Zentangle for All!

     I recently took a Zentangle* class at our Island Art Association Gallery located at 18 N. 2nd St, Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida. (904 261-7020)  Local artists share their talents and supplies with anyone interested in the different art forms they teach.  Since I had never heard of Zentangle, I googled it and it looked interesting.  Little did I know how simple it is to do.

     Meant to be a relaxation exercise, my decorative pumpkin is the result. I've taken pictures from different angles to show it off. :-) There are particular patterns to copy, and/or you can create your own.  A fine tipped permanent ink black Sharpie marker and, in this case, a foam pumpkin, from a craft store, with a solid plastic covering, works perfectly.  Whatever you decorate, make certain it is a nonporous surface or else the ink might bleed, causing uneven lines.  You can use a larger tipped black Sharpie to fill in any solid black areas you desire.  The thicker tip will fill in faster and you won't dull your fine point pen. 

     I asked what else can be decorated.  The instructor showed a birthday card with a Zentangle cake on the the front.  She also mentioned she had decorated the collar and cuffs of a long sleeve white blouse using a fabric pen.  I can see it now, coupled with a black sweater.  Very fetching.

     To find other objects on which to draw, I went to my kitchen cupboard and tried writing on the bottom of a coffee mug and mason jar.  Then I rubbed where I'd drawn and it didn't smear.  So I went to the dollar store, got a couple of plain white ceramic mugs, a square ceramic dinner plate and an easel to display the finished product.  Oh, and some plain white ornaments.  Who says you can't use fine point colored markers, too?  

     The next time granddaughter Ava visits, we'll be Zentangling!  She's excited to give it a try because it's perfect for all ages! In fact, it would be a fun thing to do as a family affair over the holidays.  Everybody can decorate his or her own mug!  Be sure and sign and date it, too!

*The Zentangle®Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.  It was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas.  "Zentangle" is a registered trademark of Zentangle, Inc.  Learn more at zentangle.com.