Zentangle Method Classes by Lisa Goldman

The ZM is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns called “tangles.” Anyone who can write the word “ICSO” (the pen strokes that all tangles are comprised of) can create Zentangle art. The ZM’s simple 8-step structure creates the framework which allows for creativity. Some have referred to the ZM as “yoga with a pen” because there’s a ceremony and practice, but it’s also a mental vacation. It’s different than aimless doodling; people use the ZM to create beautiful images and increase their sense of well-being.

I first tried the Zentangle Method (ZM) in 2014, when a friend gifted me an introductory class while I was going through chemotherapy. The ZM helped me relax and refocus and, as an added bonus, produce satisfying art. In fact, I grew to enjoy the ZM so much, I decided to become a Certified Zentangle Teacher, aka “CZT,” so I could offer classes to others. It is so fun to share the gift of the Zentangle Method with others and see their joy, relaxation, and satisfaction in producing beautiful tiles of their own!

TAKE A CLASS!

I offer three different classes via Zoom. All classes require the four basic supplies discussed below (paper tiles, micron pen, pencil, and blender, and some of the Level 2 classes require additional items), and make sure to order your supplies so that they arrive before the class.

(1) Intro to the Zentangle Method — This is a 2 hour class. I teach this class when there is demand (at least 3 people express interest). However, I have a recording of it available if you wish to take it sooner. I am also available to teach it live for private groups or events upon request. Message me for more info. Cost $35*.

In the intro course, you produce two tiles looking something like this:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2) Zentangle Level 2 Classes (monthly) — This is a 90 min class where we will play with new  techniques and tangles (different from those in the Intro Class). I offer these classes monthly, typically the 3rd Sunday morning of the month, with occasional exceptions. Cost $25*.

All are welcome to participate in the Level 2 classes. I call them “Level 2” not because they are necessarily more advanced, but because I don’t take the time to review the philosophy and history of the Zentangle Method and the 8 step Zentangle process, which I cover in detail in the Intro class. I do recommend that you have taken my Intro Class or have otherwise been exposed to the basics of the ZM because I think you will enjoy my Level 2 classes more with that foundation, but I do not require it.

Note that many of the Level 2 classes will incorporate color and require some additional supplies beyond the basic pen/pencil/paper/tortillion of the traditional Zentangle Method. I still aim to make these classes accessible and easy to create a satisfying project in the allotted 90 minutes, but please pay attention to the “supplies required” section of the sign up form:

2024 Schedule

January: Wonky Y-Ful

 

 

 

February: PopUp BdayCake

 

 

April: Crazy Ing

 

June: Embossed Foil Tangles

 

May: Batik Inspired Tangles

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. January 28, 10:30am-12pm California time, sign up form. Planned project – Wonky Y-ful
  2. February 18, 10:30am-12pm California time, sign up form. Planned project – PopUp Birthday Cake
  3. March 17, 10:30am-12pm California time — cancelled
  4. April 21, 10:30am-12pm California time, sign up form. Planned project – Crazy Ing
  5. May 19, 10:30am-12pm California time, sign up form. Planned project – Batik Inspired Tangles
  6. June 23, 10:30am-12pm California time, sign up form. Planned project – Embossed Foil Tangles
  7. July – summer break.
  8. August 18, 10:30am-12pm California time, sign up form. Planned Project – TBD
  9. September 15, 10:30am-12pm California time, sign up form. Planned Project – TBD
  10. October 20, 10:30am-12pm California time, sign up form. Planned Project – TBD
  11. November 17, 10:30am-12pm California time, sign up form. Annual Lung Cancer Research Fundraiser Class!
  12. December 15, 10:30am-12pm California time, sign up form. Planned Project – TBD

 

 

Examples of maptangling

 

(3) Custom & private classes — available for individuals, small groups, parties, fundraisers or team building and corporate events. Contact me to discuss at goldmanlisa[at]gmail.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please sign up at least 48 hours in advance by messaging me at goldmanlisa[at]gmail.com. Once you’ve signed up, I will send you a Zoom link to attend the class. Payment can be made via PayPal (using my email address) or Venmo (@Lisa-Goldman-26). I may cancel any class if less than 3 people sign up.

* I would hate for cost to be a barrier to your enjoyment of the Zentangle Method. Thus, all classes are free for students, cancer patients in active treatment, those who are unemployed or underemployed, or anyone else who cannot participate because of cost. Please message me to sign-up for the class so I can track attendance & get you the Zoom link, and then just skip the payment portion (this will be on the honor system, no questions asked).

MAILLIST

I send out very occasional emails with reminders of class offerings, schedule updates, and a description of my class plans. If you would like to join this maillist, please drop me a message at goldmanlisa[at]gmail.com.

SUPPLIES

For most classes, you will need only 4 things: paper, pen, pencil, & a blender. I’ve put together a list of links below. To keep things simple, I’ve included only Amazon links, but most of these items can also be purchased at any store that stocks art supplies.

PAPER (aka “tiles”) —
(note these official Zentangle tiles can only be purchased from Zentangle either on Amazon or the Zentangle.com website. However, other places sell somewhat similar “artist tiles,” or you can buy a pad of hot press watercolor paper and cut it up into 3.5″ or 4″ square tiles yourself.)
PENS —
(1) The Micron “01” is the classic pen for the Zentangle Method:
(2) The Micron “PN” uses the same ink, but it has a plastic nib. It creates a slightly thicker line, but it’s also a more durable tip, so it’s recommended for kids or people who press really hard and may bend the tip of the “01.”
PENCILS —
Pencils are used for shading. A standard #2 pencil is kind of soft and light, so it doesn’t work the best for achieving good shadows, but it will suffice in a pinch. The pencil included in the official Zentangle kits is made by Generals and is good and widely available. However, my favorite pencil to use is:
https://amzn.to/377681X. I am also using this Cretacolor Nero black pencil for shading a lot.
TORTILLIONS (aka “Blenders”) —
There are various packs of tortillion blenders. I honestly can’t distinguish between them much. Here’s one economical pack:
KITS —
(1) If you don’t want to bother buying items individually, this kit has everything you need to get started. The only thing that’s annoying is that it has extra pens that aren’t commonly used in the Zentangle Method, and it only has 5 paper tiles.
(2) This is a more robust starter kit, which includes fewer superfluous pens and has more (21) tiles, plus a nice “primer” book:
OTHER RESOURCES —
Colored Pencils: You don’t need colored pencils for the Intro Class, but many people (myself included!) eventually like to incorporate color into their tangles. Two sets of colored pencils I use often: Faber Castell Polychromos and Faber Castell Albrecht  Watercolor Pencils. Some white gel pens are also useful when working with color.
Waterbased Markers: There are a lot of brands and color packs out there. I use Tombow dual-tip ones like these the most.
Watercolors: For traditional watercolors, I have a mid-range set from Sakura. I like that it’s very compact and comes with a handy water brush and mixing surface. These watercolor sheets are also super vivid and even more compact. I also really enjoy Ecoline liquid watercolors.
Books: Books aren’t required to learn or practice the Zentangle Method. A quick search will reveal countless books about the Zentangle Method. Three of the most popular are:
Websites & Apps:
(1) Zentangle.com – this is the founders’ website and has lots of great stuff.
(2) Mosaic app – This is the official Zentangle app. There’s a free version and a paid version. People post their tiles here all the time, so it’s a great place for inspiration. There are also lots of instructionals and “tips and tricks.”
(3) Art Raffle app – This is a free app created by Eni Oken, CZT. I highly recommend this app. Eni has shared “step out” instructions for 100s of different tangles. I can’t believe this is free. Super cool!
(4) https://tanglepatterns.com/ – A website with 100s of tangle patterns.
(5) You can easily find many CZTs and others who regularly post their work and offer classes on YouTube, Instagram and elsewhere

Note: the Amazon links in this post are affiliate links

 

 

 

 

See more of my artwork at https://www.instagram.com/goldmanlisa/