Tangle Refresher 266 – Making beautiful ZIA gift wrap, our random string, and how to draw Waybop, Heartangles, Tanson, Steron, Blaw

Greetings my friends and welcome to our monthly Buried Treasure post where we explore the depths of the site for historical gems.

For several years it’s been my “tradition” in November to review a host of excellent tutorials for making inexpensive DIY Holiday Projects including Zentangle®-inspired holiday ornaments, decorations and gifts.

Along the same vein, this time I thought we’d change things up a little and re-explore Cyndi Knapp’s super tutorial on making your own economical and beautiful personalized ZIA Gift Wrap. But not to leave things out, if you’re also interested in the past DIY Holiday Projects posts check out Tangle Refresher 254.

In this tutorial gem from the past Cyndi takes us step-by-step through making our own seasonal Zentangle®-inspired gift wrap as well as bags, boxes and envelopes.

This is not only a wonderful calming creative activity, it’s also economical and a recycling solution for any occasion gift giving. Another fun project for sharing with children too!

This is from Cyndi’s original introduction …

I always have kraft paper and bags on hand because it’s easy to transform them into ZIA gift wrap when you need it. It’s a simple way to further personalize gift giving and people love that you’ve taken the time to create something unique for them. Plus, if the person isn’t already familiar with Zentangle, it’s a good introduction!

These ZIA gift wrap ideas are being presented more as a visual because they’re so simple they really don’t require instruction. That said, instructions are included for several of the ideas, along with a few tips.

You can read all of Cyndi’s detailed tutorial and learn some very handy tips from her experience here.

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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 199 is from CZT Damy Teng and was originally posted here.

Remember that in Zentangle strings are always drawn freehand in pencil so 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!

Buried Treasure – Gems from the Tangling Past

	Waybop
	Heartangles
	Tanson
	Steron
	Blaw
	Tangle Refresher 236

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 core tangles to learn first if you’re new to Zentangle.

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