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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 has 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.
This month on the Zentangle Time Machine, we are traveling through the years of Zentangle Zendalas!
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Maria writes...
The arrival of the first wave of our Zentangle Zendala Tiles was like tasting... a real French croissant for the very first time. I held it in my hands for a while before I could put a pen to this amazingly beautiful, ordinary wonder!
What took us so long to realize its importance in the Zentangle world? This, this simple change from linear to circular was such a gift to me. I no longer felt the effort to make my drawing appear bottomless. Or, topless! It very quickly became my go-to tile. Measuring at 4-5/8" (117mm) in diameter, it is slightly larger than the 3 1/2” square tile, so I could spend a bit more time if I so chose. Yup! It was a fun alternative to being square. Of course, eventually, I drew equally on both, but it added a delightful decision-making to the mix. Mmmmmm. It was mahvelous!
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March 2012: After all of the behind-the-scenes research and development, the first Zentangle Zendala Tiles were released. Only available to Certified Zentangle Teachers at first, Zendalas were first available in a round tin and included 18 White pre-strung Zendalas (2 each of 9 different strings) and 3 blank White Zendalas. Zendala tiles are about 4-5/8" (117mm) in diameter. They are die cut with our familiar deckle edge and use the same paper as our square white tiles.
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March 2013: After a year of enjoying the Pre-Strung Zendala Tiles, many of you began requesting refills of the blank ones. So, in the spring of 2013, we released packs of 21 blank Zendala Tiles, in the same 100% cotton paper that we knew and loved.
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May 2013: After the release of Zendala Tiles on white paper, it only seemed fitting that our next stroke was to explore working in the round on black paper, so we released a Zendala tin of pre-strung black tiles and a refill pack of blank tiles. Followed by Renaissance Zendala Tiles in May 2014 and Gray Zendala Tiles in October 2019.
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December 2022: After the initial release of Zentangle Translucen-Z tiles in Zentangle Project Pack No. 18, we released Translucen-Z Zendala Tiles in December 2022. These new vellum tiles opened the doors to so many new creative endeavors. One of our favorites was creating pre-strung Translucen-Z Zendalas.
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NEW! October 2026: When we embarked on our year-long journey on the Zentangle Time Machine, we knew Zendala Tiles had to be on the itinerary. Rich in history, inspiration, and opportunity, Zendala Tiles are a beloved canvas for our tangling community. You could even say they are legendary...
Meet the newest installment in the Legends of Zentangle series, Zendala!
Inspired by the Legend card in the original Zentangle Kit, the Legends of Zentangle series offers just enough guidance to kickstart your creative process. The Legends of Zendala includes the Zendala Tile origin story, tangle prompts, ideas, and a new Markus Operandus for creating your own pre-strung Zendala Tiles.
| | The tiles you all loved from Zentangle Project Pack No. 30 are now available on their own in four fresh new colors. Zentangle Zuede Tiles are a limited-edition product and are only available while supplies last. | | Why Zuede? For many years, Maria has been using flocked surfaces as her own personal blotters. Where others may see a space to catch splashes of ink or stray pen strokes, Maria’s blotters are not just part of the art-making-process, they become the art. In fact, the same surface as the Zuede tiles was used to create the When Autumn Draws Near print. | | Zentangle Project Pack No. 31 | | |
“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”
-John Secondari
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There are a few techniques we introduce early in the Zentangle Method that become fundamental skills, enabling you to learn and create new tangles. We often refer to these techniques as magic tricks. They are subtle shifts in the way you draw that can bring depth and sophistication to your work, transforming the entire look and feel of a tangle or composition. In this year's Twelve Days of Zentangle, we dive deep into one of our most beloved techniques.
We have created a special custom Zentangle item to serve as your canvas as you explore this technique. The tangles we focus on may appear complex or challenging at first glance, but with a little help from Bijou and the rest of our teaching team, you will discover how to make seamless connections, one stroke at a time. The days will fly by as each new lesson lands in your inbox. We can't wait to see you all on December 7th!
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We love hearing how much you value these lessons because we value them deeply, too. Over the years, we have poured hundreds, if not thousands, of hours into creating, filming, editing, and producing these projects, and it has been a joy to create them alongside you. Knowing that these lessons have become a meaningful and ongoing resource for so many of you means more to us than words can express.
If you enjoy these lessons and find them valuable, one of the best ways you can support the continued creation of this content is by purchasing the corresponding Project Pack materials. If purchasing directly from zentangle.com is not feasible for you, you can also support the production of these videos in other ways here.
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CZT 44 - October 25-28, 2026
Join us for CZT Training in Mystic, Connecticut, or online!
Last Chance! Deadline for online registrations is October 1st!
Limited in person spaces available.
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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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