Tangle Refresher 150 – On taking time for each stroke

Today I want to offer a special “Welcome” to all the new tanglers who have joined our community over recent months. And introduce you to this very useful feature that appears every other Friday on TanglePatterns.

Not only have the Tangle Refreshers offered “Buried Treasure”, but they have almost always come with a helpful introductory tutorial or article to enhance your Zentangle knowledge. The series unearths tangles and other treasures “buried in the vault”, so to speak. {The entire series can be found on the GENERAL tab in the pink alpha tangle menu bar.}

Today in addition to popping out some tangles from the past, we are revisiting a Refresher that, even though it’s from three years ago, comes with great advice whether you’re a newbie or an “old hand” …

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 class 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.

BTW as you visit these tangles please do leave a comment of thanks and encouragement to show the artists you appreciate them for sharing their creativity to inspire yours. And please share a link to your favorite tangles with your followers on all your social media. Thanks!

Zenful tangling!

Buried Treasure from the tangling past

	Crescent Moon
	L zen 7s
	Flapper
	Helix
	Pebble Flowers
	Tangle Refresher 122

More good stuff …

• Everything you need to know about creating Zentangle-Inspired Art or Products
• 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.
• A great companion to the Kit is the new Zentangle Primer Vol 1 – your CZT-in-a-book by the founders of Zentangle!
• 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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