​Art tells a beautiful story. You’re most likely here because you want to learn how to Tangle. If you’re looking for Zentangle patterns step by step, you’ve come to the right place!

I am so excited to introduce you to the wonderful art world of tangling! So, grab a cup of tea, relax and let’s get started. Welcome to the lovely world of tangling!

Zentangle is an art form that allows you to experiment, explore, and even break boundaries. It’s not necessary to be an art expert to be able to tangle. The process is rather simple; repeating patterns are the main focus of this course. Some of the patterns will look complex but rest assured they’re actually quite easy to create.

Over the next two weeks, I’m going to teach you how to draw basic tangles, patterns, pretty doodles, and plenty of inspiration.

Don’t be afraid to have fun and let your creativity follow its natural course. Once you’ve learned some of the basic tools, materials, and processes-you can explore tangling even further. Tangling can be used for simple doodling or creating beautiful masterpieces such as shoes, jewelry, and even fingernail art

I know you’ll enjoy all the projects, step-by-step lessons, and fun exercises to get your creative juices flowing.

Throughout this course you’ll find printable blanks for practicing, as well as helpful tips.  By the end of this course, you’ll not only have the knowledge needed to create beautiful tangles, you’ll be able to create your own unique beautiful pieces. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

This first session is a simple introduction to teach you the very basics of tangling. We’ll just be going over the terminology and materials needed to get you started so you don’t feel overwhelmed,

WHAT IS TANGLING?

Tangling is a soothing, entertaining, active form of art that utilizes patterns as a way of creating harmonized and dazzling pieces of art. While it’s true that tangling creates a pattern, a pattern is not always a tangle.

It’s important to understand that tangles do not serve as actual object or scene.

Tangling doesn’t focus on the finished design; rather, it focuses on the method of art instead. Each stroke is carefully considered, without having to be burdened with worry that you’ll mess up or over-think the end result. There’s no wrong or right way to tangle.

BASIC TANGLING TERMINOLOGY

TANGLE-The word “tangle” is actually both a verb and noun. Functioning as a verb, “tangle” is the act of creating work of tangled art (e.g., Let’s go tangle today”). In the form of a noun, “tangle” refers to the pattern that’s created following the defined method.

BORDER-Is the outline that runs along the outer edge of the tile, which encloses the tangle inside of the frame.

STRING-A simple, random pencil line which is the guiding factor upon which to tangle.

MOSAIC-Joining two or more tangle tiles for the purpose of creating a larger piece of artwork.

TILE-A 3 1/2 x 3 1/2-inch high-quality paper which tangles can be created upon.

TANGLE ENHANCER-An embellishment or technique that enhances a tangle. (You will learn about specific tangle enhancers in the next lesson.)

TOOLS AND MATERIALS NEEDED FOR TANGLING

You really only need a few basic essentials to tangle, pen, pencil, or a fine tip permanent marker, and paper. However, you’ll find that additional materials may come in handy as you become a more experienced tangle artist. Below you’ll find a list of optional materials.

Paper
There are different types of paper that can be used for tangling, it really comes down to personal preference. It may be helpful to test out some different types of paper to find which one works best for you. I always recommend starting out with Bristol board.

According to Wikipedia, Bristol board (also referred to as Bristol paper or Super white paper) is an uncoated, machine-finished paperboard. It is named after the city of Bristol in the southwest of England as that is where it was first produced.

Pencils and fine tip permanent marker pens

Blending Stumps

Erasers for adding highlighting

Sharpener

Colored pencils

Gel pens which are good for going over dark areas.

For your first assignment (don’t worry, it’s easy), I want you to get at least the basic materials needed for tangling. That way you’ll be ready to start practicing after your second lesson.

I hope you enjoyed learning the basics of tangling and are excited for my next lesson! Until then, have a tanglerrific day!

If you have any questions about the information that I just covered, I encourage you to leave a comment below or email me at walkingmombiedesign @gmail.com.

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