November 5, 2026

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, we're traveling back through the years to explore the story of The Zentangle Foundation.



Over twenty years ago, Rick and Maria introduced a simple drawing method to help people rediscover the artist within. Through elemental strokes, Gratitude and Appreciation, and philosophies like "No Mistakes" and "Anything is Possible," the Zentangle Method invites us to embrace creativity and see the world differently.

As the Zentangle Method continued to grow and reach people around the world, so did the stories of its impact. Rick and Maria began to recognize an opportunity to extend that impact beyond the classroom and the tile, creating ways for more people to experience the benefits of this practice. In 2015, a conversation with a longtime member of the Zentangle community planted the seed for what would become the Zentangle Foundation.

What began with one person’s heartfelt desire to give back grew into an organization dedicated to sharing the Zentangle Method and making its benefits accessible to more people.

September 15, 2015: Judy called the Zentangle office to speak with Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. Judy was a Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT) who taught the Zentangle Method of drawing.

After Judy had used their method of drawing as a lifeline through the suffering and depression of her cancer treatments, she attended CZT training so she could teach others the method that had helped her so much. Judy detailed how the Zentangle Method had helped her and how it helps so many of her students. She told us about all the friends she made in the Zentangle community and how she would travel two hours one way each month to attend a Zentangle drawing club with her new friends. Learning and teaching the Zentangle Method had been such an important and integral part of her life and her healing, and she wanted to help those less fortunate to be able to attend CZT training.

“Do you have an organization that can receive my donation?” she asked.

“We will,” Rick and Maria answered.

That afternoon, they called their attorney to begin establishing this organization, The Zentangle Foundation.

2017: The Zentangle Foundation is established and is officially a 501 (C)(3) non-profit organization, dedicated to making the Zentangle Method accessible to all.

Since its inception, the Zentangle Foundation has...

2026: Over the years, the Zentangle Foundation has been slowly, one stroke at a time, growing and supporting the Zentangle community. Much like a blank tile, the possibilities for the foundation are vast and ever-unfolding. We recognized that there was so much more that the foundation was capable of, and so did some passionate members of the Zentangle Community. This year, the foundation has taken on new leadership and a new look. Sporting a brand new logo and a robust board of directors, we are excited to see how far the foundation can reach and how big of an impact it can make. But we need your help.

Your generosity helps The Zentangle Foundation open doors for future Certified Zentangle Teachers, provide resources to organizations serving their communities, support meaningful research, and bring the Zentangle Method to people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience it.

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps carry this mission forward. Your gift supports both the Foundation's current initiatives and its long-term strength, helping ensure that this work can continue for years to come. It helps build new partnerships with local and national nonprofit organizations, support CZTs, and extend the reach of the Zentangle Method throughout the worldwide art and wellness community.

Over twenty years ago, a simple idea inspired Rick and Maria to share the joy of drawing. A phone call in 2015 helped turn that spirit of sharing into a foundation. Today, we have the opportunity to continue that story together.



To learn more about The Zentangle Foundation, explore its initiatives, join the email list, or make a donation, visit ZentangleFoundation.org.

Meet some of the Certified Zentangle Teacher Recipients of the Zentangle Foundation Scholarship.

Anica Gabrovec

Joni Freed

Shauna Murray

The Zentangle Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2027 scholarship. 
Learn more and apply here.

Throughout the year, we created special, limited-edition bundles to celebrate the places and moments we’ve visited on our Zentangle Time Machine journey. Now, as the year draws to a close, we’re taking one more trip back in time and bringing back some of your favorite bundles for one final visit! Discover these Time Machine Treasures in our latest blog.

“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

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 Project Pack No. 31, we dive deep into one of our most beloved techniques.

In keeping with one of our most beloved traditions, Zentangle Project Pack No. 31 will also be our 2026 12 Days of Zentangle celebration. For 12 consecutive days, we will deliver tangling tutorials, curated materials and... fun!

Videos for Zentangle Project Pack No. 31 - 12 Days of Zentangle 2026 will be released via our website and newsletter beginning December 7, 2026.

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 including training opportunities in Asia and Europe, 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!

Legends of Zentangle: Zendala Tiles

Zentangle Zuede Tiles

© 2026 Zentangle, Inc.