Tangle Refresher 215 – Exploring some different patterning techniques, our random string, plus how to draw Well Well Who, Su-sy, Diamante, Chorus, Sporez

Greetings, y’all. Time for this month’s Tangle Refresher!

While I was working on getting the tangles together for this article I was reminded of this particular Buried Treasure from the past.

As I wrote at the time, “We’ve got something fun and different-but-related for you to explore …”

Today’s Refresher revisits Joanne Fink’s “patterning techniques”. These videos were published on TanglePatterns in July of 2011 but many of you are new to the site (Welcome!) and may not have discovered them yet. Or – as is the purpose of these Refreshers – long-time members of the community may enjoy having memories refreshed with this Buried Treasure.

So here we go …

“Calligraphy fans might recognize the name of Joanne Fink as co-editor with Judy Kastin of the 23rd edition of The Speedball Textbook (A Comprehensive Guide to Pen and Brush Lettering). [Note: this link is for the current Edition]

The 23rd edition is one of the first lettering books I added to my library when it was published in 1999. The original first edition of The Speedball Textbook was published in 1915 so this publication has a long and rich tradition, now well over a century old.

The Speedball Textbook is an excellent compact introduction to calligraphy with stroke-by-stroke instructions for 15 alphabet styles, techniques and examples of layout and designs, and beautiful and inspirational artwork from 100 lettering artists. But I digress …

When Joanne’s videos for Sakura were first posted I was reluctant to add them to TanglePatterns because her Zenspirations artwork is not the same as Zentangle®. (And you know I’m a purist.) However, the videos are about pattern and design and I know we all love to learn new drawing techniques so I’m adding them as another creative resource for your learning and enjoyment.”

Visit this link to view Joanne’s videos to learn and explore her simple techniques …

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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 205 is from Barbara Finwall 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 (now available in paperback for $23.95, or as an instant download Kindle Edition $9.99) there’s 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, Zentangles should not look like coloring book drawings.

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 the past 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

	Well Well Who
	Su-sy
	Diamante
	Chorus
	Sporez
	Tangle Refresher 186

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 perfect companion to the Kit is the Zentangle Primer Vol 1 – your CZT-in-a-book by the founders of Zentangle! Now available in softcover, or as an instant download KINDLE Edition.
• 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 dozens more free 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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