What is a zentangle, how to learn it and how to apply it in needlework?

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Invented in 2006, today the zentangle has conquered the world. It is not difficult to learn this technique, and it gives a huge amount of pleasure and possibilities of use.

Zentangle - what is it?

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Zentangle almost anything with a pattern.

Unlike the similar technique of doodling, which involves completely intuitive drawing, works in the style of zentangle usually consist of some repeating patterns, patterns (tangles). Many patterns can be combined in one picture, and the technique itself is quite free and intuitive. Anyone who knows how to hold a pencil or pen in her hands can master it. Even if you believe that you don’t know how to draw at all, using the zentangle technique you can create original and very interesting works - perhaps this is something to start learning from.

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Zentangle: appearance story

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Zentangle was officially registered as a type of creativity in 2006. Its founders are Rick Roberts (Rick Roberts) and Maria Thomas (Maria Thomas). Maria Thomas is an artist, including those involved in fonts and calligraphy. Rick is a former monk who knows a lot about meditation. The story goes that one day they discovered that Mary, immersed in the drawing process, was in the same state that Rick was during meditation. Maria and Rick thought that they could create a simple system with which people could enjoy this activity. This is how the zentangle appeared (zen is the Buddhist name for the concept of “path” in the sense of a development path, tangle is confusion, curls).

Zentangl founders Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts

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The creators have patented their system and began to conduct seminars, teaching those who wish a new technique. Those who are trained receive a certificate of a zentangle teacher and persistent recommendations to use only certain paper and writing accessories in their work. But word of mouth worked faster than official advertising: knowledge of new technology spread over the world in a few years, gaining many new followers who draw on what and what they want. Moreover, it is not difficult to learn the zentangle yourself.

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Zentangle: how to learn the basics

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A classic zentangle is always drawn in black ink on a square piece of white paper with a side of 3.5 inches (8.9 cm). You can start your practice using any paper that suits you and a convenient pen (gel, soft ball, capillary, roller, thin felt-tip pen).

The basic rules of the classic zentangle:

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- Your drawing should have neither top nor bottom - it should not be rigidly oriented in space.

- He must not represent any recognizable item; ideally, it should be abstract.

- The zentangle should be monochrome - we draw on a plain sheet of paper in one contrasting color (initially - white paper and black drawing). However, having mastered the basics, you can make colorful drawings.

Where to begin?

- First, study the drawings in the style of the zentangle to understand its features: meditation, composing a whole from repeating patterns.

- Then select some simple classic patterns and copy them.

- When you “beat your hand” a little, try to create small zentangles yourself. Then you can start larger projects - for example, drawing large works or decorating things.

Zentangle: patterns for beginners

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Zentangle: ideas for use in needlework

A zentangle-style pattern can decorate clothes, accessories, items for interior decor, interior textiles, it can be used as a basis for embroidery, quilting or painting fabrics - there are many options. Before you start decorating an item or clothing, you should practice on a piece of paper. To prevent the pattern from being washed away, use appropriate materials and tools (indelible markers for fabric, permanent markers, acrylic, and so on).