The late Portland, Oregon CZT Billie Lauder’s delightful Tangle Folk are just the right fun project for these safe-at-home days, especially if children are involved.
Billie showed us how simple it is to draw these continuous line Zentangle®-inspired figures in just six easy steps.
Although she’s no longer with us, Billie left behind a delightful gift and we treasure her creativity and her generosity in sharing it with us.
Billie’s Tangle Folk are another creative way for tanglers of all ages to relax and have fun using a few simple tangles in some unique Zentangle-inspired art!
As you dress your Tangle Folk with tangles, “it’s fun to see what happens with them as they do have personalities.” Here are some of Billie’s examples.
For more of Billie’s examples and her six easy steps for drawing her Zentangle-inspired continuous line Tangle Folk, visit this page on TanglePatterns. You can also locate this tutorial any time on the TUTORIALS tab on the pink alphabetic tangle menu bar.
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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 166 is from tangler Mary Ellen Calhoun and was originally posted here. (Is it just me, or does it look uncannily like it could develop into a Tangle Folk figure?)
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, or as an instant download Kindle Edition $9.99.) 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!
Vega | |
Oofs-a-Daisy | |
Zeez | |
Abukas | |
Fili | |
Tangle Refresher 183 |
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 perfect companion to the Kit is the 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 dozens more 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 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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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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Thanks for honoring Billie by reviewing her Tangle people! Just FYI, Billie most recently lived in Eugene, OR rather than Portland. She was actively involved with our CZT group for several years and we often met at her home to tangle together. She gave her many ideas freely.
Thanks, Linda, for bringing the late Billie’s Tangle Folk to our attention. What a wonderful legacy to leave behind. I have never come across it before, and it’s going to be fun to play with it.
Perfect! That’s what the Buried Treasure series is for 🙂
How sweet to see our friend Billie’s ‘work’ of her sweet Tangle Folks again! I hope that this reminder/introduction to her adorable Folks will motivate others to have fun with them. I am sure that would make her smile! Billie was a generous, creative and strong woman. She is missed.
I hadn’t come across Billie’s work until this Tangle Refresher, and I cannot wait to sit down and try out this type of project! Thanks for the introduction to Billie’s tangles 🙂