Doodling with a purpose can be a very compelling thing to do. I have never drawn anything at all and I have been around awhile. In our very conservative public school in Southern Idaho, there was no money for a real art class and even if there did happen to be an art class, if you weren't one of those children that had been drawing horses from an early age, you were considered having no talent and therefore, not a candidate to take ART. I believe there were some high school art classes, but I took a bunch of sewing classes instead and it framed my life. Now, I want to learn to draw something. Zentangle is a fun way to draw. And easy.

To Quote from this link: that belongs to the originators and experts:

"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. It increases focus and creativity. Zentangle provides artistic satisfaction and an increased sense of personal well being. Zentangle is enjoyed by a wide range of skills and ages and is used in many fields of interest."

There are some ATC Zen swaps on different list and there are Zentangles for sale on Etsy, although none of mine yet. I don't know what I am going to do with these "drawings", but I sure enjoy making them. Haven't lifted a needle for about 4 days now. That is a serious thing. I am considering combining the zens with stamping. That would be fun. I'm wondering if I could ever get the intricate designs onto fabric. Time will tell, but it is such fun to be making designs on paper.

I notice that I lack the pen technique to make fine lines, great circles, and standard/traditional designs. Also, I have learned that there are traditional designs, just take a look at some of the ancient Oriental Art. You can see great designs in the intricate embroidery of Kimonos. The sample Dover Publications designs that we can download have wonderful repetitive and intricate designs.

It seems I would have to draw about 8 hours a day to get some sort of technique going. But do you know how long it takes to make embroidery stitches that are even and go together? A year of steady practice at the very least.

Here is a sample of some of my Zentangles. I have a lot of others. Maybe they need their own blog. These are some of my first ones. They are different sizes, but about 6x7 inches.

Names for these zentangles are crazy. Numbers are boring. So, here goes.

"Full of It"

"Black and Magenta"

ATCs for Trade or Traded

These are my newest cards. All are drawn on archival paper with permanent markers. Most of my ATCs have an envelope as well as a plastic sleeve. I love trading, that's what it is all about.

Little Drops of Water: Traded

He - She: Traded

Snookums One: Traded

Snookums Two: Traded

Hills and Valleys: Traded

The Wish Five: Traded

Zen Doodling -- ATCs

Finally, I am opening this Tangled Up Blog. Do I hear trumpets? Well no, but it is still an accomplishment to get things scanned picniked and uploaded. So, here goes with something new for me.

Zentangle drawing tends straighten out my brain. I don't know whether that is because it is handedness intense or whether I must concentrate more. Crazyquilting requires problem solving, but it is not intense with repetitive strokes as drawing zentangles.


This is Alice in Wonderland but she looks like she jumped into St. Patrick's Day. Not such a bad choice. Traded

This is a little smaller than most ATCs. It is just the way it turned out. I love all the colors. Traded

The Wish -- Series of Six

Four Wishes for right now. I love this rubber stamp. Perhaps, I should say a series of ten, but I won't. The next set has a different name.

Wish One -- Traded

Wish Two -- Traded
Wish Three --Traded
Wish Four -- Traded

The Lavender Easter Egg. Kind late or early depending on the way you imagine it. It comes with an envelope, just couldn't resist making another egg. For Trade


This Pink Zendinger has Rhinestones in its most necessary parts. Comes with an envelope, unless you don't want it. For Trade.