Tangle Refresher 208 – The magic of auras, our random string, plus how to draw Ratoon, Cee, Delys, C-rendipity and Flevo

It’s always useful to refresh ourselves by revisiting  basic concepts.

Adding an aura is one of the key magical “devices” of the Zentangle Method™ and that’s what we’re taking a closer look at today.

When you’re tangling and you don’t quite know what to do next — aura!

You never know where it’s going to take you AND your pen control skills get a good workout.

This is well worth repeating:

Today I thought we’d explore the creative possibilities of auras as explained by Zentangle® founders Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas.

In Zentangle we frequently use the term “aura“, which is one of six tangle-enhancing techniques, along with dewdrop, perfs, rounding, shading and sparkle.

From the Zentangle blog:

“In the Zentangle Method, a line tracing around the outside or inside of a tangle is called an aura. It’s like a halo. It’s like ripples that radiate on calm water.

Aura-ing is a good example of drawing in a Zentangle way for two reasons: (1) you don’t need to figure out where to draw, you just trace what’s already there; and (2), you can’t usually tell what the shapes of the next few auras will look like so you just enjoy the one you’re drawing at the moment.

Aura-ing is a basic component of many tangles. That’s why we teach crescent moon first in our introductory classes.

Aura-ing is a great exercise in awareness, control of pen and focus. It’s a good reminder to rotate your tile as you tangle. It encourages a tangler to not pre-plan the outcome of a completed Zentangle tile.”

In this post, in her own inimitable way, Maria explores innovative ways of adding auras to your tangles, including:

• using a different shaped line for the aura
• using different shaped auras, one after the other
• tangling the space between two auras, and
• using another tangle as the aura

Check out the post and see what interesting ways you can come up for using this simple but creative technique to enhance your tangles.

And be sure to enjoy the inspirational Zentangle examples!

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Many tanglers like to use these occasional Tangle Refreshers as their Zentangle® challenge-of-the-day.

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. The RANDOM TANGLE SELECTOR in the left sidebar makes it simple to choose a String-of-the-Day from the 250 free strings in our resource. Or just click on the STRINGS tab in the pink alphabetic tangle menu bar and choose one at random yourself.

Think of this as your tangle Challenge, if you’re so inclined. TanglePatterns String 054 is from Hope Martin and was originally posted here.

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 (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!

Buried Treasure from the tangling past

	Ratoon
	Cee
	Delys
	C-rendipity
	Flevo
	Tangle Refresher 180

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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