In today’s Buried Treasure we’re revisiting a tutorial where we learn how to expand our range of options with the Sakura Micron pens.
This tutorial may be six years old, but it’s still as relevant and helpful today as it was then so it’s well worth repeating. From the original introduction:
Today we’re going to take a look at tangling with the Micron pen because there are Zentangle® newbies who’ve joined us and the rest of us could probably use a good brush-up too.
First we’ll take a quick look at the instrument itself, and then we’ll look at the art of being deliberate and controlling your pen to expand the range of options that you might not realize are available to you in using this tool.
As you may know, the Sakura Micron 01 is the pen of choice for Zentangle. Maria writes, “Rick and I spent countless hours trying out different pens on all types of wonderful papers … We unanimously agreed on the Sakura® Pigma® Micron 01 pen and Fabriano’s Tiepolo paper. We love the subtle things you can do with this combination of pen and paper.”
A Sakura Micron 01 pen on a Zentangle® tile
Click here to continue reading “A tutorial on expanding your range of options with the Sakura Micron 01 Pen“.
And be sure to leave a comment to let me know what you learn from doing your exercises! 🙂
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Many tanglers like to use these biweekly Tangle Refreshers as their Zentangle® challenge-of-the-day.
Using the RANDOM TANGLE SELECTOR in the left sidebar 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.
Think of this as your tangle Challenge, if you’re so inclined. TanglePatterns String 241 is from tangler Barbara Finwall and was originally posted here.
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 (now available in paperback for $23.95) 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 (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 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!
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Chainging and Punzel |
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Apacore |
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Scallamp |
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Purze |
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C-View |
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Tangle Refresher 170 |
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 Zentangle Primer Vol 1 – your CZT-in-a-book by the founders of Zentangle! Now available in softcover.
- 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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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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March 29, 2019 | 
More like this: 
Linda, thank you so much for going back to this tutorial. It was originally posted before I found Zentangle and I never saw this. Oh, sure, I heard about using a light touch and not to press hard, and I thought I was doing that. Duh, I wasn’t. Sigh. I tried this out this morning. I started with the “tickle” and that word really made the difference for me. WOW! I think I’ve been holding the Micron too tightly. The tickle made me barely hold it and just barely touch the paper. I thought there wouldn’t be any ink come out, but was I wrong. It did exactly what I’ve been looking for. 😀 And it made me move slower…….Oh! It works. I was able to focus better. This really helped!!! Thanks so much for this tutorial.
Delighted you discovered something new, Melena! I hope this helps others too. That’s why we call it Buried Treasure 🙂
Linda, I did not realize that holding the micron at a 90 degree angle is the way it is meant to be used. Alot of good information. Thank you!