Tangle Refresher 97 – Exploring the creative possibilities of Auras

Today I thought we’d explore the creative possibilities of auras as explained by Zentangle® founders Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas.

In Zentangle we frequently use the term “aura“, which is 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 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 be sure to enjoy the inspirational Zentangle examples!

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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 a year (or two) ago for your tangling pleasure. Remember to check out the “More Good Stuff” links below too. Zenful tangling!

BTW as you visit these tangles it would be great if you’d take a moment to leave a comment and Tweet or “like” them on Facebook to share them with your followers. Sharing links are on the left side of each pattern’s page. Thanks!

Buried Treasure from a year ago

	Jonqal
	Wheelz
	Lantern-Pho
	Antz
	Twenty-One
	Tangle Refresher 69

More good stuff …

• Add Zentangle® to Your Travel Journals
• Tips for using white ink on Black Zentangle® and Zendala Tiles
• A pattern is not always a tangle
• 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.
• 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 more 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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