As the new school year is just about upon us here in the USA, or draws closer in other parts of the world, this is the perfect time for a simple, stress-free tangling exercise and reminder. A time out from the hustle bustle, if you will.
This tutorial is one from the past and it never gets old …
I’ve had today’s Refresher planned for several weeks and completely coincidentally – if you’ve been following along with Zentangle’s 20th Anniversary Journal Project – it turns out this is very timely because Aura is August’s journal prompt!
Auras are one of the key “devices” of the Zentangle Method™. 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.
Today we explore the creative possibilities of auras as explained by Zentangle® founders Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas.
In Zentangle we frequently use the term aura, 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 10-year-old tutorial 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 enjoy all 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 090 is from tangler Carolyn Koesters and was originally posted here.
CAPTION: 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 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!
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Decoo |
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All Stars |
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Wildwood |
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Bababa |
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Tangle Refresher 233 |
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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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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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 9, 2024 | 
More like this: 
What a great read this was, following my viewing of the new video of Day 1 of Project Pack 24. Like someone else said in the original comments on Maria’s Post, I just want to pick up my pen and aura something. Thank you