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Linda Farmer, Certified Zentangle Teacher

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How to draw FLEC

Zentangle pattern: Flec. Image © Linda Farmer and TanglePatterns.com. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. You may use this image for your personal non-commercial reference only. The unauthorized pinning, reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal.Flec is a lovely ribbon or border-style tangle from UK tangler Jem Miller (aka Ragged Ray), who’s previously shared her Snag, Kitl and Sati tangles with us.

Jem explains how she came up with this Zen-like tangle,

I based it on those images that pepper the cover of so many Zen guidebooks. A stack of stones on water with their reflection beneath them. Hence the name – Flec.

Curious to know more about Zen Stones, I came across this article about Zen Gardens describing the various shapes of stones and their meanings. The article begins with this general description:

“Zen gardens are specifically designed to give people time to escape hectic daily life and reflect on themselves and the world around them without the influences of others. The Japanese have used Zen gardens since the Muromachi period [1336 to 1573]. Since that time, Zen gardens have grown in popularity around the world, as people have adopted various ways to relax and search for inner peace.

Unlike typical gardens that feature flowers and greenery or water, Zen gardens are sparse and feature only sand, gravel, stones and every so often, a few pieces of moss. While Zen gardens may seem lacking, every part of the garden has a meaning. Sand is used to represent water, while gravel sometimes symbolizes the ocean or the islands of Japan.

Stones are one of the most important aspects of a Zen garden and have several meanings, such as harmony and soul. Each rock shape and formation has a different name and is represented by one of the five elements.” [See the article for a description of the shapes and their meanings.]

A number of indigenous cultures around the world have similar practices, including cairns in Scotland and rock stacking by Native American Indians and the inuksuk of Canada’s Inuit. In some cases these stacks were seen as a symbol of a protective spirit and in many places people have adopted this practice at the entrance of their home or property for this symbolism.

“Cairns have been and are used for a broad variety of purposes, from prehistoric times to the present.

In modern times, cairns are often erected as landmarks, a use they have had since ancient times. However, since prehistory, they have also been built and used as burial monuments; for defense and hunting; for ceremonial purposes, sometimes relating to astronomy; to locate buried items, such as caches of food or objects; and to mark trails, among other purposes.” ~ Wikipedia

Both articles are fascinating reading. Look how much you can learn from a simple tangle! And now for Flec

Jem illustrates the step-by-step instructions for drawing Flec here on her blog where she shows Flec in use in three pretty Zentangle®-inspired pieces. As she says, “it has scope for variation as to the size and shape of the ‘stones’ you use, and how you choose to stack them.

As you enjoy any of the tangles on the site, please do leave a comment of thanks and encouragement to show the artists you appreciate them for sharing their creativity to inspire yours.

Check out the tag jemm for more of Jem’s tangles on TanglePatterns.com.

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6 comments to How to draw FLEC

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