Tangle Refresher 107 – And a very Happy 11th Anniversary to Zentangle® …

Today, July 17th, is the 11th anniversary of the first public Zentangle® class which was the beginning of this remarkable, inspirational Zentangle journey.

So to Rick and Maria and all the lovely folks at Zentangle HQ, our heartfelt congratulations and our gratitude in abundance for this wonderful gift we all share because of you.

In my view, Zentangle has changed the landscape of the art world by making it inclusive for anyone who can pick up a pen to experience the personal joy of creativity and artful self expression.

On this happy occasion, I thought it appropriate to “reissue” these thoughts from a year ago …

In the Zentangle® Method we often refer to the phrase “Anything is possible, one stroke at a time.™”

Through the Zentangle Method many people who thought “I’m not an artist,” are surprised, delighted and sometimes overwhelmed to discover they are, “One stroke at a time.“

This singular focus on each stroke is part of the deliberate process of the Zentangle Method of mindfully creating unplanned, abstract art. Mindfully … creating … unplanned … abstract … art.

In their classes CZTs will frequently encourage you to draw each and every stroke deliberately, taking time to savor and appreciate each delicate line of ink on the tile. Slowing down and focusing on each stroke is part of the “process” in the artistic meditation aspects of the Zentangle art form.

Among its many pleasurable benefits, there is another very good reason for slowing down as you draw.

In The Book of Zentangle, Rick and Maria write: “Give yourself more time to draw each stroke. The fine motor skills you use for typing or texting are different from the ones you use to draw. Let your muscles get used to drawing.“

In the relentless (dare I say mindless?) rush of our electronic world, it seems we need to be reminded to give ourselves time. Time to disconnect. To be still. To be quiet. To enjoy solitude. To be deliberate in our thoughts and actions. To be deliberate one stroke at a time.

And to be ever so grateful for this wonderful journey.

* * *

The Tangle Refresher series, aka Buried Treasure, spotlights hidden tangle gems from the past. It can remind you of tangles you might not have used for a while or introduce you to some you haven’t come across yet.

Here are five more tangle pattern gems and a Tangle Refresher from a year (or two) ago for your tangling pleasure. Remember to check out the “More Good Stuff” links below too. Zenful tangling!

BTW as you visit these tangles it would be great if you’d take a moment to leave a comment of thanks and encouragement for the tangler who’s shared with us, and please share the tangles with your followers on all your favorite social media. Thanks!

Buried Treasure from a year ago

	Drupe
	Inaura
	Swirly
	Kizzmet
	Roel
	Tangle Refresher 79

More good stuff …

• How Zentangle changes lives – stories told in tanglers’ own words about how Zentangle has changed their lives
• Zentangle® and Gelli™ printing with foam stamps
• New to Zentangle®? The Official Zentangle Kit has everything you need to get started, including a great DVD tutorial by Zentangle co-founder Maria Thomas.
• Everything you need to know about creating Zentangle-Inspired Art or Products
• Free Interweave eBook – Know Your Rights: Copyright 101 for crafters and artists
• Tangle Pattern Refreshers – the entire Buried Treasure series.
• Find more tutorials on TanglePatterns by visiting the TUTORIALS tab on the pink alphabetic menu bar
• Find a CZT near you – the link to the list of Certified Zentangle Teachers is located in the left sidebar of the site under the heading SOURCE WEBSITES.
• Interested in becoming a Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT®)? Here’s more information.
• Linda’s List of Zentangle-original tangles — THE tangles to learn first if you’re new to Zentangle.

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