Zentangle, Zendoodles - What Are They?

People have been doodling for years... well at least since the invention of the telephone! Haven't you sometimes been quite surprised at seeing the results of your mindless marks? Zentangles aren't really doodling in that way but they are created similarly; building up a design by completing small sections at a time. These small sections, or blocks of pattern are called 'tangles'.

The term 'Zentangle' was coined by Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts when Maria, a calligraphic artist, found that she was creating designs while her mind entered a meditative state. They designed a small library of 'tangles' and set about transforming Zentangle into a business.

Several years later and Zentangling has caught the imagination of the artistic (and not so artistic) community. The idea has spread almost virally and now you will find examples of Zentangles all over the web.

The great thing about Zentangles is that you can carry everything you need in your purse making this art form extremely portable. It is lovely to while away a few minutes while you are waiting for the kids or a doctor's appointment. You won't mind being kept waiting any more!

So the materials required for your Zendoodles are:

• A small sketchpad or supply of smooth watercolor paper.
• HB pencil
• Eraser
  
• Fine liner pens - I recommend Sakura Pigma Micron in a variety of sizes from 01 - 08.

And that's it. Did I mention that this is a very cheap hobby?

Alternatively Rick and Maria sell a beautiful Zentangling kit, which includes examples of tangles, pens, pencils, eraser, die-cut watercolor squares and a CD all in a gorgeous keep-forever presentation box.

There are many reasons to try the process of creating Zentangles. They are so relaxing - just put on some gentle music or perhaps an absorbing radio interview and simply let your hand doodle away. Your very first one may not be so good but I wager that your second one will thrill you! You can create them as small or as large as you want, They have been seen decorating all kinds of objects from shoe to walls.

When you are stressed, tired or bored, let your mind roam free while you engage in the relaxing art of Zendoodle.

In my next hub, I'll show you a quick and easy way to begin to create Zentangles or Zendoodles, call them what you will. If you can't wait then scoot over to my How to Zentangle page at Squidoo.

The Zentangle® art form and method was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. Zentangle® is a registered trademark of Zentangle, Inc. Learn more at zentangle.com.