How to draw COCKLES ’N’ MUSSELS

“You’re probably familiar with the tangle ’Nzeppel. Cockles ’n’ Mussels begins with a random version of ’Nzeppel and moves on from there,” writes CZT® Margaret Bremner to introduce her tangle pattern.

Although tangle patterns are non-representational, the repetitive lines inspired by nature combined with the official tangle ’Nzeppel make for a very absorbing and meditative tangle pattern.

I drew quite a few of examples of Cockles ’n’ Mussels and, possibly feeling more minimalist than usual, liked this one where I only used mussels strokes and left some of the ’Nzeppel shapes open. And a touch of shading. Then I filled the rest in as you see above.

I learned that one secret to Cockles ’n’ Mussels is to ensure you have lots of triangular shapes when drawing your first ’Nzeppel shapes. As Margaret points out, “In some cases you may want to subdivide a section to make more appropriate shapes. You may also want to trim a corner or an edge for the same purpose.” But as you can see, I had several non-triangular shapes that adapted just fine too.

Margaret has the step-by-step instructions for drawing her Cockles ’n’ Mussels (and Clams) tangle here, along with two beautiful Zentangles illustrating this addictive tangle.

Check out the tag margaretb for more of Margaret’s patterns on TanglePatterns.com.

.oOo.
Enhance your Zentangle experience while supporting TanglePatterns:
CURRENT EDITION! TanglePatterns.com TANGLE GUIDE, 2024 Edition
	The 13th Edition of the TanglePatterns.com TANGLE GUIDE is an instant-download 109-page interactive digital eBook/PDF containing approximately 2,000 tangles on the site from May 2010 through December 31, 2023. It's a great resource and a must-have digital tool for using the site. Visit the STORE > E-BOOKS page and help keep TanglePatterns.com going by getting your copy now!
	"Linda, Thank you! I was relying on too few and getting stuck after 3 years of daily working with Zentangle. This has inspired me to ‘begin again’ with renewed excitement." ~ Barbara R.
See the BOOK REVIEWS page for more details on its features and view a sample page. Note: this is a digital product you download immediately when you place your order, nothing will be physically mailed to you.
GIFT ORDERS FOR ANOTHER PERSON: To give the TANGLE GUIDE as a gift, visit this page to place your gift order.
If you're new to Zentangle® and tangling, my TanglePatterns.com BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO ZENTANGLE is just what you need to get started. Also available en Français and en Español.
	This is the only Zentangle book you'll ever need: the fabulous Zentangle PRIMER Vol 1. It's your CZT-in-a-book by the founders of Zentangle®. Visit the STORE tab on the top menu bar or click on the image. For more about the content and to read the rave reviews, visit the BOOK REVIEWS tab.
NEW! Now available in KINDLE format for $9.99. Spanish Edition here. Japanese Edition here.
"Absolutely the best Zentangle Book yet! As an accomplished artist I used to think I did not need instruction on this art form. How wrong I was! My tangling improved by leaps and bounds after reading this book. If you think you have Zentangle down then you need this book more than ever!" ~ Kris H
.oOo.