at a time!
Which Project Pack inspired you the most? What did you learn from that Project Pack?
Let us know in the comments below. We will be giving away something special to 3 winners, names picked randomly. Winners will be announced in our next blog.
Deborah R on
Every project pack is my favorite, but I really like #PP21 because the “extras” have encouraged me to move past the lessons on my own and stretch my tangling boundaries. Thank you!!
Robbin K on
My favorite is Project pack No.5.
I was really inspired and enjoyed by that.
I loved this project pack about decorating precious photos and memorabilia from the past with zentangle. I also like the fact that zentangle art can be integrated into our daily lives. The tangle chosen was a bit unexpected and I learned a lot about how to use it as a frame.
Mika Shiohara on
I’ve been inspired by project pack 1, as it helped me overcome the challenge of working on a black tile! It was a good to learn the various tricks and tips! Recently I’ve been very inspired by project pack 19 and I am going to work on it soon. It would certainly help me overcome the fear of working on a large surface and also challenge me to complete a project. As you folks say, anything is possible one stroke at a time!
Suchitra K on
Thanks again for all you do for us tanglers.But always learning something from each one.
carmela on
Eglee Torres on
I’ve completed project packs 12 and 18, along with the dream catcher version of 17, my own hand drawn version of 19, and various individual “days” from PPs 11,13,14,15,16 and 20. There are so many project packs I haven’t explored yet, but of the ones I have explored, I was most inspired by project packs 12 and 17. PP12 became the 12 months of Zentangle, as I completed one of the 12 “days” each month of the following year! Exploring the combination of the varied tones that can be created on the Renaissance tiles was a great learning experience. I also enjoyed creating the dream catcher as an alternative composition to creating the individual tiles of a kaleidoscope in PP17. Regardless of the project pack, I find creative inspiration in working with a variety new materials, and in listening, observing and joining you on the Zentangle journey!
Tina Kramer on
I’ve been doing PPs since I learned about them at seminar when I became a CZT. I have done 17 now, and love that each one is unique and fun to do. My all time favorite has to be PP19, challenging me beyond anything I could imagine, and I’m so very proud to have that finished piece framed in my home! PP21 is a close second! I love that it is not only stretching creativity, but I will end up with a very unique keepsake book! Well done ZHQ on your creativity with this PP. I think that PPs that give me something other than a collection of loose tiles in the end are my favorites. Can’t wait to see the next one! 💖
Nancy G, CZT33 on
I was afraid I would have to answer this question eventually. How to choose? I love them all, and I love remembering where I was, what was happening in my life as I did them. But if I have to select one, it has to be Project Pack 6, the “No Mistakes” mini journal. I love that the idea of no mistakes is celebrated and honored with its very own little journal—beauty in its inky little pages.
Becky Ruiz Jenab on
Sue on
I’m a big fan of the Apprentice Project Pack. Although I teach to classrooms full of children, I can see that the Apprentice Project Pack would work well for adults too! The kids are adorable …
Ann Baum on
I’m a big fan of the Apprentice Project Pack. Although I teach to classrooms full of children, I can see that the Apprentice Project Pack would work well for adults too! The kids are adorable …
Ann Baum on
Claudia McKeon on
Vivian on
I have purchased all the project packs over the last three years and have completed most, and am now revisiting the ones I had not completed. The beauty of the project packs is you do NOT have to purchase one to see what it’s all about: review the videos to be found on the website under Shop/Project Packs/View videos. Then you can either do it all on your own or have the ultimate experience of using the exact materials for which it was intended.
Regarding Project Pack 19: Unusually, there was quite a lot of FB chatter about “where is this going” and “I’m not sure I’m liking not knowing what the outcome will be.” But at the end, everything I saw was a rave review.. I have my result propped up at my work table, I’m so tickled with it!
I have liked some PPs more than others, but to my surprise I find I like the “others” better when I revisit them. I’m currently finishing up PP 7 (gray tiles) and enjoying it immensely. My next is PP 5 (the cartouche pack), which I’ve never started. I’m looking forward to it now.
KENDRA PAGE on
My word! So many project packs to choose from! I have found the Legends of Zentangle booklet so useful, and I am still adding new bits to the other wonderful books. With the large Project Pack 19 project, I had to keep reminding myself to trust the process and I am glad that I did!
Catherine Gisby on
Ulrike on
I don’t remember the numbers, but I’ve enjoyed all the project packs in one way or another. What I find most interesting is learning techniques that have certain effects that this very analytical and non-artistic mind would never have thought of, that I can then apply later in other projects. I feel like I’m getting a toolkit of artistic skills I thought were beyond me. I’m so proud to display my work around the house in places of honor, and I no longer think of myself as “not an artist,” just “not trained.” And we all know that the forest would be very quiet indeed of only the birds who were trained were allowed to sing! (That is a quote, I can’t remember where from). So in my untrained way and armed with a few Zentangle tricks gleaned from watching the lessons, I make art and enjoy both the process and the result.
Laura on
I love love love all the project packs but if I have to pick one it would definitely be project pack 19. I am so intimidated by any large tiles like the apprentice tile or opus tile and have been avoiding them forever. I had so much doubt after I open the material pack and thought there is no way I would ever finish this project pack. Every video for this pack, I was reminded to trust the process and I was so thrilled when the project was finally completed! Not only did I learn to enjoy every stroke and to work patiently, this project pack allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and explore my creativity. I am not sure whether it was the time spent, or the new tangles I have never drawn, this peroject pack gave me the most satisfaction a I have never felt so accomplished!
Jacqueline Lee CZT 36 on
Carol R. on
Love all your project packs!!! My art supply wish list grows longer with each new release.
Michele Couture on
Kathleen Wiktor on
Sherry Wick on
I took a chance on Project Pack 01 and loved it. I have participated in every PP since then. I am very happy and satisfied with my work on Project Pack 19 and gained a lovely piece of art for my wall. However, my VERY favorite is Project Pack 04 – the Tangle Spinner. It was a challenge that I was able to finish and feel proud of my accomplishment.. It looked lovely and I turned it into a clock. I liked that piece so much I created my own circular spinner, tangled that and turned it into a clock as well. Those are the two pieces I am most proud of and show to people as an example of what can be accomplished with tangling – one line at a time.
Jo D on
My favorite and most referenced is Project Pack #10. It is the one I go back to constantly! It taught me many new tangles and they were put directly into a booklet which I could refer to for inspiration! It also jogs my memory of different tangles! When I did Project Pack #10, I wrote down the names of the tangles so I could remember their names! All the Project Packs are good in different ways but #10 is still my favorite!
Zipporah Rosenblatt on