Eight years ago today, on May 4th, 2010, I launched TanglePatterns.com with “Hello Zentangle Zealots!“.
Wow, EIGHT years!!! Little did I know what wonderful creative places this would take us all. Or how many wonderful friends from around the world would become part of my life.
My gratitude and heartfelt thanks to each of you for staying the course with me, sharing your tangles and your love of Zentangle®. It goes without saying that big thanks go to Rick and Maria for their Zentangle Method™. As I’ve said in the past and it’s worth repeating, it’s truly my honor to keep you tangled … er … tangling!
As Obi-Wan Kenobi might say, “May the 4th be with you!” 😉
Thank YOU for your friendship and support!
Many tanglers like to use these biweekly Tangle Refreshers as their Zentangle® challenge-of-the-day.
Six years ago this month I added the TanglePatterns String feature to the site. In celebration of today’s 8th Tangleversary, instead of using the Random Selector, I decided to use the very first String in our 250-String resource. TanglePatterns String 001 can either go with today’s Buried Treasure or can be a starting point for your day’s tangling whichever tangles you choose.
Think of this as your tangle Challenge, if you’re so inclined. TanglePatterns String 001 was originally posted here.
Right click and SAVE to your computer; then print. Pinning content from this site is not permitted. Copyright notice is posted on the bottom of every page. Thank you for respecting these rights.
To download eBooks containing all 250 TanglePatterns Strings, visit the STORE > EBOOKS page.
Remember that Zentangle strings are always drawn freehand in pencil so that they magically disappear when you’ve finished tangling the tile.
A string is a simple device to “divide your drawing surface into sections to be filled with tangles“.
In the Zentangle PRIMER Vol 1 there is an entire section devoted to Strings which in part explains:
“As you tangle, your strings disappear as if by magic. This adds to the charm and unified appearance of your completed art. If you had used a pen to draw your string, you would still see the initial sectioning in your completed creation.“
Strings are not intended to be the focal point of your tile.
More String advice from The Book of Zentangle (now available in paperback for $19.95):
“A string is a useful reference, but it is not an impenetrable barrier. Practice going outside your string. It will help increase your ability to think outside the box.“
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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!
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Echoism |
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Autumnal |
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Heartswell |
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Shark Kisses |
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Chianti |
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Tangle Refresher 150 |
More good stuff …
- The Importance of Strings in Zentangle – and String 001
- 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!
- 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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Enhance your Zentangle experience while supporting TanglePatterns: |
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CURRENT EDITION! TanglePatterns.com TANGLE GUIDE, 2024 Edition |
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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! |
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"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. |
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| 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. | |
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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 | |
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May 4, 2018 | 
More like this: 
Happy Anniversary! This was one of the first introductions to tangling I had and because of it I fell in love! It continues to be one of my favorite places to go! Keep up the good work!
Congratulations for keeping this resource going, with such care, attention and quality for so many years. It was and remains my go to site – every single day! Thank you for all the time you put in.
I have been with you almost since the beginning, and I thank you for the wonderful gift you provide. Thanks to you, and the amazing and creative people who send you patterns, I have a rich and inspiring collection to draw from every time I sit down to the delight that is zentangle. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Congrats Linda!!! I am in awe of not only your talent but your fore site . Hats off to you!!!
I have been with you from the humble beginning in 2010. You have come so far and endured so many obstacles and changes since 2010 – not to mention a couple of hurricanes. What an impact you have had on so many zentanglers! Right from the start of your emails I began to see such a difference in my tangles it was astounding. The step by step visuals began to stack up into a library of designs to draw and blend together into more complex art pieces.
Zentangle in 2018 is a common word. You have helped spread that word.
Thank you is such a small word for what you have built! I thank you for my sanity over the last eight years. This art form is not only fascinating but therapeutic. It makes so many anxious moments bearable. Thank you a hundred times!!! Hugs and a toast to you!! Karen Herstowski
Wow Linda! The time has flown since I did my first tangle from your site in 2012…..Happy Tangleversary!!! Like most people I have had my share of ups and downs during that time, but tangling has kept me on an even keel, mentally at least!
I have always greatly admired your site and all the work you put into it plus the pure dedication you have for Zentangle and spreading the word around the world. Thank you for all that you do, from the bottom of my heart….
Congratulations, Linda, and thank you so much for all the hard work you have put into keeping tanglepatterns.com all these years. I have learned so much from this site, and I so appreciate you.
Congratulations, Linda!
Thank you for keeping the tangling world organized and so well informed.
Congrats! We appreciate all you do!
Happy anniversary Linda. I am not sure what we would do without you! You are very much appreciated!
Barb B. CZT
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary, Linda!!!! You have become an ‚institution‘ in the tangling world!!! Thank you!!!
Well, I’m a little late, so happy 8th anniversary and then some! I can’t imagine our community without you. Thank you for everything: the tangles, the strings, the tutorials, the stories and travels here and yon in the world of Zentangle!