Hello there!
It’s time for another Tangle Refresher where we explore some of the site’s wonderful buried treasure.
For the last couple of weeks many in our community have been immersed in Zentangle’s Project Pack #21. In response to a recent comment question, I suggested that Zendala tiles make good substitutes for Maria’s specially-designed template if you don’t have this Project Pack itself. That question reminded me of these two gorgeous and FREE templates from earlier Project Packs.
So … for today’s trip down memory lane I’ve selected a video tutorial on how to use the Zentangle Markus Operandus and Markus Operandus II, FREE tools that debuted some time ago. The first was part of Project Pack #09 and the second was introduced in Project Pack #11.
You don’t need to have these Project Packs to get these two great free tools created by Maria Thomas, they’re available as free downloads.
The first Markus Operandus is a visually lovely tool that 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 instruction on how to use it.
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.
Later that year Zentangle released the free Markus Operandus II tool with Project Pack #11. Visit this page and go to the Day 1 – Introduction for a link to the video demonstrating how to use this second clever 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 065 is from CZT Pat Ferguson and was originally posted here.
Right click and SAVE to your computer; then print. Pinning or republishing content from this site is not permitted. Copyright notice is posted on the bottom of every page. Thank you for playing nice and 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, or as an instant download Kindle Edition $9.99, in Spanish here, and in Japanese here) 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!
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Assunta |
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Heartsmeet |
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Stwist |
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Edie |
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Scape |
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Tangle Refresher 221 |
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 a jackpot of 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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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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August 25, 2023 | 
More like this: 
I’m currently travelling and happened to bring both Markus tools with me on a whim! Perfect timing when this Buried Treasure arrived in my inbox haha Many thanks Linda, this is a great one!