Although they’ve been around for several years now, the black Zentangle® tiles can present some challenges to tanglers because white ink is a completely different “animal” from the Sakura Microns we’re accustomed to in the Zentangle Method™.
Soon after the black tiles were introduced I did some experimentation and posted “Tips for using white ink on Black Zentangle® and Zendala Tiles”. Today we revisit this tutorial for our Buried Treasure. The introduction begins …
With the new Black Zendala Sets now available along with the regular black Zentangle® tiles, you might be wondering what pens to use on them. How to draw strings? How to shade with white on black? Here are a few tips to get you started and you are encouraged to add your own suggestions for working with white-on-black in the comments below.
There’s just no doubt about it. Using white ink gel pens on black tiles is an entirely different ballgame from our trusty black Microns on the white tiles. And the results can be stunningly, dramatically beautiful.
Which pens to use?
The White Sakura Gelly Roll ($3.36) is the pen of choice. Also recommended by fellow tanglers are the Sanford Uniball Gel Pen ($3.91) and the Pentel Sunburst Permanent White Gel Pen ($4.31), which I haven’t tried yet. Metallic Sakura Gelly Rolls are also a very good choice and can be quite elegant. Check out the TIPS & TOOLS > PENS & MORE > WHITE INK page on the top menu bar for more information about white ink.
Sakura uses titanium white pigment (dioxide) in the White Gelly Roll ink. The ink is “light-fast and water-proof when used on paper and has the same archival qualities as the Microns.” From Wikipedia: “Titanium dioxide is the most widely used white pigment because of its brightness and very high refractive index.”
Here is the link to the original post for the complete article: “Tips for using white ink on Black Zentangle® and Zendala Tiles“.
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Many tanglers like to use these biweekly Tangle Refreshers as their Zentangle® challenge-of-the-day.
Using the RANDOM TANGLE SELECTOR in the left sidebar this TanglePatterns String was selected for today – either to go with today’s Buried Treasure or just to use as a starting point for your day’s tangling.
Think of this as your tangle Challenge, if you’re so inclined. TanglePatterns String 023 is from tangler Barbara Finwall and 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.
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 (now available in paperback for $23.95) 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.“
To download eBooks containing all 250 TanglePatterns Strings, visit the STORE > EBOOKS page.
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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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Fengle |
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Hemp |
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M-Anning |
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Trisnail |
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Oddbalz |
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Tangle Refresher 174 |
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 Zentangle Primer Vol 1 – your CZT-in-a-book by the founders of Zentangle! Now available in softcover.
- 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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July 12, 2019 | 
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