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Greetings!
The Zentangle Method has been an exciting and fulfilling journey, unfolding one stroke at a time. Like creating a tile, each moment evolved naturally, guided by presence, intention, and an open heart.
Along the way, we’ve gathered countless meaningful memories, many of which we love to revisit. This year, we’re stepping into the Zentangle Time Machine to reflect on some of our favorite moments. Join us as we remember, rediscover, and perhaps even experience for the first time remarkable tangles, techniques, events, and more from years past.
| | Join us as we journey through the years of the Bijou Be Well series and come together to honor Mental Health Awareness Month. | | |
The United States has recognized Mental Health Awareness Month each May since 1949. Every year, businesses, organizations, schools, and individuals use this time to honor those affected by mental illness while promoting new ideas, events, and programs that support treatment and prevention.
Many people experiencing mental health challenges have discovered that creating art can serve as a powerful form of therapy, often with meaningful, positive effects. A regular creative practice can help relieve stress, build confidence, and support overall mental well-being, not only for those facing specific challenges, but for anyone. The Zentangle Method offers a simple yet impactful way to access creativity, opening pathways to the artist within each of us. Through basic strokes and step-by-step guidance, anyone can create beautiful images using this approach.
When Rick and Maria developed the Zentangle Method more than twenty years ago, they did not anticipate the role it would come to play in supporting mental health. Over time, tanglers from around the world have shared how meaningful and effective the method has been in managing their well-being. It is only fitting that we take part in Mental Health Awareness Month, sharing tangling tutorials, stories, studies and meaningful musings, in what would become known as Bijou's Be Well series.
Our first stop on the Zentangle Time Machine this month takes us to May 2021.
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2021: Zentangle Project Pack No. 14: Tangled Musings
In early 2021, our friends at Sakura of America contacted us about collaborating on something for Mental Health Awareness Month. After some brainstorming, we designed a custom booklet filled with inspiring quotes about finding your inner artist, highlighting the importance of creativity and mental well-being.
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2022: #WELLbeing series
Our intention with this series was to explore the Zentangle Method as a supportive tool for mental well-being, while uplifting the stories of those who incorporate it into their personal journeys.
Throughout the month, we shared blog posts and short tangling tutorials featuring the tangle well, simple videos that ultimately planted the seeds for what would become the Bijou Be Well series.
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2023: Bijou Be Well Series - Year 1
2023 marked the inaugural year of the Bijou Be Well series. As we reflected on how to honor the importance of this month, Bijou reminded us of his wise Bijouisms. These Bijouisms serve as gentle reminders that guide both our Zentangle practice and our daily lives.
Over the course of 21 days, we embarked on a tangling journey, exploring one Bijouism and one tangle on a Bijou tile each day.
Suggested Materials for BBW2023: Bijou Tiles
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2024: Bijou Be Well Series - Year 2
In its second year, the Bijou Be Well series featured our 3-Sided 3Z tiles and introduced 21 brand new Bijou Comics. Once again, we invited tanglers to join us for 10–15 minutes each day, exploring one tangle, one tile, and one stroke at a time.
Suggested Materials for BBW2024: 2026 3Z Sampler
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2025: Bijou Be Well Series - Year 3
Last year, we returned to the idea of using Bijouisms to explore the thoughts, actions, and emotions that support our well-being. Having journeyed through all the original Bijouisms in 2023, it felt like the perfect moment to introduce 24 new ones.
Throughout the series, we shared stories from CZTs who found a deep connection to the Zentangle Method through their personal mental health journeys, and who now carry that inspiration forward by teaching in their communities and beyond. These stories are part of the Let Your Pen Soothe Your Soul series.
Suggest Materials for BBW2025: 3.5" Square Tile
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2026: Bijou Be Well Series - Year 4 - STARTING SOON!
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
This year, we will be working on a Zentangle Opus tile to create one cohesive work of Zentangle art. We have carefully curated this years Bijou Be Well Bundles to include everything you need for this journey.
Bijou's Be Well Bundles contain 2 Opus Tiles and assorted tools to tangle with specific for each surface. Each glassine envelope also contains three Bijouisms selected just for you. Choose from white and tan Opus tiles, black Opus tiles or Translucen-Z Opus tiles.
If you do not have a Zentangle Opus tile, we encourage you to follow along with what you have at home, but purchasing supplies directly supports the production of the Bijou Be Well Series. We thank you for your thoughtful contribution toward making this important series possible.
Shop Bijou's Be Well Bundles here.
Step 2: Mark Your Calendars
Beginning Monday, May 11th through the 31st, we will send a daily newsletter with a tangling prompt, paired with studies, articles and stories exploring the benefits of creativity. invite you to set aside 10–15 minutes each day to tangle and enjoy a moment just for yourself.
Step 3: Tangle with Us!
This year, we encourage you to step away from your screen, ground yourself in your space, and create without expectation. We will launch the series with an introductory video to get you organized and informed on the process. Each day thereafter, we will share simple instructions and a step-out of a tangle to guide you in filling your Opus tile. For those who want a little extra support, we’ll also share videos from past Bijou Be Well series (we are in a Time Machine this year, after all!). We will conclude the series with a wrap-up video that ties it all together.
| | | | Some may know the symbol Rx as something commonly seen on a medical prescription. The abbreviation was originally derived from the Latin word “recipere”, which means recipe or more literally, to take. It is common for doctors to prescribe to their patients, “to take” a certain medicine to alleviate the symptoms they are experiencing. In many cases, this is incredibly helpful and necessary. | | However, what if in certain situations, pills were not the only answer and there were other things we could “take” that would aid to our healing? What if we broadened this idea or this system to include more than just pills? What if there were other things that we could do to alleviate whatever symptoms we are experiencing? What if sometimes the prescription for our ailment includes remedies like hugs, a brisk walk, coffee with a friend or maybe just maybe some time with a piece of paper and a pen. | | Become a Certified Zentangle Teacher | | |
CZT 44 - October 25-28, 2026
Join us for CZT Training in Mystic, Connecticut, or online!
Register by July 1, 2026 for Early Bird Pricing!
We recommend registering as early as possible, as we expect in-person spots to fill quickly.
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Save the Date! CZT 45 (online only): July 16-18, 2027.
Our next in person seminar will be held in spring 2028.
For more details about our CZT Training program, please visit our website.
| | | | One thing we love about Lady Aura is that she loves to repeat herself. In 2026, Lady Aura will be sharing blogs, newsletters, and products that you may have missed. Be sure to check them out! | | |
With Gratitude and Appreciation,
Rick, Maria, Martha, Molly, and everyone at Zentangle HQ
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