Finding the Elegance in Limits

I discovered Zentangle back in February 2012 and right from the start I found working within “strings” difficult and finally after a few months, gave them away completely and since then have never used them. Working with PP26 I realised that strings didn’t seem to be important at all ! I found it all to be rather comforting, albeit a bit confusing,, but it still bothered me that the the strings were still always “there” in the background. I then started making my own zendala tiles, where I was able to get rid of the strings, so I was much happier as the “lessons” were, in many cases, not using the strings anyway! But I did not enjoy seeing them in the background; in my view, if you have strings, then they are there to be used ! I still enjoyed PP26. But the pre strung tiles still do not do it for me! To each their own I think, but I still prefer to work without strings. I also realise you were also helping the “newbies” along and that is fine too. I am still indebted to all the Zentangle “mob” over the last 13 years and I DO enjoy each project and the work it entails, but this one (PP26) was not my favourite…….sorry!

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I just ordered PP26 last week. When I was glancing through some of work on the Mosaic App, I was delighted at all the results and I really like Zendala the most right now. I actually have been playing with the string Zendala and seeing how I can move beyond the strings. Sometimes I can’t even remember what the string is that I started with. I am excited about doing PP26! Just started on Day01!

I made it through a few days before leaving on a cruise where I can’t watch videos so will continue when I get home.

I have enjoying seeing how each lesson develops and really like this set of prestrung tiles. I learn so much from these project packs.

Hi Julie I like Zendala tiles, the pre strung idea is almost too much since I don’t like the line showing thru. Use of color is appreciated thanks for this!

I am enjoying these tiles because I have the videos to watch. I still don’t understand the point of having a string that you don’t use and I really don’t like the lines that show through that aren’t used. When you are figuring out how to use the pre-strung tiles you have unlimited materials, but we only have one try, so there is no ability to try different ways to do a given tile. I reallly like seeing the different options that were shown in the wrap-up video, but was not able to choose another style because my tiles were already used. Also, now what do I do with the tiles that there are no instructions for? Like the ones with the circles. I’m lost.

When I opened PP26 I was so excited because I love the Zendala tiles and I also love working with the the prestrung tiles. I am looking forward to when these new tiles will be available for purchase. I also am really enjoying learning all the different ways that you can use the Koi pens. Thank you to everyone at HQ for all you do for the Zentangle community.

I’m going on my way in this Project Pack…
The “Prestrung” Zendalas were being one of my “pending” in Zentangle but One month ago I let me the opportunity to draw one and I Loved it… and now in my buy wish list there’s the oficial PP26

I have signed up for CZT in October and am really enjoying each project pack as they are released. I love that each tile is unique and relaxing and challenging all at the same time. When I first heard that limitations increase creativity, I really did not agree. I have never been a color in the lines person. But, what I found is that I like the limitations of materials while doing the tiles, especially when I am traveling and am limited to only what is provided. The simplicity allows for more creativity as you need to figure out how to make it work with what you have. It’s freeing to me.

At first, when I saw the pre-strung Zendalas I wasn’t sure if I was going to like using them because I wondered if they would be too limiting, but as I worked with them, and used them as reference points instead of hard and fast structures, I really liked them a lot. I’m fascinated with strings and am collecting some to refer to in the future. I like the process of drawing a string, tangling, and then adding color and shading – all the layers and the way a piece evolves is such a pleasure. I, too, love seeing what’s in the Mosaic app and I check it often during a project pack. One thing that really helped me came from Kuvumelana_CZTEU5 who wrote: “I’ve learned to lean on the string without letting it lead.” Other take aways were: leave some white space, lots of ink helps a composition, #scenabaugh, and “drawing over.” I appreciate the work put into these PP by Zentangle HQ and also all the Zentangle artists around the world!

I have never felt comfortable with pre-strung tiles. The lines seemed to interfere with what I wanted to do. PP26 gave me “permission” to ignore the lines, however I kept wanting to erase or do something with the lines that showed through the finish piece.

I didn’t feel the same constraints as you did Julie … likely because I use these packs to learn different tangles or treatments of tangles I use regularly. I follow the instructions (mostly) as given. I didn’t feel stuck because the videos walked me through the steps.

I have never been a Zendala person, I like the square tiles and basically stick to them. This project pack did get me excited about the opportunities and challenges that the round tiles will provide. I love these project packs! Thank you.

I found your PP videos last month and I’ve tried a few and enjoyed creating with you. I saw others posting Day 6 and it called to me so I had to try it. Imagine my surprise when I saw the prestrung tile! I figured out how to make the string and I was off. I loved the tile so I made 4 more stings to play around with patterns & color. Thanks for the inspiration!!

I enjoyed this project pack because it provided inspiration for my tangling. I did use the Marcus Operandus and a compass to make my own strings

Perfect timing on this PP. I am uncomfortable with Zendalas in general, let alone how to use one that is pre-strung—Could be the size. I am exploring pre-strung Zendalas in May with my class. This allows for me to work through my own discomfort to help my students. Thank you so much for these videos!

I thoroughly enjoyed PP#26 and just completed it. The pre-strung Zendalas were great and I loved the use of color. I liked using the Koi brushes for color and would like you to explore other color applications.

Keep up the good work!

LOL I’m still working my way through the tiles. I did replicate two of the strings in my small tangle book from PP06. I carry it with me to pick away at. It’s super fun to show people what you are doing.

I have struggled with trying to use and teach pre-strung tiles in the past. I felt they took a bit of the process away from me.

The project pack helped me see how to get past my own blind eye so to speak and imagine that the pre-strung String might’ve been something I created. After I accepted that string, I could fill the tile.
Thank you for expanding my Zentangle step four.

I loved this project pack and it really challenged me. I inadvertently gave away the tiles in the pack thinking they were the same as other pre-strung Zendalas of which I had plenty. I only realized my mistake in the first video session! Oops! So I decided to really test my own ‘elegance of limits by using the older pre-strung tiles. I found the challenge so satisfying! Loved being way out of my comfort zone!

I loved this pp26! The last one seemed to me to be perfect for beginners and then you can always add “a seasoned touch”! This pp starts seasoned and you can stay the course or spice it up even more! And then the colors!! So fun 🤩 Thank you!

I love the Project Pack videos, and all the other video classes from HQ (like Be Well), and try to follow along using my own materials. I usually watch first, then tangle later. The challenges presented by Zentangle HQ, are always fun, but often force me out of my comfort zone. (Which is why I watch first and tangle later). My greatest pleasure is seeing the gorgeous PP results posted on the Mosaic app, by all the tanglers participating. I love seeing the many variations each artist has made. It’s almost like I’m getting permission to “color outside the lines.” Which sounds silly given the philosophy of “the beauty of limits.” But seeing Maria, Rick, Martha and Molly doing it, somehow releases me from my natural instinct to stay within the preprinted boundaries. Like Julie, I am not fond of the pre-strung tiles because I feel obligated to honor the beautiful designs. These videos show me how to use them, (or ignore them). But more importantly, that the decision to do so is mine, and mine alone. Thanks Julie, and everyone at HQ for that reminder! •○☆●♡●☆○•

Yes, Julie! I don’t easily embrace pre-strung tiles either. I absolutely love the results from this project pack though. It has given me the confidence to try some different tangles using these strings. Thank you to all for producing this (and all) project packs.

Project Pack 26 was just right! It had new materials to explore and a good blend of of familiar tangles used in different ways. PP26 is good for tanglers of any experience level 😘

I am mid-project pack 26, and am loving these new prestrung tiles! I often wish I had two of everything; one to follow the lesson and another to work on with total abandon (I usually purchase two packs so I have that luxury from the get go. Some times I save the second for a later time, to revisit. I will be one of the first in line to purchase these prestrung beauties if/when they become available. I enjoy every project pack for all of the new things I learn. One of the most important items is to ‘Trust the process’ which I have taken to heart. Each pack is a treasure trove of insight, creativity and generosity of sharing, all of which never cease to amaze me and bring me great joy. With gratitude for all of the labor of love you all put into each of these.

I really enjoyed this Project Pack. I have always found it easier to have some limitations when making decisions. If the possibilities are open and endless, I feel overwhelmed! I found these strings very elegant and I can’t wait to share one or two of these lessons with my class.

Project Pack 26 was terrific! I’ve been tangling for a little over a year and the Project Packs have been my teachers along the way. Each one brings new things to learn about tangling and each teacher adds their own style method. Such wonderful “class” set up for me. My challenge in PP 26 was the color. They were bright! And pale and in between. Initially I said I would skip the brush pen and stick to the General colored pencil but no. Decided to go with the challenge. Some I loved and some not so much but the practice and slowing down were also a great learning experience. Thank you so much for all you do to bring art into the world.