Tangle Refresher 228 – Using the free Zentangle® Markus Operandus to create unique strings, our random string and how to draw Xircus, Sweet 101, Caracole, Zara, Ila

Hi there! So lovely to see you again 🙂

Today we dig into some Buried Treasure on the site and revisit one of the gems from the past.

For today’s trip down memory lane I’ve selected a video tutorial on how to use the Zentangle Markus Operandus tool that debuted last year as part of Project Pack #09.

You don’t need to have Project Pack #09 to make use of the FREE downloadable Markus Operandus tool created by Maria Thomas. This visually lovely tool enables you to easily create new strings for your Zentangle practice. And all you have to do is download it, print it out and watch the video.

In the video “Ways to use the Zentangle® Markus Operandus to create unique Zentangle Strings” Rick and Maria demonstrate how to use this tool to create a variety of unique and easy strings.

Visit the link above to get the download link for the free Markus Operandus and view the complete video showing how to use it. On that same page after the video you’ll find my step-by-step summary of the contents which makes it easy for you to find any part of it you may wish to refer to again.

BONUS: Later that year Zentangle released the free Markus Operandus II tool with Project Pack #11, visit this link for the download and the video demonstrating how to use this second free tool.

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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 239 is from Rosemary Turpin 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

	Xircus
	Sweet 101
	Caracole
	Zara
	Ila
	Tangle Refresher 199

More good stuff …

• The Importance of Strings in Zentangle – and String 001
• 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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