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The 8 Steps of the Zentangle Method: A Tutorial

The 8 Steps of the Zentangle Method: A Tutorial

I am often asked, “What are the rules for creating Zentangle art?"

I always reply with a cheeky response, “have fun!”

I know this is not the answer they are hoping for, but the truth is, there really are no rules. There are 8 guiding steps that provide structure. These 8 Steps of the Zentangle Method give you a clear and accessible foundation for creating beautiful art and experiencing all the benefits that this method has to offer.

Once you have a solid foundation to start on, there is room for exploration and evolution, but you are always supported by those introductory steps.

Today we are going back to basics and taking a moment to savor the 8 Steps of the Zentangle Method. In this lesson, we slow down and work deliberately through the 8 foundational steps and explore the roots of the Zentangle Method.

If you are journaling along with us, I hope you are feeling energized by the focus on gratitude in last week’s blog. Many of you shared in the comments how practicing every day gratitude lifts your moods and spirits.

This week, leave a spot on one of your pages for the tile we are working on today (or tangle directly in your journal!). Reflect on the 8 Steps as a source of comfort and support.

Note: as an homage to the lessons from the Original Kit DVD, this lesson has no sound/spoken instruction.



Upload your tile to the Zentangle Mosaic App with the hashtag #8Steps2024 and we will randomly select a user to receive a Zentangle surprise! To be entered into the drawing, please upload your tile by 12:00PM EST on January 22, 2024.

To learn more about the 20th Anniversary Journal Prompts, visit this page.

Thank you to everyone who shared your thoughts about Gratitude on our last blog. We have randomly selected Laurie Nielsen to receive an 8-Steps print. Please send your snail mail address to info@zentangle.com.

Julie Willand

16 comments

  • There isn’t any sound on this video.

    Deb Stipp on

  • I AM GLAD TO BE RE-CONNECTING TO THE WORLD OF “TANGLATION.” I WAS INTRODUCED TO THIS WORLD IN 2021 THROUGH A WOMEN’S CENTER. (I AM NOT SURE THE INSTRUCTOR WAS A CERTIFIED C.Z.T.) MY INTEREST HAS BEEN RE-KINDLED BY SEEING TANGLES ONLINE THROUGH “REELS” AND YOU TUBE VIDEOS.
    THESE HAVE INTRODUCED THE CONCEPT OF GRATITUDE AND RELEASING THAT WHICH DOES NOT SERVE YOU. THIS ADDS A WHOLE NEW DIMENSION TO THE PROCESS! I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO CELEBRATING 20 YEARS WITH YOU! SEVERAL VIDEOS I SEE MENTION THE 100 TANGLE CHALLENGE, OR SOMETHING SIMILAR. CAN YOU GIVE A BACKGROUND ON THIS IDEA? PERHAPS I WILL CONSIDER A 365 TANGLE CHALLENGE IN 2024!

    Laurel Paulson-Pierce on

  • Lovely. The simplicity of it . It is such a great reminder. I started tangling again just a couple of weeks ago and treated myself to PP22 . Loving all its opportunities I am at the same time craving for the simplicity of the first tangles I created , especially because since January started I don‘t have a lot of spare time at my hands. So a heartfelt thanks to Julie for the 8 steps. Will take them tonight!

    Susanne Duesberg on

  • Always wondered what I was keeping that Shades journal for! Looking forward to filling it this year, congrats on 20 years!

    ildica boyd on

  • Relaxed this evening following Julie’s silent video with my Gratitude for Zentangle & I posted to Mosaic. I then viewed the video of Journals for the 3rd or 4th time this week. I’m motivated to work on my Journal/Tome that I started to collect all my Project Pack tiles in. I am also working on covers of a few Journals with my Gratitude & Appreciation for having started my Tangling journey in 2017.

    Johnifer Baker CZT41 on

  • Happy to celebrate the 20th Anniversary with this big community , the beauty of 8 steps of Zentangle Method …
    I would like to share with all of you that I did this tile a few minutes ago to calm my mind and the itchy ( urticaria hives ) afterwork & it works

    Meritxell CZTEU04 on

  • This was so relaxing. But to truly reflect the retro beginning video, perhaps some of Rick’s flute music might be appropriate! I like going back to basics. It’s a great mental palate cleanser between complex projects. Okay, back to PP22!

    Kendra Page on

  • I have every single tile and notebooks and other books for the larger tiles handmade by fellow CZTs to keep them safe. Some tiles are not up to my personal standards or I started off not understanding a tangle, so I have them aside to use for future projects because no mistakes! I know I will find inspiration with them eventually!

    Debbie Marie Smith on

  • Going back to the first kit reminded me of my first attempt to Zentangle. I still have my very first tile. I wonder how many others saved their first tile, and wouldn’t it be fun to see them? I often look at mine and appreciate it and appreciate how far I’ve come. Just a thought.

    Carla Sheinkopf on

  • I love going back to the beginning and basic black and white. It is much more relaxing.

    Terri Y. on

  • I wish we all would do more of this type of tangling.

    Angie Gittles on

  • It’s like a homecoming when I tangle in this fashion. Familiar and comfortable. No worrying the outcome, no preplanning, just going with the flow as the tangles take me. Thank you for grounding us as we explore all that Zentangle offers our hungry creativity.

    Jacki Fry Brewer, CZT25 on

  • Okay, when I am feeling in disorder for any reason I go through the 8 steps that are hanging from my curtain rod not just for Zentangle but it can apply most anywhere in my life.

    Also, seeing this bigger kit gives me a serious case of the wants as my son used to say. That is gorgeous!

    Kathy Y. on

  • The eight steps are so “grounding” for the participants, as well as for myself!!! Thank you for reiterating this for us! :-)

    Mary Stayner on

  • Thank you for reinforcing the eight guidelines for Zentangle! I am teaching three workshops in January. I’ve decided to hang on the wall for each workshop, the chart of the 8 Steps to Zentangle! I had purchased it six years ago when I was certified in Providence. No, I realize I am celebrating almost 20 years of Zentangle with you by displaying my chart in the room! Some of my students are returning students and it’s a good reminder for them. The new participants really need them as a guideline. So it works for everyone. Including me! Thank you for making the chart available for CZTs. It’s a keeper.

    Gratitude and appreciation, both at the beginning of each workshop, and again at the end has always impressed on me such good feelings. Happy anniversary!

    Mary Illana Perrin CZT on

  • I love it! I so appreciate the 8 steps especially with new people and returning after not practicing for awhile. Seems the first to go is “Gratitude!” And Appreciation! Most important…but each has their place to guide instruction – and lead us to NO MISTAKES! Which I really need to remember….

    Mary Ellen Ziegler CZT33 on

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