What do I need to start?
A calming, creative way to draw one stroke at a time
Zentangle is an easy-to-learn method of creating beautiful images by drawing structured patterns, known as tangles. It promotes relaxation, focus, and creativity. No artistic experience is necessary.
The easiest way to get some pointers is to join an introduction class, where you will experience how the tools work for you, and what the steps are in practice.
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To get started, you'll need:
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A fine liner pen: The Sakura Pigma Micron 01 is recommended for its precision and archival-quality ink. The Unipin Fine Line by Mitsubishi Pen Company is also great value.
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Drawing tiles: Small, square card tiles. They provide a defined space for your art. Zentangle Inc sell them, and you can buy them from Amazon, though any quality cotton or superior card stock, around 300gms, that is acid free and fairly smooth so the pen can flow well will work.. Zentangle Inc has researched and produces some their own brand, made of cotton. They also produce a variety of sizes and colours.
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A pencil: For drawing borders and adding shading a quality graphite pencil, that is B or 2B works well.
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A Tortillon: Also called a smudger, this is a rolled up paper stick you can buy or make. Instructions to make them are on this page.
The 8 Steps of the Zentangle Method
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Gratitude and Appreciation: Begin with a moment of gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity to create.
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Mark in the corner dots in pencil.
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Draw a Border: Using your pencil, lightly draw a square border on your tile joining the corner dots
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Draw a String: Within the border, draw a light, abstract line or curve to divide the space.
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Draw Your Tangles: Using your pen, fill each section with a different pattern, one stroke at a time.
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Add Shading: Use your pencil to add shading, enhancing depth and dimension. Use the tortillon to add dimension.
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Initial and Sign: Add your initials on the front and sign the back of your tile.
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Appreciate Your Work: Take a moment to admire your creation.
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Supplies
Buying direct from Zentangle Inc is possible, but shipping costs and potential tariffs/customs may make this not cost effective, especially if you are just starting out. The other nearest official supplier is TangleKunst in Germany, but again the duties and shipping may make this not possible.
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For a first time Tangler, as well as more experienced ones, its possible to source supplies in the UK easily.
In SE London, Cowling and Wilcox sell pens, and the Sakura an Unipin pens are widely avaialbe in art shops. You may be abel to order directly with your local art shop. if they don't have them.
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For all courses run by Element Box, all tools are provided, either just for the session or to take home and keep on certain courses.
You do not have to buy all the 'right' pens to make a start. Just start! Any pen that is not too thick will do, and you can do this on copier paper or in a notepad so you can start today.
You can find tools on Amazon. If you do use the links below this is website is an affiliate which means a small proportion of your purchase price is given to us.
One Sakura Pigma Micron Black 01 (0.25cm)
Pack of pens all 01 (0.25cm)
Official Zentangle Sakura pen set , two 01 and one 05 black pens
SAKURA Zentangle 89 x 89 mm Original Zentangle Tiles (Pack of 20), white
Choose from different tile suppliers
Tortillons and smudgers. There are no packs of the same size but you only need small ones.