Tangling Basics Video Lesson

Doodles and tangle patterns are all the rage online, but do you really understand the Zentangle® Method? It's not the same as doodling. This lesson explains to you the basics of the Zentangle method and helps you to reach what artists describe as Zen Flow.

I am a Certified Zentangle® Teacher and an art instructor with 30 years in art. In this lesson, I'll tell you why and how the Zentangle Method works as an artistic framework, and can work for you too regardless of your level of artistic experience!

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Tangling Basics Video Lesson - START HERE

BEST SELLER! Can't take a Zentangle intro class with a CZT? Learn the basics of the Zentangle® Method and understand the reasons behind the successful art method and how to reach Zen flow. Learn to develop TWO tiles, one beginner and one intermediate, in this 1 hour long video, bundled up with the ultra successful Zentangle® Magic Moments Ebook, with 64 pages. Learn more
$35

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This lesson contains optional Closed Captions

In this lesson you will learn:

Understand what the Zentangle method is and how it can help you reach Zen Flow
Learn why artists are so addicted to art and learn about "artistic magic moments"
Learn how I got into Zentangle and why I believe in it as a framework
Learn the 8 steps of the Zentangle Method
Learn the basic tangles of Zentangle 101
Learn two different types of shading
Understand why Zentangle works for beginners and advanced artists
Develop 2 tiles in different levels, beginners and intermediate
And so many tips and tricks!

Two different levels in the same lesson:
beginner and intermediate

Learn about different "tangleations"
and two different types of shading

Understand the artistic "magic moments" and Zen Flow

Recommended Supplies:

The easiest way to get most of the supplies you'll need is to got the Zentangle kit, which comes with 5 official Zentangle tiles. You can also choose to get supplies individually:

Recommended Supplies

Sakura Pigma Micron Black 01 (0.25mm)

This is the ultimate tangling tool: archival, waterproof ink disposable pen by Sakura. I've tested many other pens, but what I like about it is that it's permanent and will not come off or smear if you use water media over it. Keep in mind that although the number of the product says "01", it is NOT 0.1mm, the nib in fact measures 0.25mm, making it a bit thicker than other inking pens. Get it here.

Sakura Pigma Micron BROWN 01 (0.25mm)

Steadtler Mars F Pencil

This is my ALL time favorite shading pencil. Most HB pencils are fine for shading, but I find that the "F" pencil by Stadtler mars not only provides a much sharper point, but is also a bit smoother and darker, providing really buttery shading. Additionally, the wooden casing is so superior to other pencils that I have never gotten a broken point when sharpening. Get it here.

Blending Stumps

Instead of the usual tortillion, which is a hollow cylinder of paper, and typically found in the Zentangle kit, I like to use the blending stump, because it is solid and much more durable. Use a nail file to sharpen and a piece of wax paper to burnish. Three sizes are more than enough and should last you forever. Get it here.

Bristol Vellum Strathmore Artist Tiles

If you are not the cutting type and don't want to use official Zentangle tiles, then you can get these Artist Tiles by Strathmore in Bristol Vellum. Not quite as smooth as the Bristol Smooth, but still excellent quality, and better for colored pencils since they have more tooth. Keep in mind that these are NOT in the original Zentangle® 3.5inch square sizes: they are slightly larger, measuring 4x4 inches. Get it here.

Zentangle Kit

If you are just starting, then you can't get better value for the money. The kit comes with 5 official Zentangle 3.5" tiles, and 5 Sakura Pigma Micron pens of different widths, which is really nice to have: 01, 03, 05, 08 and 1. It also comes with a pencil and a tortillion for blending, but I would substitute the tortillion for a blending stump instead. Get it here

Please notice that when you make a purchase through these links, I get a small commission on sales with no added cost to you and which helps to support this site. I only recommend supplies that I personally use and I'm very careful to describe the good and the bad of each product.

An hour long video showing step by step how
to create your first Zentangle tile and why the method works!

This is what people said about this lesson!

"Holy Cow! I thought I was going to be completely bored with this video. I almost did not download it. I myself have been Tangling for over two years and got my CZT 18 months ago. Other than the founders this lesson was the best instruction, clear definitions, more information than any other time I have heard a basics class. I am going to recommend this to every person I meet that wants a basic lesson, who can't attend my own. And I'm going to use it as a model as to how I should teach my basics class.
You describe everything that is important to the story, the focus, the relaxation, the Zen or magic moments... I love that you demonstrated the difference between light source shading and the Zentangle method. I love that you explained why you use an F pencil, I love the whole darn video.
Now when I go back to my ebooks I will hear your voice when I am reading the instructions.
This was amazing and I almost skipped it.
Are you planning to convert any of the other ebook lessons into videos? I hope so.
Absolutely awesome video."
Terri D. via email