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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 Project Packs!
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Zentangle Project Packs were born from an opportunity to help launch Sakura of America's new White Gelly Roll nib sizes in the Fall of 2017. We wanted to create a series of lessons featuring the new pens, along with a pack containing all the materials needed to follow along. The problem: the pens had not yet been officially released, so we could not tell people they were in the packs. We couldn't sell a product and not tell anyone what was in it... or could we?
In October 2017, we decided to give it a try. We were not sure how it would go, so Molly told the ladies in the Counting House to make about 50 packs. That would be more than enough, right? The newsletter went out on a Wednesday, and Thursday at tea time, we realized we were going to need some more envelopes.
What began as a small idea to explore some new tools, the Zentangle Project Pack series has evolved and blossomed into countless explorations of the Zentangle Method. In true Zentangle fashion, this series has grown, one stroke at a time, beyond our wildest dreams. For 30 (!!) Project Packs, you have tangled along with us on new surfaces, with new tools, through global pandemics, holiday celebrations, and everything in between.
Project Packs have two components. First, there are Project Pack Materials. These are the material bundles we sell to accompany each video series. While they are not required to participate in a Project Pack, purchases of these materials help support the production of the videos. Second, there are the Project Pack Video Lessons. These free lessons are available on YouTube, allowing you to follow along and complete the projects at your own pace.
This month, we are taking you behind the scenes of Zentangle Project Packs as we look back at some of our favorites, some of your favorites, and the Project Packs that have truly left their mark.
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October 2017: We released the first Zentangle Project Pack, featuring black tiles and a white Sakura Gelly Roll. At the time, we had no idea what this series would become or what we would learn about teaching, technology, and ourselves along the way.
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August 2019: Zentangle Project Pack No. 06 was the first Project Pack to dive into one of our most important philosophies, "No Mistakes." This Project Pack featured one of three different custom ink-stained booklets inspired by Maria's treasured field notes journal. Each lesson focused on embracing the "No Mistakes" philosophy both on and off the tile.
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April 2020: We entered 2020 with plans and timelines for products, events, and Project Packs. Then the world shut down. People were scared, anxious and searching for anything to help them navigate what was unfolding around them. We had just finished a Project Pack, and the next one would not be ready for several months, but we knew that the Zentangle Community needed something.
We quickly pulled together a Project Pack featuring Zendalas, pens, and a lesson Molly had been keeping in her back pocket. Within a matter of weeks, Zentangle Project Pack No. 09 was launched. To this day, it remains one of the community's favorite Project Packs.
Looking back, Zentangle Project Pack No. 09 represents so much more than a collection of materials and lessons. It represents hope, courage, community, and, of course... gratitude
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August 2020: The custom journals in Project Pack No. 06 were loved by all, so when we created Project Pack No. 10, we decided to make a new one, this time honoring the Zentangle Legend, L5, from the original Zentangle Kit. Six years and twenty Project Packs later, No. 10 remains the most popular Project Pack. Rich with tangles, tangling techniques, and inspiration, your completed Legends Booklet becomes a treasured resource for your Zentangle practice. No. 10 is a great Project Pack for both beginners and seasoned tanglers. If you are new to Project Packs, this is a good place to start.
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January 2021: In a special release geared towards our younger tanglers, Project Pack No. A1 was the first Zentangle Apprentice Project Pack. Featuring a variety of Zentangle tiles and tangling tools, Project Pack No. A1 was a deep dive into the foundations of the Zentangle Method, with each video taught by members of ZHQ and their apprentices. While originally geared towards our younger tanglers, this Project Pack has been enjoyed by tanglers of all ages over the years. It is a great introduction to the Zentangle Method and a wonderful opportunity to bring generations of tanglers together.
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December 2022: Zentangle Project Pack No. 19 was the first of its kind. What's that saying? Go big or go home? So, go big we did. No. 19 featured a custom template measuring 19.5 x 11.5 inches with a Zentomology tree waiting to be adorned with tangles. Over the course of 12 lessons, we explored different tangle genera and how they interact with one another. This was a big project to take on, and you all were up for the challenge.
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August 2026: In our latest Project Pack, No. 30, we introduced you to a brand-new surface, Zuede tiles, and explored the concept of Nomadz. Although we just wrapped up the lessons, we are still relishing how much fun this series was, and we cannot wait to see what you continue to create.
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At the end of every Project Pack, we always say the same thing: this one is our new favorite.
And, somehow, it is always true. Each Project Pack pushes our creativity and expands our tangling practice, while remaining rooted in the fundamentals of the Zentangle Method.
With so many Project Packs over the years, choosing just a few to highlight is no easy task. So, we thought we'd share a collection of some of your favorites, along with a few of ours.
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| Top Three Project Pack Videos on YouTube | | Top Three Project Pack Series on YouTube | | Top Three Project Pack Series in the Zentangle Store | | Best Beginner Project Packs | | Best Project Packs for Expanding Your Practice | | Retired Project Packs: Important Update! | | |
In 2025, we announced that we would be retiring a few of our Zentangle Project Pack Materials and that, one year after those materials were retired, we would archive the associated Project Pack Video Lessons. This decision was made thoughtfully and with great care. It was deeply connected to the behind-the-scenes realities of creating content and providing materials as a small but mighty team.
Over the past year, and especially following the archiving of the first set of videos, we received a great deal of thoughtful feedback from our community. We listened. We gathered your comments, concerns, and perspectives, and have since reopened the discussion.
We want you to know that we hear you! We understand your concerns! And we truly appreciate the trust you have in us when you share your feedback.
Today, we are happy to share an update to our Project Pack policy for Project Packs 1–30:
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Project Pack Materials: Select Project Pack Materials will retire from our store due to circumstances such as material availability. Most of our Project Pack Materials remain in stock for many years after they are released before they are retired.
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Project Pack Video Lessons: After much consideration, Zentangle HQ has decided that Project Packs No. 1-30 will remain available on our YouTube channel for everyone to enjoy, revisit, and learn from (including all the ones with retired materials).
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.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, for continuing to learn and create along side us, and, most of all, for being part of this wonderful community. We are grateful to continue tangling with you.
| | Become a Certified Zentangle Teacher | | |
CZT 44 - October 25-28, 2026
Join us for CZT Training in Mystic, Connecticut, or online!
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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