What is Zentangle?

Zentangle is an easy to learn method of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns. It is a fascinating new art form that is fun and relaxing.  
The Zentangle method was developed by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas, founders of the company Zentangle (www.Zentangle.com).
     In addition to being a wonderful fun and relaxing activity for all, Zentangle is being applied in an impressive array of different arenas from arts and crafts and quilting, to meditation and yoga, from social work and psychological and life skills counseling to pain management and team building workshops. 

Some of the benefits of Zentangle:
                    **   Increases focus and creativity
                    **    Reduces stress
                    **    Provides artistic satisfaction
                    **    Increases sense of personal wellbeing

     Who can do Zentangle?  Anyone ~ even if you are convinced that you are not “artistic”!  If you can draw a line and a circle, you can create Zentangles! This is an activity that can be shared and enjoyed by all ages and abilities.

                     
    What tools or equipment do I need to create a Zentangle?
A piece of paper, a pencil, a pen. That's it! Zentangle is portable and affordable. 


     How is Zentangle a meditative art form?
     Most people find the process of creating a zentangle to be calming and relaxing. When following Zentangle method there is no 'right or wrong' or 'up or down' and we have no expectations about what the final piece of art will look like. Relieved of any expectations we are free to relax and become absorbed in the creation of patterns. The repetitive nature of zentangle can help the brain to switch off other thoughts and achieve a state of relaxed focus similar to that found in other meditative methods.

.... and just for fun, you can take this "Zentangle Quiz"!

Is Zentangle right for you? Take this quiz!

1.  Can you hold a pencil? A pen?
     Yes - Excellent. Give yourself a point and continue to question 2.
     No - Are you sure? Really?!? OK, then you may not be able to make Zentangle art. 
Maybe you'd like to buy some of mine!

2.  Can you spare 15 minutes to do something that will make you feel better and is 
not fattening or harmful in any way?
     Yes - Great! Give yourself a point and continue to question 3.
     No - Are you sure? Do you ever need to wait in a doctor’s office? Do you ever get 
a coffee or cigarette break? How about time spent commuting if you’re not driving? 
Waiting for a child at practice? Listening to music? It really does not take long. 

3.  Are you artistic?
     No - Wonderful! You'll probably take to Zentangle more easily than someone
 who may worry about “results.”
     Yes - Also wonderful! You may learn a new way to express your creativity. 
Take another point for either answer.

4.  Are you interested in any of the following ? Give yourself 1 point for each:
1.    learning to do something fun
2.    making something beautiful
3.    improving your focus
4.    relaxing
5.    stimulating your creativity
6.    keeping a journal
7.    increasing your confidence
8.    improving teamwork
9.    helping get through a difficult or painful situation
10.  improving fine motor skills
Yes! Zentangle can help with all of the above!

Did you score at least one point? Congratulations, Zentangle is right for you! 
Click the "My classes" tab to see my class schedule or contact me for a private 
workshop, corporate seminar, or a class for your group. I look forward to sharing
 this wonderful experience with you!

(Adapted, with many thanks, from Cris Letourneau, CZT and Margaret Bremner, CZT.)

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