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Zentangle Untangled: Inspiration and Prompts for Meditative Drawing
Unwind, Tangle and Relax!In Zentangle Untangled, Kass Hall introduces you to the fun and relaxing "doodling" process of Zentangle©--an engaging art form that uses repetitive patterns to create striking works of art that anyone can achieve regardless of age or artistic ability.Following an explanation of the Zentangle© process, inside you will find 12 step-by-step demonstrations showing you how to create enticing tangle patterns, followed by several examples of how to add eye-popping color to your pieces, as well as fun ways to use tangles in your art journals. Captivating pieces from Kass and a slew of other artists will further satisfy your craving for inspiration!Inside you will • 12 step-by-step demonstrations of tangle patterns to make getting started easy! • Different ways to introduce color, a variety of art materials, photography, and much more to your pieces. • How to take your pen-and-ink tangles to the next step by enhancing them digitally!
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2012
80 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 17, 2014
I wanted to like this, but I didn't.
The good:
1. The patterns were interesting.
That's it.
There's a lot wrong with this book, so I'll try not to rant.
1. It doesn't really have a history of zentangling. It also skims over the benefits. It says it's productive doodling or something like that, and that it's relaxing, but that's about it.
2. A major problem: IT READS LIKE A SALES PITCH. It's almost unbearable!
3. Apparently you can only zentangle if you have the right materials.
4. Oh and digital artists need not apply. Zentangling isn't relaxing unless you are using their specific materials. Doing it on the computer defeats the vaguely established point.
All in all, it's not really worth buying. Scan the patterns; take a few notes, but the sales pitch and high-and-mighty attitude is irritating.
The good:
1. The patterns were interesting.
That's it.
There's a lot wrong with this book, so I'll try not to rant.
1. It doesn't really have a history of zentangling. It also skims over the benefits. It says it's productive doodling or something like that, and that it's relaxing, but that's about it.
2. A major problem: IT READS LIKE A SALES PITCH. It's almost unbearable!
3. Apparently you can only zentangle if you have the right materials.
4. Oh and digital artists need not apply. Zentangling isn't relaxing unless you are using their specific materials. Doing it on the computer defeats the vaguely established point.
All in all, it's not really worth buying. Scan the patterns; take a few notes, but the sales pitch and high-and-mighty attitude is irritating.
May 1, 2015
1 1/2 stars
This book reminded me of the saying, "Jack of all trades, master of none." It touched on various topics related to Zentangle, such as patterns, coloring, art supplies and digital manipulation. However, every chapter was a quick run through of the topic, which made it seem like an introductory book of various topics rather than an instructional book.
If you are new to Zentangle and have never taken a course this is not the book to start with. Hall barely goes into the theory or benefits of Zentangle. Instead, readers are referred to the Zentangle website and are told to either take a course with a CZT or order the kit. The 12 patterns that are introduced are basic "official" tangles. The instructions are easy to follow and after each set of instructions there is a tile showing off the tangle. But, honestly you can get dozens of patterns at TanglePatterns.com for free, so this part was really worthless to me. The only parts I somewhat liked were the color and art supplies portion. It was neat to see what different art mediums in conjunction with the Zentangle method can produce and that is what I found inspiring about this book. Again though, thanks to the Interwebz this can be found for free online so I don't really recommend anyone buying this book. Instead, check it out from your library and see how much you actually refer to it before buying.
This book reminded me of the saying, "Jack of all trades, master of none." It touched on various topics related to Zentangle, such as patterns, coloring, art supplies and digital manipulation. However, every chapter was a quick run through of the topic, which made it seem like an introductory book of various topics rather than an instructional book.
If you are new to Zentangle and have never taken a course this is not the book to start with. Hall barely goes into the theory or benefits of Zentangle. Instead, readers are referred to the Zentangle website and are told to either take a course with a CZT or order the kit. The 12 patterns that are introduced are basic "official" tangles. The instructions are easy to follow and after each set of instructions there is a tile showing off the tangle. But, honestly you can get dozens of patterns at TanglePatterns.com for free, so this part was really worthless to me. The only parts I somewhat liked were the color and art supplies portion. It was neat to see what different art mediums in conjunction with the Zentangle method can produce and that is what I found inspiring about this book. Again though, thanks to the Interwebz this can be found for free online so I don't really recommend anyone buying this book. Instead, check it out from your library and see how much you actually refer to it before buying.
April 29, 2015
With the growth of blogging, websites, and online direct-download and other forms of Internet merchandising, I notice a trend in many artistic/crafting "instruction booklets" in the English speaking world. They're short. They're superficial, and they're expensive for what little information they contain. It's no longer about sharing ideas and creativity, it's about making money above all. "Zentangle" is no exception. On the mother blog, we are told: Everything you need to create beautiful Zentangle art can fit in your pocket. This easy to learn method of relaxed focus can be done almost anywhere, alone or in groups, without any special abilities or costly equipment." (emphasis mine)
And then on that blog as well as this book and other online resources, they tell you that you really must buy their special Italian-made pressed-paper "tiles" (3 inch squares), the special Japanese-made Sakura Micron pens, and, oh yeah--you really should take a special course from a CZT (Certified Zentangle Instructor). Or you can get the full kit with DVD for about fifty bucks (and that's if you live in the US; I shudder to think what the international postage for that baby costs). You won't find much in the way of real how-to information in the books, because yeah, this is an industry now, baby. The whole thing is directed to getting you to splash out on the package deals to learn their "philosophy" and "techniques." Now, wait a minute...what happened to "without any special abilities or costly equipment"? I guess cost is relative. But then 50 dollars is about half my weekly housekeeping expenses budget.
Explanations of techniques in this book as in the rest are very superficial, skimmed over, because, yeah, you're gonna take that course, aren't you? Aren't you?
But don't let them take away your fun. Take it easy, take it slow, and don't believe everything you read online or in this book. Draw a few 3 inch squares on some printer paper (or a paper bag, or what have you) and give it a go. There are some excellent videos on YouTube by normal folks--along with a few by "CZTs" that are aimed at getting you to invest in the books, the course, and the expensive "kits".
And then on that blog as well as this book and other online resources, they tell you that you really must buy their special Italian-made pressed-paper "tiles" (3 inch squares), the special Japanese-made Sakura Micron pens, and, oh yeah--you really should take a special course from a CZT (Certified Zentangle Instructor). Or you can get the full kit with DVD for about fifty bucks (and that's if you live in the US; I shudder to think what the international postage for that baby costs). You won't find much in the way of real how-to information in the books, because yeah, this is an industry now, baby. The whole thing is directed to getting you to splash out on the package deals to learn their "philosophy" and "techniques." Now, wait a minute...what happened to "without any special abilities or costly equipment"? I guess cost is relative. But then 50 dollars is about half my weekly housekeeping expenses budget.
Explanations of techniques in this book as in the rest are very superficial, skimmed over, because, yeah, you're gonna take that course, aren't you? Aren't you?
But don't let them take away your fun. Take it easy, take it slow, and don't believe everything you read online or in this book. Draw a few 3 inch squares on some printer paper (or a paper bag, or what have you) and give it a go. There are some excellent videos on YouTube by normal folks--along with a few by "CZTs" that are aimed at getting you to invest in the books, the course, and the expensive "kits".
July 10, 2016
This is a fun book, but I am astonished that the creator of Zentangle actually teaches how to do this and wants to try to make the patterns "official." I remember once seeing someone get lambasted online for uploading a "Zentangle" and then explaining how she did it, because she was not a certified Zentangle instructor and only certified Zentangle instructors can teach people how to doodle. Really? Because a lot of these doodles look like things out of my 8th grade algebra notebooks (I concur this may be why I didn't do well in algebra the first time around.. I made up for it later) and that was before the concept of Zentangle was even coined. Okay, there. I've said it. The creator of Zentangle did not put the patent on doodling and I think they may be taking it all a little too seriously.
That being said, doodling is fun and you can do some cool things with doodles. Yes, you can doodle and be in a meditative state and it can be very relaxing. Unless you become so controlling over doodling that you start telling other people what they can and can't do and then it starts feeling a little obsessive and people are likely going to look at you askance. This book contains some colorful doodle projects. I don't recommend doing them during algebra class, though.
That being said, doodling is fun and you can do some cool things with doodles. Yes, you can doodle and be in a meditative state and it can be very relaxing. Unless you become so controlling over doodling that you start telling other people what they can and can't do and then it starts feeling a little obsessive and people are likely going to look at you askance. This book contains some colorful doodle projects. I don't recommend doing them during algebra class, though.
July 21, 2013
I like the idea of zentangle. But it doesn't seem very Zen when you are supposed to use a certain type & size of paper(pricey!). so I used the book as a suggestion & use the paper I want to or have.
March 8, 2014
I couldn't make it all the way through -- it reads like one long pitch for you to hire an officially licensed Zentangle teacher, and I couldn't find enough information to know why I would want to before I got completely disgusted.
December 17, 2021
Es werden die Grundlagen des Zentangle erklärt mit einigen Tangle-Schritt-für-Schritt-Anleitungen. In einem zweiten Teil werden farbige Zentangles betrachtet, die mit verschiedenen Materialien gestaltet werden, was schließlich zur künstlerischen Fortführung mit anderen Techniken und Ausdrucksformen führt. Kein Buch, um Zugriff auf viele verschiedene Tangles zu haben, eher inspirativ.
March 25, 2020
There may have been a few new tangles in this book that I want to add to my collection because I had not seen them before.
Mostly I felt like this book was examples though and there was also a lot of text.
Definitely feel there are better zentangle books out there.
Mostly I felt like this book was examples though and there was also a lot of text.
Definitely feel there are better zentangle books out there.
March 1, 2018
This book would be a nice compliment to a class--lots of colorwork and other ideas on ways to use tangles.
August 6, 2018
More good info about the zentangle process, as well as some new tangles for me to play with. Boo and yah!
August 26, 2018
Lots of ideas
August 11, 2019
Informative guide and source book towards other artistsry pathways as you learn about techniques by the author.
November 26, 2019
I started this book with a slight interest in zentangle and ended it with none.
December 23, 2019
Liked.
August 23, 2021
Enjoyed this book and some of the new zentangle designs. Always nice to acquire more info on art.
November 12, 2022
Warm and inviting with lots of inspirational tutorials and models.
January 13, 2025
I'm looking at various books for discussion on color and pattern. This is a good one and also cover some of the drawing implements she finds useful.
Read
May 30, 2021Another zentangle book I've enjoyed.
May 27, 2025
This book is a good introduction as to what zentangle is. It's very easy to read and I appreciated the step by step pictures.
Read
March 29, 2021Not as advertised. The title is misleading and there are no prompts in the sense you expect, or much of anything related to the meditative aspect, but some good examples and ideas for patterns. Actually, this book was a bit better than most on the subject, but that isn't saying a ton. Still, I actually flipped through the whole thing (borrowed from the library) and luckily did not purchase. 2.5
December 3, 2013
I think I have never read so fast through an art instruction book, it only took around an hour. The book starts out with an explanation about zentangle. In the next capital you learn to draw 12 patterns, many of them are "official" zentangle patterns, moves on to explain some art materials, how to use colors and how use this art form with other materials. For example you can combine it with scrapbook papers, as frames in art journal and digital art. Finally there is an art gallery with more examples. Personal I have just recently discovered zentangle but I have done drawings and paintings for a while. While I understand this is a book for beginner, I was a little bit surprised how simple the examples were. I hope I don't sound mean but from somebody who got a Bachelor in Design and Art I expect a little bit more....Maybe it would have helped to use different sizes of paper instead of using the "tiles" most of the time. Unfortunatly not very inspiring.
Overall the book is written very simple and the explanation about color theory was the shortest one I have ever read in an art instruction book. Again find it odd that somebody with this background claims that she doesn't know much about colors...But it gets a little bit better when she starts with colors and I also liked her ideas how to use it with other mediums. My rating is between 2-3 stars for this book...
Overall the book is written very simple and the explanation about color theory was the shortest one I have ever read in an art instruction book. Again find it odd that somebody with this background claims that she doesn't know much about colors...But it gets a little bit better when she starts with colors and I also liked her ideas how to use it with other mediums. My rating is between 2-3 stars for this book...
July 15, 2014
There were only 12 tutorials on different zentangles, and they weren't necessarily the complicated ones I was hoping for help in figuring out. But, the instructions and graphics were clear; I liked the use of text to explain each step so that the author did not assume you can figure out what was drawn in next. There are many examples in color and black/white; so, if you're looking for inspiration in layout and design (and not a tutorial), then the book is helpful. There are also interesting suggestions of how to apply zentangle to other projects, such as greeting cards, scrapbooks, or even digital printouts. Essentially, if Pinterest does not give you enough inspiration, then this book will fill in the gaps with the author's personal insights and experiences, along with samples from several artists.
December 18, 2014
3.5 stars
This isn't really a title for those new to zentangling. There are few tangles broken down to learn from, but not many. There are lots of inspiring examples and unlike the previous title I read they use the tangles presented. If you are experienced I suspect you could recreate tangles in the samples that were not presented.
A large chunk of the book does cross over into ZIA with chapters on art supplies, using them in art journals, and even an introduction to digital manipulation. So if you are a purist this book is probably not for you. Also, if you have much art supply experience that chapter does not really provide any unique information.
This isn't really a title for those new to zentangling. There are few tangles broken down to learn from, but not many. There are lots of inspiring examples and unlike the previous title I read they use the tangles presented. If you are experienced I suspect you could recreate tangles in the samples that were not presented.
A large chunk of the book does cross over into ZIA with chapters on art supplies, using them in art journals, and even an introduction to digital manipulation. So if you are a purist this book is probably not for you. Also, if you have much art supply experience that chapter does not really provide any unique information.
August 31, 2016
This can seem like a WTF? workbook, but we use it in clinical therapy and occupational therapy quite a bit. I work with kids ages 4-11, and even they can do this (you may have to guide the younger ones). The zentangles can then be colored in. In the last week we had a 10-year-old and an 11-year-old murdered at two different elementary schools. In crisis situations such as these, you can roll out butcher paper, and let the kids make zentangle messages to their lost friends while they talk to the grief counselors. The process is calming and focusing (like using sandtray, but being able to leave a personal message at the same time).
October 20, 2014
I found the subtitle a little misleading, - at least the "prompts" part. I'm not sure what was meant by that, I don't really consider there are prompts, exactly, here. However, I did learn from - and enjoy - this book - primarily as a gallery. It's fun to see finished products that aren't part of instruction. There are 12 tangles that are showcased, including 8 by the author and her friends. Half the book is about adding color to your tangles, and her take is interesting. I wouldn't consider this a beginning book, but one in which you can enjoy the art and the artist's thoughts.
November 12, 2012
Well, I have had this book from the library for awhile... I looked at it and thought, "Wow. I could totally get into this!" Then I set it down. I finally picked it back up today, after a little stress, and I drew about 5 different tangles. I don't think I am meditating or anything while doing a tangle but it is relaxing. I have always been a doodler so it is nice to recognize that it can have some therapeutic purpose!
June 22, 2015
This is an excellent advanced beginner book! Kass introduces you to the Zentangle method and gets you started with some basic tangle patterns, then branches out into different colours of tiles, pens, and even introduces readers to art journaling and using digital imaging software with your tangles! I would definitely recommend this book (and the companion workbook) to those looking to expanding their tangling processes outside the box.
May 14, 2015
This is a pretty good overview of the zentangle method. It is very proprietary; it reminded my of Making Memories in the scrapbooking world. I wouldn't recommend this as a Zentangle Bible by any means, it is not diverse enough, but it is a nice addition to the zentangle library. If anything, just flipping through it may inspire you to attempt your own.
November 24, 2012
Doodling as a theraputic exercise/cult. The best book I've seen on the subject, but you are really supposed to study with a guru to get the full effect. It helped me get through a really boring day long meeting, so I'm all for it.
February 3, 2013
Although many of the tangles were not my style, I adored seeing what can be done by adding various media to color the tangles. Overall, a lovely book. Oh, and I love that the author included a list if her favorite blogs. Good stuff!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews