Tangle Refresher 171 – Featuring beginner tangles, a random string and how to draw Quandary, CC, Amun, Cindyer, Double 8’s

In the post-Christmas period after folks have had a little time to explore the Official Zentangle® Kit or Zentangle books they received as gifts, many new tanglers join our worldwide Zentangle community.

One of the most frequently-asked questions I get this time of year is about recommendations of tangles for beginners. I always suggest starting with the “official” tangles: those Zentangle-original tangles which are all listed on the ZENTANGLES > LINDA’S LIST OF OFFICIAL TANGLE PATTERNS page on the website.

I’ve also written specifically about tangles for beginners, most recently here last January.

In addition to my suggested list of beginner tangles, fellow tanglers shared some of their favorites in past comments. Here they are with thanks:

• Shattuck – from Jan Brandt, CZT
• Cadent – from Melena Schneider
• ‘Nzeppel (the random version) – from Kejo
• Florz and Tipple – from Jan Brandt, CZT

Here’s another timely piece of advice from Paula about keeping all of your tiles, whether you love them or not:

I have been tangling for about three years, and throughout this time, have drawn many tiles, some of which I really did not like. I was tempted to throw them away, but did not. What is really neat is I’m so glad I kept them. I have discovered various new applications for them, and am using them in ways that I could not have imagined three years ago.

So, my advice to new tanglers is to save all your work, as you have no idea what great ideas may come to you in the coming years!

I shall take this opportunity to mention my TanglePatterns.com BEGINNER’S GUIDE to Zentangle® eBook as another useful resource, available in the Store for instant download.

Please feel free to share your tips /advice to all our new tanglers in the comments!

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Many tanglers like to use these biweekly Tangle Refreshers as their Zentangle challenge-of-the-day.

I used the RANDOM SELECTOR in the left sidebar (desktop version of the site) to choose this TanglePatterns String – either to go with today’s Buried Treasure or just to use as a starting point for your day’s tangling.

Think of this as your tangle Challenge, if you’re so inclined. TanglePatterns String 069 is from tangler Carolyn Koesters and was originally posted here.

Right click and SAVE to your computer; then print. Right click and SAVE to your computer; then print. Pinning content from this site is not permitted. Copyright notice is posted on the bottom of every page. Thank you for 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 there is 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.

More String advice from The Book of Zentangle:

“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.“

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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.

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

	Quandary
	CC
	Amun
	Cindyer
	Double 8’s
	Tangle Refresher 143

More good stuff …

• The Importance of Strings in Zentangle – and String 001
• 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.
• A great companion to the Kit is the new Zentangle Primer Vol 1 – your CZT-in-a-book by the founders of Zentangle!
• 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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