Intro to the Zentangle® Method

Name: Intro to the Zentangle® Method
Rating: 4.5 (69 reviews)

Learn to calm the mind and create beautiful art.

Created byMichelle Aalbers

Last updated 4/2025

English

What you'll learn

Learn the step-by-step meditative drawing method
This course uses basic tangles taught in many beginner courses by fellow CZTs.
The concepts of aura-ing, drawing behind and shading are covered in this course.
There is a bonus holiday course and a course using tangles as strings included with this intro class.

Course content

7 sections • 26 lectures • 4h 33m total length

Welcome0:26
Explore the Zentangle method through a beginner-friendly, varied video series designed to introduce the method in an easy, accessible way and help you build and grow your personal practice.
Introduction2:11
Step 1 of the Zentangle® Method. Gratitude and Appreciation.
Supplies1:16
Gather your supplies and get comfortable. It's almost time to tangle!
Dots, Borders and String: Steps 2-42:08
Learn steps 2 - 4: dots, border, string

Holiday Tangle Ideas28:34
This video starts with examples of how you could create holiday tangles and moves to the teaching portion at about 6 and a half minutes in.
Zen Button class - just for fun!49:32
A bonus class to create a Zentangle Inspired Art (ZIA) button.
Another Zentangle® Tile42:24
A class similar to the introduction for you to use as another example of how you might create your unique tiles using this method.

Printemps8:28
Printemps Variations7:14
Explore Printemps variations using 01 and 08 pens to create sparkle, gaps, and varying aura width, from circular to oval forms, with optional crescents for drama and subtle shading.
Maria's Version of Flux13:28
Learn to draw step-outs for Maria's version of Flux.
Rick's Version of Flux7:32
Learn to draw step-outs for Rick's version of Flux.
Crescent Moon Variations11:02
Explore crescent moon variations by adding auras around crescent shapes and morph them into triangles or diamonds. Experiment with colors on renaissance tiles—black, sepia or brown, jellyroll—and share your results.
Hollibaugh Variations6:27
Explore Hollibaugh variations in the Zentangle method, including weighted Hollibaugh, hooks, varying line widths, and holey-baugh with circles and crescents to create layered, dimensional patterns.
Bales4:38
Explore Bales on a tic-tac-toe grid, placing the aura inside and repeating it for multiple layers. Add orbs, link corners, and use grid spaces to play within the pocket.
Tipple4:27
Learn Tipple, a simple tangle of various sized circles that connect to fill a space or a partial area, with step-by-step tips and relaxation during drawing.
Poke Leaf7:43
To draw Poke Root, instead of drawing a heart shape on the stem, draw a circle shape.
Cyme Variation4:36
Explore a Cyme variation in Zentangle by starting with a Printemps in the center, forming folded, s-shaped petals, and adding wisps and shading to shape the tangle.
Shattuck14:51

Requirements

If you can sign your name you can tangle!
This is a basic introductory course. No previous tangling experience necessary.

Description

Explore this meditative drawing method with Michelle Aalbers, CZT. This class is designed for beginners and for kids of all ages. It fulfills the prerequisite for the other Zentangle Workshops with Jai Dee.

The Zentangle Method, developed by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas, is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create amazing drawings by assembling simple elements into complex structures of great beauty. Come be inspired learning with a Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT) who is excited to help you create beautiful drawings you never thought possible.

Gather your art supplies:

Paper – Ideally blank watercolor paper but really anything will work as long as you have pens, pencils, crayons or something that will show up on the paper you are using.

Graphite or colored pencils – if you’d like to do shading make sure you have pencils and a cotton swab handy.

For this class we will use one 3.5" official Zentangle white tile, a Pigma Micron 01 black pen, a General’s graphite pencil, and a tortillion.

Who this course is for:

Anyone looking to calm the mind and tap into creativity.
Students new to the Zentangle Method

Intro to the Zentangle® Method

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction: Getting Started4 lectures • 6min

Let's Tangle5 lectures • 20min

Shading1 lecture • 11min

Initial and Sign: Steps 7-81 lecture • 3min

Extra Classes!3 lectures • 2hr 1min

A Few Tangle Step-Outs11 lectures • 1hr 30min

Using Tangles for Borders and Strings1 lecture • 22min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: