What do you think?
Rate this book
Joy of Zentangle: Drawing Your Way to Increased Creativity, Focus, and Well-Being
Reduce stress and increase creativity with the relaxing art of Zentangle(R)! Do you tangle? This book will teach you how! Inside you will learn the basic theory of Zentangle—an easy-to-learn method of pattern drawing that reduces stress while promoting creativity—and find instructions for drawing more than 100 tangles from Certified Zentangle Teachers, including Suzanne McNeill, Sandy Steen Bartholomew, and Marie Browning. This beautiful book is filled with examples of tangles and Zentangle-Inspired Art, as well as Zentangle craft projects and compelling stories from those who have improved their well-being through Zentangle. With Joy of Zentangle , a pen, and some paper, you'll have all you need to get started on your Zentangle journey!
160 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2012
117 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
March 10, 2015
I found this book at the library because I didn't want to spend what Amazon wanted for a total of 20 pages of what sounded like crap according to the reviewers. I was impressed by the way the author(s) described drawing in a way that non-artists can understand. I've got a strong arts and crafts background so most of this was a no brainer to me but I couldn't imagine trying to teach someone else how to do it. About 20 pages in I started working on my first tangle and it was loads of fun. I am excited to do my next one and then the next after that.
I really had no idea what a Zentangle was but this book did a great job explaining it. Basically it's meditative drawing. You are encouraged to not erase and not stress over any self-perceived mistakes but rather integrate them into your tangle. I really love the way Zentangle forces you to love your art, mistakes and all. Artist are so hypercritical as a whole but I think artists and non-artists alike can benefit from this. It's such a great stress reliever.
I can ramble forever but there's one last thing I loved about this book: I'm not a religious person but I have friends who ask me to pray for them from time to time. This book offers a solution for that. Instead of praying you can make a Zentangle for said friend and all the while you give them the positive energy and love you poured into it. You can keep it or give it to them as a physical manifestation of the prayer they requested. I thought that was a cool, unique, and authentic way to honor your religious friend's prayer requests.
I really had no idea what a Zentangle was but this book did a great job explaining it. Basically it's meditative drawing. You are encouraged to not erase and not stress over any self-perceived mistakes but rather integrate them into your tangle. I really love the way Zentangle forces you to love your art, mistakes and all. Artist are so hypercritical as a whole but I think artists and non-artists alike can benefit from this. It's such a great stress reliever.
I can ramble forever but there's one last thing I loved about this book: I'm not a religious person but I have friends who ask me to pray for them from time to time. This book offers a solution for that. Instead of praying you can make a Zentangle for said friend and all the while you give them the positive energy and love you poured into it. You can keep it or give it to them as a physical manifestation of the prayer they requested. I thought that was a cool, unique, and authentic way to honor your religious friend's prayer requests.
June 18, 2013
It's funny, but I almost felt some pressure from this book...
"You can draw your way to relaxation, but it HAS TO BE THIS WAY OR IT WON'T WORK."
GAH! Why can't I just doodle? Why do I have to doodle with a specific pen on a special piece of paper that is sized just right?!
I actually found that while I was feeling pressured to do it just right I found that I can just cut up my own little pieces of paper, and use one of my own pens, and just do a few minutes of mindless (yet mindful!) doodles, and get the same calming results!
Overall I think it helped me see how artistic pursuits like this can help, but that I don't have to do it anyone's way but my own!
"You can draw your way to relaxation, but it HAS TO BE THIS WAY OR IT WON'T WORK."
GAH! Why can't I just doodle? Why do I have to doodle with a specific pen on a special piece of paper that is sized just right?!
I actually found that while I was feeling pressured to do it just right I found that I can just cut up my own little pieces of paper, and use one of my own pens, and just do a few minutes of mindless (yet mindful!) doodles, and get the same calming results!
Overall I think it helped me see how artistic pursuits like this can help, but that I don't have to do it anyone's way but my own!
August 4, 2013
I picked this up thinking it was a book on drawing patterns, and it is, in a way, but it seems to be bundled up in CHANGING YOUR LIFE by drawing patterns.
Uh.
No.
I have the feeling I'm the wrong person for this book. It smacked a little too much of PROFUNDITY in learning how to draw patterns and make them your own on specifically-sized pieces of paper, using specific tools.
Look, I get that repetitive patterns are a way of achieving meditation status. I've seen some absolutely gorgeous pieces of repetitive art (look at you, Celtic knotwork, and you, Greek keys and labyrinths in general, and).
But seriously, folks, this ain't something new. Don't try to market it as if it was.
Uh.
No.
I have the feeling I'm the wrong person for this book. It smacked a little too much of PROFUNDITY in learning how to draw patterns and make them your own on specifically-sized pieces of paper, using specific tools.
Look, I get that repetitive patterns are a way of achieving meditation status. I've seen some absolutely gorgeous pieces of repetitive art (look at you, Celtic knotwork, and you, Greek keys and labyrinths in general, and).
But seriously, folks, this ain't something new. Don't try to market it as if it was.
August 30, 2013
Disclosure: I'm included in this book as a CZT.
Rather than buy each of Suzanne McNeil's book separately, I suggest you buy this one book, as it pretty much recaps all her Zentangle #1, etc. books. If you want to expand your tangle vocabulary, this is the book to have.
Rather than buy each of Suzanne McNeil's book separately, I suggest you buy this one book, as it pretty much recaps all her Zentangle #1, etc. books. If you want to expand your tangle vocabulary, this is the book to have.
June 8, 2014
This book was great at breaking down actual technique and I recommend it. BUT I'm glad I read reviews here and on Amazon before I bought it. Things I learned:
1. I agree, who puts in a copyright notice specifying what you can call your work in the front of an art book? It's a little like Monet writing a book on Impressionist painting with a foreword asking to please be sure to put a trademark symbol on your work if you sell paintings using the techniques he invented and put in the book, and otherwise please note it as "Inspired by Monet' when you paint your lilies slightly different than he taught, because you are still creating a IIA (Impressionist Inspired Artwork).
2. There is a talk about how it changes your life, mediation benefits, hippie dippie type stuff, but not as much I was prepared for after reading reviews. A lot of it came from the sidebars of people talking about what Zentangle means to them, so it was easy to look at their cool tangles and skip the propaganda.
3. Tip from an Amazon reviewer: paper coasters are super cheap and a good size. Despite what they say about how the 'fine Italian paper' of the trademarked Zentangle artist tiles will make you scoff at lesser mortals who use mere card stock, I thought that was a great idea. I did also buy some of the Strathmore 'Artist Tiles' for 'Pattern Drawing and Meditative Art' and so far I haven't been struck down by official Zentangle lightning yet, so that's good.
Overall, the actual drawing information was good, especially for someone like me who doesn't draw all that well.
1. I agree, who puts in a copyright notice specifying what you can call your work in the front of an art book? It's a little like Monet writing a book on Impressionist painting with a foreword asking to please be sure to put a trademark symbol on your work if you sell paintings using the techniques he invented and put in the book, and otherwise please note it as "Inspired by Monet' when you paint your lilies slightly different than he taught, because you are still creating a IIA (Impressionist Inspired Artwork).
2. There is a talk about how it changes your life, mediation benefits, hippie dippie type stuff, but not as much I was prepared for after reading reviews. A lot of it came from the sidebars of people talking about what Zentangle means to them, so it was easy to look at their cool tangles and skip the propaganda.
3. Tip from an Amazon reviewer: paper coasters are super cheap and a good size. Despite what they say about how the 'fine Italian paper' of the trademarked Zentangle artist tiles will make you scoff at lesser mortals who use mere card stock, I thought that was a great idea. I did also buy some of the Strathmore 'Artist Tiles' for 'Pattern Drawing and Meditative Art' and so far I haven't been struck down by official Zentangle lightning yet, so that's good.
Overall, the actual drawing information was good, especially for someone like me who doesn't draw all that well.
December 15, 2022
This book is all about doodling. How to doodle in your free time. I bought this book from a Sunday Book Bazar at Ferer Hall Karachi. 3 authors wrote this book.
Chapter 1 is about What is Zentangle?
Chapter 2 is about Zentagle basics.
Chapter 3 is about Zentagnle techniques.
Chapter 4 is about the Tangle directory.
Chapter 5 is about Learning to draw 101 tangles.
Chapter 6 is about the Traditional zentangle gallery.
Chapter 7 is about ZIA gallery.
Chapter 8 is about additional applications.
This is a coffee table book or if you are traveling and your cell phone battery is dead you can doodle in your free time.
What is Zentangle?
As you probably know by now, a zentangle is a simplified design, created with just a pencil and a piece of graphite. It can be drawn with various colors, shapes, and techniques.
Dil Nawaz
Karachi, Pakistan.
https://ocdil.blog
Chapter 1 is about What is Zentangle?
Chapter 2 is about Zentagle basics.
Chapter 3 is about Zentagnle techniques.
Chapter 4 is about the Tangle directory.
Chapter 5 is about Learning to draw 101 tangles.
Chapter 6 is about the Traditional zentangle gallery.
Chapter 7 is about ZIA gallery.
Chapter 8 is about additional applications.
This is a coffee table book or if you are traveling and your cell phone battery is dead you can doodle in your free time.
What is Zentangle?
As you probably know by now, a zentangle is a simplified design, created with just a pencil and a piece of graphite. It can be drawn with various colors, shapes, and techniques.
Dil Nawaz
Karachi, Pakistan.
https://ocdil.blog
July 28, 2018
This took me nearly four months to finish because I tried almost every tangle and took my sweet time doing so. The process of repetitious drawing is very relaxing. There's no pressure to create something perfect, and it gives my mind an opportunity to process all the life stuff. Most often, my completed tangle looked nothing like the tangle in the book. Unlike other crafty things, I didn't fume or get upset about the end result. Instead, I would find a tangle I'd previously drawn, one I wanted to tinker with, and I would draw a fresh tangle from the old tangle, but this time connecting it to the new tangle. I ended up with stacks and stacks of paper, each filled with a lot of blobby splotches of lines, but I have been chopping them up and re-purposing them for my collages and journal projects. I can't wait to slowly make my way through this book again. But not before I try the rest of the zentangle books out there!
August 6, 2013
My son and I love this book (he's 8). He is math inclined and loves drawing. We started the summer talking about patterns and symmetry which lead us to Mandalas. He loved coloring them with colored pencils. My search for Mandala coloring books on Amazon lead me to this book. We read a few Zentangle books and this was our favorite. It had great ideas for patterns and inspiration. And it also showed what other people have done with zentangle (my son loved the idea of doing it on rocks). Essentially, it is a book teaching people how to doodle... in an OCD way... and taking inspiration from patterns you see in life (cloud, tree bark, butterflies, fences... anything.) And it is also a great form of meditation.
January 20, 2014
If you are interested in learning as many Tangles as possible and you only have money for one book, then this is the book to buy. There is also a handy visual Tangle Directory if you want to see all of the Tangles at once.
I could have done without the inspirational personal stories from various doodle artists, but maybe you will find them comforting. The main takeaway is that doing art, whatever that art may be, is a relaxing and fun activity. If you had the misfortune to be in a school where art instruction was sacrificed for "practical" subjects, I hope you will find this book helpful in reconnecting you to the Joy that is Doing Art.
I could have done without the inspirational personal stories from various doodle artists, but maybe you will find them comforting. The main takeaway is that doing art, whatever that art may be, is a relaxing and fun activity. If you had the misfortune to be in a school where art instruction was sacrificed for "practical" subjects, I hope you will find this book helpful in reconnecting you to the Joy that is Doing Art.
May 6, 2013
Great introduction to Zentangle! Zentangles and zentangle-inspired artwork from the 3 authors are included in the book and provide excellent examples of what you can learn to do yourself. Lots of decent tangles (fill patterns) are included.
March 21, 2013
Um...freakin love this book! I can't believe my obsessive doodling is an actual art form!
February 19, 2014
Wonderful insight on how Zentangle blends art and therapy and a boatload of tangles too. Need to own this one.
May 2, 2015
Good book te get started with zentangle. Lots of tangles, not too difficult and
clearly illustrated.
clearly illustrated.
May 18, 2020
Nice book!
February 1, 2026
Maybe 4.5?
Joy of Zentangle: Drawing Your Way to Increase Creativity, Focus, and Well-Being isn’t just a book about doodling—it’s a handbook for mindfulness disguised as an art guide. I went into it expecting tips and techniques for decorative doodles and came away with something closer to a meditation practice on paper.
Each section breaks down the philosophy behind Zentangle while also giving concrete, named styles and step-by-step instructions for creating them. I appreciated that blend of structure and freedom—it helps you see why each stroke or pattern matters, without making the process feel rigid or self-serious.
The mindfulness aspect is more prominent than I expected, but I didn’t mind it. It actually adds depth, turning what could be a basic how-to into a practical mental “reset.” It’s a good companion for anyone looking to build calm and concentration alongside creative expression.
I especially liked the clarity in describing the various tangles—the book serves as a solid “primmer” or reference for learning and naming styles. I look forward to returning to it whenever I sit down to create new tangles, both for relaxation and for artistic exploration.
Now to go doodle my brains out!!!! 😂🤞
Joy of Zentangle: Drawing Your Way to Increase Creativity, Focus, and Well-Being isn’t just a book about doodling—it’s a handbook for mindfulness disguised as an art guide. I went into it expecting tips and techniques for decorative doodles and came away with something closer to a meditation practice on paper.
Each section breaks down the philosophy behind Zentangle while also giving concrete, named styles and step-by-step instructions for creating them. I appreciated that blend of structure and freedom—it helps you see why each stroke or pattern matters, without making the process feel rigid or self-serious.
The mindfulness aspect is more prominent than I expected, but I didn’t mind it. It actually adds depth, turning what could be a basic how-to into a practical mental “reset.” It’s a good companion for anyone looking to build calm and concentration alongside creative expression.
I especially liked the clarity in describing the various tangles—the book serves as a solid “primmer” or reference for learning and naming styles. I look forward to returning to it whenever I sit down to create new tangles, both for relaxation and for artistic exploration.
Now to go doodle my brains out!!!! 😂🤞
February 19, 2019
This the second of two books about Zentangle(R) that I have read. The first I am still working on since it's a six-week program. Here's the thing: while this book was fun and has some nice patterns, I feel it has moved away from the spirit of the original (and trademarked) art form.
A pattern is not always a tangle because tangles should be repeatable organically without the use of a formal grid or guidelines and should be fairly abstract. Thus, this book has several patterns in it that are not tangles. The majority of them are not listed on tanglepatterns.com, which has both the full list of official patterns and many, many more. There are about sixteen tangles from the book that I added to my personal library for use in tangling, but there are a lot of patterns that just felt too like drawing a bunch of daisies or butterflies and walking away.
That's my opinion. I mean, I'm just beginning with this art form and the ladies that contributed tangles to this book are Certified Zentangle Teachers. This is not the book I'd recommend to get a start in the art of Zentangle.
A pattern is not always a tangle because tangles should be repeatable organically without the use of a formal grid or guidelines and should be fairly abstract. Thus, this book has several patterns in it that are not tangles. The majority of them are not listed on tanglepatterns.com, which has both the full list of official patterns and many, many more. There are about sixteen tangles from the book that I added to my personal library for use in tangling, but there are a lot of patterns that just felt too like drawing a bunch of daisies or butterflies and walking away.
That's my opinion. I mean, I'm just beginning with this art form and the ladies that contributed tangles to this book are Certified Zentangle Teachers. This is not the book I'd recommend to get a start in the art of Zentangle.
September 18, 2017
Good explanation of what Zentangling is and some nice finished art, but as far as examples of how to do it...some of the examples could have been a lot more clear...if you need the drawing to guide you the step by step is a good idea if they are the SAME... quite a few of them changed mid-example leading to confusion...mistakes are too be accepted well if you're leaving wrong it's more frustrating to have a mistake because of lack of clarity rather than lack of skill. Lack of skill is acceptable, but if something is to be done a certain way to achieve the expected outcome it would be nice if the examples didn't change midstream. Seems to be an okay beginner book though I've not read any others yet to make a comparison skill wise
July 29, 2018
This was an interesting introduction to Zentangle, providing instructions for getting started and some of the background of how the Zentangle art-form came to be. Overall, it is a good book but I preferred Suzanne McNeill's series of Zentangle books including the expanding workbook editions (Zentangle 1 through 12).
May 31, 2018
I liked that this book showed you a lot of different patterns to get you started, but it focused way too heavily on the people who created it, their business, and pushing their CZT system (Certified Zentangle Teachers)--no joke, there is a certification for this...
June 23, 2018
Actually enjoyed this book primarily for the series of tangles included, as they've helped me expand on more "official" Zentangle designs, rather than simply being inspired by them. Definitely recommend this book.
October 5, 2018
The bulk of this book is "Learn to Draw 101 Tangles," which I appreciated, as I love seeing new designs. There's also some useful information on how to get started tangling, and where to go once you're looking to move on from the basics!
February 6, 2019
This book expanded my knowledge of Zentangle and the concepts behind it. It also introduces a multitude of Tangles. It contains examples of art done by Certified Zentangle Instructors (CZTs) and quotations from CZTs.
November 17, 2022
Wow. This was really good. From the illustrations to the personal stories, I found more to love on every page. Excellent guide to zentangle. I finished it and immediately recommended the book to my daughter.
March 31, 2019
While I like the idea of doodling. I don’t feel like it should have specific paper and specific instructions. Maybe this way is good for some people, it is not for me.
November 1, 2019
I had not heard about zentangles before finding this book at my local library.
I used the patterns in this book during Inktober 2019 to do an ink zentangle each day in October.
I used the patterns in this book during Inktober 2019 to do an ink zentangle each day in October.
April 26, 2021
Great foundational primer. Clear examples and sample drawings provided.
June 29, 2022
Took a Zentangle session at a local library and was very intrigued. Wanted to know more about this craft. Interesting, easy to understand and informative. Great reference.
August 1, 2025
Borrowed paperback book from DC library. Good intro, with some patterns but didn't really put it all together. Also came across as do it my way or you're not doing it right.
August 17, 2015
I came across this quite by accident when browsing in an arts and crafts store several weeks ago. I ordered it and bought a small journal, pen and pencil and eagerly awaited the book arrival. It's simply beautiful. It's great for beginner tanglers, but I can understand if some people find the options overwhelming. The art examples presented as examples of what you can create with the patterns are visually stunning.
The authors present the information in sections: introduction to art, the principles of Zentangle, and the supplies required, the actual patterns (over 100), then ends with other artistic things you can do with Zentangle.
The only small problem I have with the book, even though I love it, is that I wish some of the patterns showed a few more steps to illustrate how to make the pattern. Not many, just a few, and I realize that could just be a result of my beginner status.
I have noticed an increased creativity and desire to be more artistic, creative in problem-solving and more calm (though I am usually a very calm person). I haven't really noticed increased focus, but that could come with further practice.
Overall, a fantastic introduction to the craft.
The authors present the information in sections: introduction to art, the principles of Zentangle, and the supplies required, the actual patterns (over 100), then ends with other artistic things you can do with Zentangle.
The only small problem I have with the book, even though I love it, is that I wish some of the patterns showed a few more steps to illustrate how to make the pattern. Not many, just a few, and I realize that could just be a result of my beginner status.
I have noticed an increased creativity and desire to be more artistic, creative in problem-solving and more calm (though I am usually a very calm person). I haven't really noticed increased focus, but that could come with further practice.
Overall, a fantastic introduction to the craft.
February 4, 2014
Up front I will admit to this being a conflicted review. I picked up this book because a friend had sparked my interest in zentangle to supplement my pen and ink design palette. I was expecting to learn specific designs and about composition and repetitive structure. And I did. There are lots of design and spacial concept discussions throughout the book and LOTS of step by step instructions for various pattern designs. The illustrations were colorful and the instructions were very understandable. I really learned a lot of new technique.
But, mixed in with the instructables was, as the title implies, philosophy and instruction on symbolism, meditation and, well, achieving zen. Not so much for me there. I found it a bit overdone even as I recognize the natural relaxation and cognitive gains to be had while engaging in this art style. The good and the annoying...but it was still a very useful book. I got this title from the library and have already checked it out again. I think it will be a regular for me until the technique becomes rote.
But, mixed in with the instructables was, as the title implies, philosophy and instruction on symbolism, meditation and, well, achieving zen. Not so much for me there. I found it a bit overdone even as I recognize the natural relaxation and cognitive gains to be had while engaging in this art style. The good and the annoying...but it was still a very useful book. I got this title from the library and have already checked it out again. I think it will be a regular for me until the technique becomes rote.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews