We always say that the Zentangle Method attracts really awesome people. We have had the pleasure of working with wonderful Certified Zentangle Teachers (CZT) all over the world and we are excited to share these wonderful people with the entire Zentangle Community. Through our series, CZT Family Tree, we will introduce individual CZTs.

Today, we are excited to introduce Ann Baum!
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Name: Ann Baum
CZT#: 36
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
Favorite tangle: Tipple. DingsplatZ have become my favorite reticula.
Favorite place to tangle: Anywhere and everywhere! Alone at home, with friends, students, or on a road trip. Zentangle is so portable that you can even tangle in your dreams.
How I use the Zentangle Method in my life: Teaching art to children. Grief management following the death of my husband 8 years ago. Now, as way to manage stress as I care for my ailing parents.
My favorite story or memory about teaching the Zentangle Method is: In the past five years I have been able to watch my young students use Zentangling as a measure of success in their lives. Zentangling is not graded, compared to others, or negatively critiqued. My students experience positive feedback, camaraderie in the classroom environment, and above all FUN! Some adults who have visited my classroom have compared my teaching style to stand-up comedy because I weave funny stories, puns and silly trivia into each lesson. I love teaching Zentangle to children, it is so rewarding watching the creative spark being ignited.
Through my experiences as a CZT, I have learned: Serendipity, looking for one thing and finding another that's even better. You can't look for it, but once you've found it, you can share it. I have learned to I watch for those who are seeking a calm and creative outlet and offer them a Zentangle tour. I have learned it's not for everyone, but everyone appreciates the simple beauty and elegance of the Zentangle Method.
If I’m not tangling, you will find me...: After the passing of my parents, my role of full time caregiver ended. The unexpected joy that Zentangles brought my parents is a testament to the power of visual art. In their final months I filled their room with neon tangles that transformed the space and gave them a glowing show of color and pattern. In the two years since I have added road trips and a great grandson to my activities. My secret passion is taking pictures while going through car washes.
Mosaic Name (if applicable): CZT36Ann


I started this tile during the Dancing in the Moonlight GellyRoll Project Pack. It’s not finished, neither am I. Waiting for the right moment to continue. My life is on hold, so is this tile.
Ann I find some lovely intersections in our stories. I work with children as an elementary school counselor and have gotten to do some Zentangle work with small and large groups at my school. I, too, shepherded my parents for some years before they passed in the last year. They both had life-ending conditions and it was a lot! I admire your work and also knowing your boundaries as you do this sacred work for your parents and the children you serve. Love, healing and care to you!
Linda Lockwood on
Florence Lednum on
Florence Lednum on
Kathy Stockton-Behnke on
Libby Gilpatric CZT 19 on
Barb on
My surprise at finding myself featured on the Family Tree was surpassed only by the responses. I read, and reread, them as a way to pinch myself that all these lovely people relate to my tangled life in some way. I appreciate not only being selected, but hope that other tanglers who have found a refuge in Zentangling know that the aura that surrounds tanglers is contagious. It can be as powerful as medication in calming, focusing and healing your mind, body and soul during challenging times. To that I can now add all of you. Thank you.
Ann Baum on
Kristia Wolf, CZT30 on
Carol Sheridan, CZT19 on
Ginger White CZT34 on
Jacqueline Evans on
Dakamom on
Alice Steuck Konkel on
Janice, CZT 14 on
Your unfinished tile is beautiful.
Judy on
. Vivian on
Thanks so much for sharing your story with us…I like your way of thinking and your ‘tangleness’!! Best to you and your parents, Ann -💜
Shawna Oertley on
Thanks so much for sharing your story with us…I like your way of thinking and your ‘tangleness’!! Best to you and your parents, Ann -💜
Shawna Oertley on
Nancy needler on
Judith Rae Shamp, CZT 9 on
Kathy McMurtry on
Brenda Jowers on
Thank you Ann for sharing this. I loved your “pleasantly pleased”, it is so true. The tile/text you shared at the end is also beautiful. Tiles are what they are. Maybe there are no finished tiles, just tiles that represents a moment in time and it is as it is. Sending warm thoughts.
Juliet on
Lauren D Yeandel on
Anonymous on