I’m the type of person who likes to create systems for doing things, whether it be business procedures or a household-related task like a reusable shopping list template.
So I thought I’d share how I organize my tangle patterns and the steps for drawing them in case it’s helpful for fellow Zentangle® Zealots.
To start with, I use Moleskine® squared notebooks. The paper is acid-free and nice and smooth for drawing with the Sakura Micron Pens. The squared pages provide light guidelines and these me help get more accurate proportions when I draw. Not having done any drawing before, I need all the help I can get. These notebooks are a perfect size for portability along with your Zentangle® supplies.
In the small notebook (3 1/2 ” x 5 1/2) I begin by marking up the page with light pencil dots in 3 cm squares (6 boxes in each direction). This is actually quite a relaxing process in itself and can be done while “watching” television. Here’s what the page looks like when the pencil dots are done:
Lightly penciled dots create 6 boxes for the step-by-step illustrations
I do several pages at a time and then connect the dots to create the boxes. I even treat this like doing a Zentangle®, making all the lines in one direction first, then turning the notebook and doing the lines in the next direction, and so on. This process conveniently gives you 6 squares for your step-by-step instructions. Some patterns need an odd number of guidelines, so for those I do a page of 7-box squares. Here’s an example of the boxes ready to go:
I’ve only use one side of each page because some patterns are quite dense with ink and there can be a little bleed-through through on the back of the page.
I leave the first couple of pages blank in the book and number the top right corner of each page. Then I can write in a Table of Contents on the blank front pages. This reference helps me find patterns quickly.
Then I draw the step-by-steps with red and black Sakura Micron pens. I often use my Zentangle pencil first to get an idea of how to place strokes correctly, then I throw all caution to the wind and let it rip with the pens. Here’s an example of Sandy Bartholomew’s pattern, Flutter Tile.
Recently I purchased the larger 5 x 8 1/4-inch size squared Moleskine®. In this one I’m creating a library of finished pattern samples and examples of variations so I can refer to it for inspiration. This size fits 15 pattern examples per page, so there should be lots of room for growth. Originally I used a small Moleskine® for this purpose, but it didn’t take long to fill it in. Here’s an example of what the small page looks like.
The first book of my pattern library, now replaced with the larger size Moleskine® with room for 15 patterns per page.
I invite you to share your system of organization for your patterns in the comments. Systems can always be improved and I’d love to hear what you guys have sorted out. Over to you …
BTW – Be sure to visit the DOWNLOADS tab at the top of the page for free downloadable templates to use for your patterns.
Get Your Supplies Here at Excellent Prices
If you’d like to try out my system, you can get these supplies on Amazon and they have great pricing compared to local retail outlets:
I’m a fairly new tangler and have started some pages of tangle ideas that are organized by types. You look at a blank spot on your drawing and think “that space needs something on a grid” or “something with circles would look good there”. Of course the hard part is classifying the tangles in my Idea Notebook.
I thought about using a bound book, but use a homemade version so I can take out just the ones I need for a particular piece and use a heavier weight paper. Here’s how:
1. Design page in Word. Each page holds 3 finished cards, each card has room for identification, small boxes for steps, a larger area for the finished pattern, and a section for notes.
2. Print the pages. Cut into 3 cards, punch holes.
3. Draw in the tangles. Add shading, any options, and any notes or ideas as you complete each card.
4. Lace the cards together with book rings, ribbon, or string. I use a Red shoelace.
I like to sort the patterns, for example, pull together the “organic” or “geometric” patterns, or sort by density. It helps me select what pattern to use. Does any one else sort like this?
Wow, that’s a LOT more organized than my “system”.
Whenever I find a pattern or step by step card I want to try, I copy/paste it into a word doc. I arrange them to get as many as I can on as few pages as possible, then print.
Those loose sheets of paper are filed (read stuffed) between the two tangle pattern books I won from Suzanne McNeil in my basket of tangling stuff.
I tried to copy the patterns & steps all into one notebook, but it wasn’t gridded just lined, so they went sideways on me. Plus, I couldn’t make myself stop at step 1, then step 2. Or I’d get step 1 & 2, but screw up 3 & 4, and have a wasted page. I guess I’m dense, but the idea of starting with a pencil first never occurred to me d’oh.
There’s no sorting or anything, I just kind of flip through until I see something I want to use.
This is a great idea. For myself, I keep my patterns on 8-1/2 x 11 card stock in a binder. I also scan the pages and copy them into a photo album on my iPod Touch so I can refer to them any time.
The iTouch idea is brilliant. While I adore the idea of the small moleskine journals – using the iTouch, or similar, means less stuff to haul around when traveling. The Archos 5 offers 256G of space so you can load, music, audio, videos and a ton of picture files into a device the only slightly bigger than an index card. Thank you for this.
I printed instructions off and keep them in a loose leaf binder. Would be ideal to alphabetize them too. I love the photo album for iPod idea too.
Love to Use Ur idea!!
I’ve started putting mine on 4×6 unruled index cards. I have a template I created with 6 blank boxes. I printed a bunch of them out and I use them to create new tangles I make up or learn. I then store them in a photo album (small, but lots of pages). I can also print things I find online onto the 4×6. This way I can rearrange (if I ever got that organized.. not) them into a different order any time I need to. I have scanned them so I can print them for class handouts when I teach. It’s a handy size for most people to deal with. But then again, there is always a better system somewhere
I guess I’ll see how long this one works.
I have a 3 ring binder. I have been printing pattern insturctions and putting them in page protectors.
The binder has pockets in it and I have my copy of Totally Tangled in one of them and Zentangles 1 and 2 in another.
The cover of the binder has a place for a sheet of paper. I took a piece of cardstock and used my printer to print the word Zentangle very large and arched in the center of the page and I’ve been doing tangles on the remainder of the page.
I have a pencil box that I have pens (Micron and Copic) and pencils (both hard and soft). So I can grab the box, my binder and a spiral book I have and I can tangle to my heart’s content.
I’ve experimented with several different methods – each of them had parts that worked but overall I’m still looking for a better way – so I’m very interested in hearing what others are doing.
Had a Duh moment re: Genevieve’s post and iPod Touch. I copy/paste the images of instructions and also use software called SnagIt to take screen captures of tangle patterns I see in others photos. All saved as photos. I often wondered about having them handy on my Touch but never connected the dots of loading up all my screen captures. That will be this weekend’s project! Thanks for that idea!
My first attempt – copying all the images into Word Tables and keeping them in a 3 ring binder. As the collection grew it became too unwieldy.
Next up was Sandy Bartholomew’s ATC Tangle cards. Using the red and black 005 pens I recreated all of the instructions I’d gathered. I now find the cards too small but I learned a lot. By recreating the instructions in such a small space I was more accurate and built my confidence as I didn’t think I could draw. Drawing a very short line, straight or curved, was a lot easier than drawing a long one! Recreating the patterns on the cards also was a big help in learning the patterns. Still using a 3 ring binder I stored the cards alphabetically in 9 sleeve baseball trading card sheets.
I’m currently experimenting with creating my own 4×6 cards – again drawing each patterns instructions. I want to go that route again to reinforce the muscle memory of drawing the patterns and I want a resource book not only for myself but for students as I also want to teach.
I do better when I organize them alphabetically – I seem to remember the actual name better than how I would classify it – I’m horrible with tags and such. Whatever I end up with it needs to be flexible enough to insert new designs anywhere in the list.
And of course I visit tanglepatterns on a regular basis. Because it’s organized so well I use it to fill in the blanks of my disorganization!
I am pretty anal about organization and am beta testing a couple of ways of doing it. I have the small moleskin you have and I also have a binder. I have been printing off the web and throwing into the binder. The nice thing about that is that I have it tabbed alphabetically and can add to it easily. The bad thing about it is that there is no uniformity of uploading so some patterns can be printed out nice and large and some can’t. I never thought of doing the patterns myself (ie. the step by step part) and this makes total sense to me. On top of everything else, repeating the steps in order to get the finished pattern will help “groove” the steps in my mind. The only bad thing is that there is no order to it–you just do them as you do them.
I am beginning to think that a dual system is required. The small moleskin for portablility and quick reference and a binder organized by alphabet. If I bought graph paper and did the patterns myself echoing the moleskin procedure, I would have the binder more uniform. (So far, though, I am like Jill in that I am not very good at doing the patterns! I race way ahead of myself etc.)
About to head out on vacation, trying out these ideas seems like a pleasant way to spend some time!
Excellent ideas here. Namaste!
@Karen – organizing by types is a very good idea too. I thought about making a list of patterns by type (a speadshseet with columns) to refer to but haven’t done anything about that yet.
@JillE – I like your ideas for categorizing, density wouldn’t have occurred to me but I can see it’s a very useful category.
@Jill – you might like to try squared paper, I find it really helpful and I’m able to judge proportions better when I hit the blank tile.
@Genevieve – thanks for sharing your great idea for the iPod Touch!
@Deb – there’s virtue in not organizing too because you come across patterns randomly, and I suspect you’ll use more rather than repeating favorites. My DNA isn’t coded that way though, I HAVE to organize.
@Carole – the 4 x 6 card idea is a good one too. As a teacher, I’m sure you have to make your system work for dual purposes. You’ve given me another idea, I’m going to add a DOWNLOADS page to the site and post free PDF templates for squared pages and index cards. (Oh swell, another way to push Zentangling further down my list!)
@Alyce – you have a handy Zentangles-To-Go kit there. Cool cover too! Portability is a super feature of this art form because you really can take it just about anywhere.
@Suzanne – totally agree with you about drawing the step-by-steps, the “muscle memory” you refer to is so important for me to recall how to draw the pattern. And SO pleased you find the site valuable! Thanks.
@Kim – I think you’d really enjoy drawing out the step-by-steps. There’s not only the muscle memory Suzanne refers to, but for me it’s SO exciting when I get that Ah-Hah moment part the way through where I really “get” the pattern.
Keep the great ideas coming!
Reading through the comments, categorizing patterns (beyond alphabetizing by pattern name) is a common thread.
Over my morning coffee it occurs to me that one way to use an alphabetized system (whether in binders or on cards) would be to color code the edge or a corner. I’m thinking with a marker because color “dots” would very quickly make the pages “thick”.
As a simple example you could use a green marker edge/corner for organic patterns.
This needs thinking through because once you’ve marked the cards it’s a permanent solution!
See any glitches to this idea?
I like the idea of colour coding within alphabetized categories. I am thinking of the little skinny post its you get that are transparent except for bright colours on the ends because that would let me change my mind. Which I tend to do. A lot.
Regarding color coding: some tangles would qualify for several categories (grids, stripes, circles, ziggy, loopy, squares, triangles, *agons,eg would be some of my categories). Col-erase erasable colored pencils would be excellent for coding, permitting changes of mind.
Regarding index cards (commercial or custom): Index card containers abound these days,and would allow all kinds of shuffling and layout experiments without having to remove rings or other binding devices. I’ve seen the gridded index cards in several sizes; seems to me they’d be ideal.
When I first started out I did try to assign some type of category so I could file them but as I looked at the patterns I could never settle on just one category. Trying to assign multiple categories it got more complicated. As that started to feel too much like work I retreated to the simplicity of alpha.
I have moved to larger cards so I can add more notes. When I see someone use a pattern in a creative way or a variation, I’ve started to jot a note and quick sketch on the original card.
Another plus for me of keeping it simple – many times I’ll have a pattern in mind that I want to use but need to review the steps – while leafing may way through my binder to the pattern I think I want to use, I’ll come across another pattern that ends up working out even better.
Seems like the biggest hurdles – for me- at least when working with hard copies is defining a set of categories that’s not too complex and then applying it consistently.
The beauty of tags online is the ability to search on them. Linda are you thinking about adding more tags that relate to type, style, use, complexity, and???? Would be interesting to know what terms folks use to describe their own categories – most likely to search on?
Excellent suggestions and advice, Suzanne. Keeping things simple is no doubt at the heart of Zentangles too.
And yes, I wrote when I first started the site in May it that as it developed I’d add tags related to types of patterns. Haven’t made time for that yet, but it would be very helpful for me if you all would let me know what tags you’d find useful.
Suzanne, you’ve prompted me to add a post related to tags for the site so I can keep the discussions “categorized”
.
So if any of you have more suggestions for pattern tags for this site, please head on over to the post: Tangle Pattern Tags.
I think I’ve about done it all! Currently, I save all the patterns to my PC and each month I copy them to a CD. I also make up 4×6 cards with steps and I print out pages of blank gridded boxes that I create in Word to draw out the finished patterns w/o steps. I print them in landscape format and fold the page in half. When I have 10 sheets I sew the pages into a signature, and will eventually bind all the signature into a book or two or three. This is my offline quick reference, or what I use when I want to take all my patterns somewhere.
I use the 4×6 cards for everyday reference. I take the newest tangles so I can try them out, and then grab 5 or 10 other cards at random, so I’ll have a pool of tangles to choose from. Most of my zens consist of a 1-2 randomly chosen patterns, 1-2 I’m learning, and 1-2 that I’m trying to design.
I organize-kind of. I love making lists and compiling things, but I like to change how I list or compile, so in essence I set things up for flexibility. When I print out a 4×6 I make sure that both sides have patterns by the same artist, or leave one side blank. I keep the cards stored by artist. This helps me if I can’t remember who did a pattern. Meanwhile, if I decide I want to organize a certain way, say, just patterns that are 3D, instead of choosing at random I grab the patterns I want, re-sort by type, and carry them with me as long as I need them that way.
Backing up your patterns to CD is a very good idea, Sandra. Right now mine are all backed up together with everything else — I like the idea of keeping the patterns separate.
It seems the 4 x 6 card format system is very popular here (and given the number of times the templates I posted have been downloaded already) plus they are portable as you suggest for taking a select few with you.
As much as I like flexible systems, all those loose cards would probably drive me a little nuts though.
I store the majority of the cards in a shoe box, with large paper clips to hold them in groups, and I have one of my origami tyvek wallets that holds 4×6 for the ones I carry around. I’ve also thought about punching a hole in the corner and putting the cards on a ring. Not sure that would work as well for me though.
Ohhhh, thanks! I see how I can combine some ideas and improve my system, without re-doing it!
My cards are 3.25″ x 8.5″
After I’ve drawn in the steps, pattern, notes, and ideas, I can scan them into Photoshop and use the File Information field to add tags to help me sort very quickly. PS also has previews. And I can tag any reference photos or screen captures, too. And my finished pieces, too!
Do you guys do this, too? I take my camera everywhere and snap ideas for patterns. I also do a screen capture of images I see online that inspire me in some way, such as composition, color, movement, look-and-feel, etc.
My collection is growing exponentially, so this system will only get more valuable as the collection grows. I agree, I need both a physical system and an e-system. I thought I could bypass my own e-system by using this website – thank you , Linda! – but I see where creating my own e-system will be a huge benefit.
That’s an unusual physical size, Jill. What made you decide on that format? The 3.5″ width is the width/height of a Zentangle tile, does that have anything to do with your choice?
Great idea to use Photoshop for tagging the files because as you point out, the collection does grow exponentially.
I’ve been experimenting with incorporating some of the suggestions offered here. Especially with adding patterns to my iTouch.
As a result I’m thinking of adding another tool to assist in organizing. Wondering if anyone is using one of the Bamboo Pens by Wacom and how well it might work for sketching and creating pattern steps?
http://www.wacom.com/bamboo/bamboo_pen.php
It appeals to me on many levels both for personal organization and zentangle related business ventures. I’m not sure I can articulate it all here without turning it into a small book. On the other hand I’m a gadget lover and have wanted one for a long time. This may be just the excuse I need. LOL
Loving all the discussion and ideas here.
You can go for the Bamboo Pen, I’ll go for the iTouch!
I’m wondering though, don’t you think you’d miss the pen and paper experience? And the break from technology.
I have a Bamboo tablet that I use for digital art. I’ll have to give it a try for Zentangle.
My scheme isn’t as organized as others but it works great for inspiration. I use a photo editing program (Paint.net is a free one for PCs and I use Graphic Converter for my Mac) and have a template set up that is just under 4″ x 6″. I re-size any photos I have of the tangle instructions so I can get at least two tangle instructions on each 4×6 page. Then I upload them to Snapfish and have them printed at $.09 per photo. I usually wait until they are having some special (about once a month) and order them in bulk.
I have no organization when it comes to names, etc. they are put on the template totally at random depending on which way they face (horizontal or vertical) and how they fit! I told you not organized in that respect…
I was having trouble figuring out how to easy store the photos to access them when I was working on a tangle and I found a great solution at my local Big Lots – photo albums that hold 72 photos (for $2.00) each. I bought 6 of them! They had a smaller size as well so I got those too and am putting my photos of samplers in those.
I store all my Zentangle stuff in a plastic scrapbook carryall with my pens and pencil and eraser in a rigid pencil case, a clipboard for drawing anywhere (although I could use the top of the case as well) and my inspiration photo albums. So I have everything in one place and it’s easy to pick up and carry anywhere.
Susan, what a great idea to use the 4×6 size, since that’s the standard photo printing size, you can get them printed inexpensively, and there are a lot of storage choices!
So after reading this last week, I dug out the gridded notebook I had a work.
Over the weekend I transitioned all the step-by-step patterns from zen folks I’d collected, as well as the pattern pieces (henna designs are a great source btw) from around the internet, into it.
Just a few more to go but I have a very nice reference book now.
Thanks for the kick in the a.. I mean, inspiration.
Sometimes all we need is a little shove. Sounds like you had a fun weekend! We watched the World Cup matches and Tour de France stages – didn’t have much time to draw.
@Linda: The size came from my materials. I have a stash of deeply discounted 8.5″ x 11″ cardstock. I wanted a square for the finished pattern and squares for the steps to maintain a grid-dy feel. And I had to allow for my printer’s margins. I just played around with the design until I had everything I wanted.
I’ll try e-mailing my Word documents so you can see how it worked out.
Oh, I wouldn’t be giving up the pen and paper – too fun creating the art that way. While it might be fun to try it for creating digital zentangles – my main thought on the Bamboo was as a way to streamline the computer or as Jill called it an e-system organized.
I’m thinking it might be a nice way with some added flexibility for creating instruction sheets. Can’t tell you now many times I forget to use the red pen 4 steps in and have to start over! Thinking about teaching it might work will with a projector for a large group. Just keeping my options open and I’m always open to for ways to justify acquiring more gadgets ;>)
Just a suggestion, as you mentioned having to start over…
I find that if, after Step #1 is done in red, I take the black pen and do Steps 2-6 all at once – it really ingrains the next step in my muscle memory, as Suzanne mentions above. Then I pick up the red pen and do Step 2. Then I pick up the black pen and [repeat] … you get the gist.
But come to think of it, what can be wrong with having to start over … drawing ?
Apologies for delay in response … busy creating another site but loving it that you all are having fun.
Thx so much for the suggstions!! I think I have a graph paper notebook!
I print out the directions and file them alphabetically into a notebook.
Since it is almost full, I’ll be trying some of these other ideas
I draw them, because I will know how to do them if I draw them. Printing them out wastes ink because there is a lot of designs
I am new to tangling, so this discussion is wonderful for me. I only have about 15 patterns, so I can organize from the beginning, rather than start over later. But I will probally change my organization scheme as I learn more and re-do everything anyway! LOL!
Thanks for all the ideas!
Another interesting idea for organizing your tangles can be found in this YouTube video made by Suzanne McNeill. She interviews several CZT’s at the recent Zentangle Master Class. http://youtu.be/7Gj22F-9uUc
In addition to the Tangle Bracelet idea for organizing your tangles, a few other attendees demo/draw new tangles they have created. The link to the video is also on Suzanne’s blog and she mentions that she will be posting an additional Master Class video next week.
After seeing the “bracelet” idea I’m experimenting with creating my own but using 2″ squares and then laminating them. It’s a work in progress – more later.
Thanks Suzanne, let us know how your “work in progress” for organizing your tangle patterns works out. Yesterday I posted the link to Suzanne McNeill’s youtube video on Twitter too. It’s a good one for everyone to check out.
The latest entry on my new blog has a description and a few photos of the latest attempt to organize my patterns – inspired by the Tangle Bracelet from the video. Will probably tweak as I go but so far it’s working well for me.
http://zentanglesandiego.blogspot.com/2010/09/organize-tangle-patterns.html
Linda I’m so impressed with your website and your dedication to fellow zentanglers. I was exposed to zentangles in August and have been going full steam ever since. I’ve spent a lot of time searching the internet for patterns and general zentangle info.
I brought my ever growing sketch book over to a friends house to show her my new passion. I also brought my tools which I keep in an old gift bag! I thought I was doing so well keeping everything in the same general vacinity but my friend seemed dissappointed that I didn’t have a more organized system!
After reading your organization posts I realize I may have to jump on the zentangle organizing band wagon. I fully intent to take a CZT course as soon as time and finances allow, so I realize that I should start planning for that now.
Organization means different things to different people, so I find it fascinating to be able to see into the inner workings of fellow zentanglers and what systems they develop.
This has been such an interesting read, as I am very new to Tangling myself. I am currently eagerly awaiting the arrival, from the States,of my Zentangle Kit, here in France where we live.
I saw and liked your idea of using a moleskin book (with squares in). As it happened, I already had in my stash box of school supplies,for my children, a small spiral bound book with light coloured small squares which is indexed alphabetically. So I’m starting to use this. I’m slowly finding and manually entering the Tangle Steps that I’m finding, at the Zentangle website, at Open Seeds Blog, and also here at Tanglepatterns.com., into this little book, which I hope will be a useful reference for me and also for my two children who are also very interested in this fascinating art form. Thank you also for all your brilliant reference guide to sooooo many lovely Tangles.
I love the ipod idea I think it would work on my Kindle too scanning it in and making a pdf file. THANKS!!!
I’m new to zentangle myself and having a ball. My computer is far away from my art room. So when I find a tangle I want to save I draw it on a small post-it note. When I’m done on the computer I take the post-it notes up to my studio and add them to a small sketchbook. It’s easy to move them around. I will probably change to the 4 x 6 system but this is a quick method to keep things handy.
Thanks to everybody who posts and inspires me!
After reading all these great ideas I decided I’d try Genevieve’s idea – on my iTouch. It goes everywhere with me anyway. I have 165 different patterns loaded! First, I created a Word document for each pattern, numbering and naming it (i.e. 120 Cabana)and also saved it as just the pattern name (i.e. Cabana). I downloaded the “Files2″ app on iTouch. I created two files: Zentangles by Number and Zentangles by Name, and synced the the appropriate Word files to these files.
Why the numbered files? I also downloaded the app “Random #” and have had a blast making random tangles! I click on “Random #” and it automatically pops up a number between 1-165. Then I go to the “Files2″ app and pull up that numbered tangle pattern. I have to use that pattern somewhere on my creation. This has forced me to practice all of the tangles, not just the easy ones or my favorites.
It did take me a while to get this initial setup done, but now I can add new tangle patterns in minutes, change my Random # app default to include the new tangles, and off I go! I don’t have to take my big notebook anymore. I just take my little bag with my sketchbook, pencil and pens. I can pull out my iTouch, listen to some music and create a Tangle anywhere. My thanks to Genevieve for the idea, and thanks to Linda for making searching for tangles so easy!!
Cindi, I love your idea of using random numbers, and I also have that app. Thanks for the idea!
This is my plan. A stack of post its sit next to my laptop. I hand copy a tangle, labeled with it’s name and author. On the ‘couch’ studio, I have an exercise book with 5mm (1/4 inch) grid and I transfer the tangle or plan my own designs. In a separate flat folder I have template pages I have created with space for 12 tangles on each page in 3x3cm squares. .By the time I have drawn each tangle to get to this point, I don’t need the steps.Each page could be alphabetised or themed or like me- in order of arrival. Cheers, Julie
I went through a few systems (wink) before I finally settled down. I am using Numbers (the Apple equivalent of Excel). I created a spreadsheet that has the name of the tangle, the designer, tag, notes, a web link and an image of the steps to the tangle. The advantages so far: I can sort on any attribute, I can add in any order and then sort how I want, I can convert to .pdf and print, I can keep it on a multiple computers/devices. And now, thanks to last few comments, I can use a random generator application to grab some patterns and go. It’s all good. If I get really ambitious, I can add examples I have done but so far I am still working on the basic spreadsheet.
Kim, I love your idea! I’d like to have access to tags such as backgrounds and fillers, square designs, flowers, etc. Hmmmm…..you’ve got me thinking now!!
Oh my, only a week in with respect to this craft and everytime I read from this site I learn that there is so much more. Wow … organizing designs and step by step plans!! I think I might need to get some more supplies, lol.
DeJa, it is NEVER the wrong time to get supplies! Getting supplies is a necessary activity for mental balance, health and world peace. At least, that is what I tell my family.
In Windows 7, under Accessories, is a tool, called Snip-It. This a great free tool, that lets a user capture parts of an image.
I use the snip-it tool, to capture images and then I can save them in folders, alphabetically, on my computer. Then I make a hard copy and put them in a three ring binder. In the front of my binder I’ve created a database of all of the patterns. I can sort them either alphabetically or by their attributes. I have lots of ideas for numbering systems, from working as an engineer.
Is this program similar to something I heard called Snag It? I have heard it used to capture spreadsheets or screen shots easily into Word documents.
Every time I this site I find useful suggestions – just downloaded the Random# app. I recently created a database for the iTouch with the app Tap Forms Database – very easy to setup and use. I used Snagit Beta for Mac to capture the images that I added to the database. Between the database and the flashcards and now with Random# I think I’m set just have to find time to add all the new tangles that are being created.
Hi Marguerite,
Thanks for the heads up on the Windows7 snip-it tool. I just love it for keeping just the bit I want.JAngle
Being crafters like me, I am sure most of you are familiar with the Cricket Cutter. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a Zentangle Cutter? Now that would be a great way to start pattern organization. I think the key here is to decide what type of organizing you want, pattern, shape, organic, grid, size. There are so many to choose from. But we can’t get a way from the joy and relaxation of actually zentangling. When I see a pattern I like, I print it out. Depending on the size, I print as many on a page as possible. While this create different sizes of patterns, it is, for now, just for my benefit to look back on patterns I like and want to try. I really have to keep myself in check as to what patterns I really like, or I’d have copies of every one! I keep them in a binder and look through them whenever I get a “Zenblock”. I haven’t shared any of my designs on-line yet, still new and not sure of my work. But this is an easy way for newbies to keep track of designs they like and want to try, as well as keeping focus on the Zentangling, not printing, downloading, copying. I realize for teaching it is important, and having a filing system is necessary. Has anyone thought of using spreadsheets to keep patterns on the computer? When you have enough, you can simply download them onto a flash drive, memory drive. They hold so much and are so inexpensive now. I have hundreds and hundreds of games on three flash drives that I keep for my grandson, progressing as he grows older. That is how I keep my Zentangle patterns. As I grow more confident with my work, I move myself up a level of “difficulty”. This way I can have a beginners memory card, middle of the road memory card, and “I can do that now” memory card. It is working for me so far, and takes up very little space. Plus I can load the images into my computer instantly if I want to review the patterns I have saved so far. It is a simplified system, but takes up little space, keeps forever, and is very affordable. I would still love to have a “Zentangle Cutter”, or something of that nature.
Dayle Mathis
Reply to: Author: DeJa
Comment:
Is this program similar to something I heard called Snag It? I have heard it used to capture spreadsheets or screen shots easily into Word documents.
Hi,
I’m not sure if Snip-it is like Snag-it, but I found an article about how to use Snip-it, and it is on most Windows programs. I have Vista home, and I found it in All programs, then accessories. It is on the list as “Snipping Tool”. There is an article on “How to use the Windows Vista Snipping Tool ” on http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial135.html. Actually this is a really good site for info on how to use a lot of programs that are accessible and most of us are not even aware of them. I had thought of the spreadsheet idea as well, it would hold a lot of hard copy patterns, and you could put them right into your computer in a folder and save them on a flash drive/memory drive when you accumulate a lot of patterns. I imagine it is as easy as Snipping patterns, pasting them to the spreadsheets, keeping them in a “new” folder you can label by style or date, whatever you prefer, then when the folder is full, transferring them hard copy on a flash drive. You can still keep the folder, even print it out if you want. Then you’d have a hard copy and the actual patterns in picture form. Just an idea.
regards,
Dayle
With over 250 tangles loaded in my iTouch app, it was often hard to find the one I wanted to use. I just finished making sample sheets of all the tangles I have loaded in my iPod. It sure makes it easier than scrolling page-by-page or flipping through a notebook, plus it really helped my confidence in drawing them. There are 35 tangles/page.
I’ve created a Tangle Template that anyone can use to create their own. The templates have room for 30 tangles/page. List the name of the tangle at the top, then draw it below. One template is full-paged, and one is made to fold in half for smaller notebooks. If you’d like to use it, you can print it out on my Flickr page here:
Full-page template: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cindiquilts2/5268843570/
Half-page template: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cindiquilts2/5268234675/
Oh, and if you want to see my samples they’re in there too. They’re not perfect, but they work LOL!!
Thanks Cindi. This is the same type of system I use with my large size Moleskine squared notebook – it fits 15 patterns a page, and I do use both sides of the paper for the pattern thumbnails. The paper is beautiful to draw on and it’s very handy to carry around. Flipping through a book in hand is indeed much nicer than scrolling through an electronic device.
Cindi, love your templates. I like to keep things loose to move around in my binders – these will work nicely. Thanks for sharing!
Camilla
Love the template idea for a quick summary – very sensible system.
I am very new to this artform. I quickly realized the need to organize patterns somehow as my regular full-sized sketchbook wasn’t working well. I loved the moleskin suggestions, especially since I like that product, but know that the restriction of the binding would annoy me over time – I have a few perfectionist tendencies. Then I remembered the Circa products by Levenger. I had purchased a large package of the Junior size gridded paper, but got away from taking paper notes for work. These are great for this purpose. Paper is nice and heavy, size is right, and you can move them around to suit whatever organizing system you prefer or even pull pages and put the back later. Though I have a nice leather cover, the plastic cover are very inexpensive and hold up for years. If you have a lot of patterns, you might purchase the larger disks, but that can be changed as you go too. Hope this helps a few people and I’ll be starting fresh with my new (old) tools
i have a 5″x8″ journal with blank pages and put an individual pattern on each page, and sometimes i put two or three, depending on the difficulty of the patterns. i have this book handy whenever i work on a project. i also have a binder with a photo of each piece i do so i can refer back to something that i may have given away or sold. this is such a great place to share ideas. thanks so much!!!
Hallo:-) I’ve just subscribed recently. I found by accident the pages of Milliande on you.tube and adored them. Then I looked further and found this lovely bunch of ladies!:)I’m very enthusiastic and warmed by all the lovely zentangles you create, and the results are marvellous! Yesterday I found this article, on how to draw & store the Tangles. Well I hemmed and hawed, but I have bought a few moleskin sizes, & ordered some Sakura pens, then Zentangle Basics & book 2 & 3 by Suzanne McNeill & Totally Tangled by Sandy Steen Bartholomew. That should do me for a long time
I started with Mandalas, but this is great too 
I love the ribbon top of site, where you can hunt alfabetically for tangles. Thank you so much ! Les
Welcome to the site, and glad you like the pattern ribbon!
hahahaha …. this is too funny for words Linda, the welcoming e-mail said “welcome to New Zealand!!!” You could not know I’m a Kiwi living in Europe, Holland to be precise !!
Dead funny !!
kindest regards,
Les:)
As soon as I hit the submit button with my reply I wondered where the heck I got “New Zealand” from, so I edited it out. How interesting and it is pretty funny too. Glad to have you here.
Thank you for the warm welcome Linda, gladto have found you ! It’s tea time now, so away I go. Have a good day !!
Les:)
As a relatively new Tangler, I have spent ages over the last couple of weeks going through as many tangled webs of forums as I could. My eyes are bloodshot but my head is happy. I live in Australia and think this discussion thread must have plenty of Virgoans. We LOVE to organise things, me included. But Tangles have so many ways to be sorted that we’d need several books so we could execute our ideas! At the moment, my computer is loaded with designs so I can keep filling my handbound book with them. So relaxing – unless it’s dinner time and I want to finish a design…then it’s frustrating…but something to look forward to after! Love this art. Lu