“There are no mistakes in Zentangle, so there is no need for an eraser. If you do not like the look of a stroke you have made, it then becomes only an opportunity to create a new tangle.”
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Zentangle Patterns
I’m a huge fan of zentangle patterns! I’ve been using zentangle patterns for years with my students and at home with my own children. Oftentimes they’re amazed by the masterpieces they can create with just a few simple lines.
This zentangle blog post is part 2 in my zentangle tutorial series. Similar to Part 1 and Part 3 my daughter Chanel will be showing you, step by step, how to create 15 beginner zentangle patterns. We’ll then demonstrate how these zentangle patterns can be used to complete a butterfly zentangle page from our butterfly starter pack. You can follow the images and written instructions below or watch the YouTube video tutorial to create these simple patterns.
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What is a Tangle Starter?
I’ve often used tangle starters at school for those students who finish their work early and I also use them in the chill out corner in my classroom. A tangle starter is basically an image that is divided into different sections, similar to stained glass. Children can choose a tangle starter of their choice, and using their zentangle patterns guide, fill in the sections of the image. The image below demonstrates how the patterns that my daughter created in part 1 of this zentangle series, can be used to complete a zentangle starter.
I’ve included 10 of our favorite zentangle starters HERE, available for you to download for FREE. This tangle starter pack has a variety of images for your children or students to fill in with zentangle patterns. I’ve included animals, shapes, flowers and abstract designs.
If you’d like to see how I used one of my leaf tangle starters found in my new Zentangle project pack. Just click here to check out the blog post and YouTube tutorial.
A Brief History of the Zentangle Art Form
The word zentangle originates from the word “zen” meaning calm, and “tangle” meaning a collection of overlapping patterns. Zentangles not only promote concentration and creativity, but they are also known to increase personal well-being. This drawing method is based on a theory created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas, which combines meditation and art. Zentangles are beautiful patterns that both children and adults can learn and produce.
My daughters have been using tangling as a coping mechanism for years. My eldest daughter, Chanel, has a sketchbook dedicated to her beautiful tangles. She pulls it out after a rough day at school, or when she needs a screen break, or when she’s feeling anxious.
To learn about 10 ways that tangling can benefit both children and adults, check out THIS blog post.
Remember that there is now right or wrong when creating Zentangle patterns. The process should be liberating and relaxing!
How is a Zentangle Made?
Zentangles are created through the constant repetition of lines. People of all ages and skills can create beautiful images by drawing these structured patterns, known as tangles. Zentangles consists of a combination of five basic strokes, that are found in every pattern:
- dot
- circle
- curve
- line
- s-shaped line
These simple shapes are the “Elemental Strokes” in all Zentangle art.
If you’re a Zentangle fanatic like I am, or if you’d just like more information about its benefits on the mental health of kids and adults, these other blog posts will be perfect for you!
- Zentangles – Patterns for Beginners (part 1 in my Zentangle pattern series)
- Zentangle Patterns Easy – Part 3 (part 3 in my Zentangle pattern series)
- Zentangles for Beginners (easy) – Mindful Art
- Flextangles Paper Toys (Free Printable Templates)
- Zentangle Patterns for Kids – Heart Craft
- Zentangle Flowers – Rainbow Craft
If you love zentangles as much as we do, you’re going to love our zentangle pyramid activity. Click HERE to check it out or click on the images below.
YouTube Video Tutorial - 15 Zentangle Patterns for Kids
Here is our YouTube video that will teach you how to create 15 zentangle patterns for kids. The designs that we’ll be sharing with you in this tutorial have been tried and tested by my own children and students. I have tweaked a few designs for added simplicity, so feel free to build on our designs as you see fit.
Appropriate for Children Ages 4 and up
Prep Time: 5 minutes
For today’s beginner zentangle patterns for you’ll need:
- Micron Pens (we used 02 and 05) but you could also use Ultra Fine Point colored Sharpie markers/fine tip markers
- Paper or cardstock – we printed our 15 blank zentangle tiles on cardstock (these blank tiles can be found in our free zentangle starter pack)
- As an extension, you can also use your zentangle patterns to complete one of our zentangle starter pages. HERE is the link to the butterfly zentangle pack we used in this video:
Step 1 – Prepare Your Materials
- Get all of your supplies ready to create something beautiful.
Step 2 – Create your designs
Click HERE, or the image below, to download a PDF version of the 15 patterns used in this video.
Step 3(optional) – Add Shading or Color
- Once your designs are complete, you can add shading to certain sections if you’d like. We added some shadows, using a pencil, to some of our designs.
Step 4 – Enjoy and Experiment with a Zentangle Starter
- I encourage you to use the zentangle designs that your children create to complete a picture in the tangle starter pack. It will give them an opportunity to create something unique with the patterns that they’ve drawn.
Featured Artist
Lightly Sketched loves to highlight the contributions of people who are using their creativity to make a difference, in both big and small ways. In this week’s blog post, we’re celebrating Iyanuoluwa because of her ability to inspire people in her community through her writing, art work, and performances.
Iyanu is a very talented 10 year girl who is wise beyond her years. She writes, composes and produces music. She’s even a published author! Some of her strengths include public speaking, and playing the piano. Plus she has many artistic endeavors. She has been using her talents to help spread positivity in her community, church, and on the social media platforms that she uses. She also uses her creativity to highlight the beauty of her African culture. Later this month she will be speaking at the the Ebony Kreations event Venue on the subject of Yoruba Culture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for more activities designed to encourage mindfulness and spark creativity, check out my printable resources below or visit my shop!
If you try this zentangle tutorial or our zentangle starters with your kids or students, please let me know! I’d love to add your creations to our gallery, so upload your photos or send them directly to me at: [email protected] Thank you!
Don’t forget to download our free 15 page Mindfulness coloring book to help add a few mindful moments to your child’s day. Just click here or the image below!
12 thoughts on “Beginner Zentangle Patterns – Part 2”
Interesting concept. I have never tried Zentangle patterns. Curious to try now as per your directions.
Zentangles are easier than they look. Definitely give it a try!
This coloring books seems so peaceful. Ok now you have started something … To Amazon I go….
lol glad I’ve inspired you to go shopping 😉 Coloring is pretty awesome though!
awesome idea! I need to try this and many such patterns for myself! sounds absolutely ideal to me. I saw it several times on tiktok but each was very advanced so I didn’t think I could have pulled it myself
There are definitely more complicated patterns than these, but the ones that we’ve done in our tutorial are perfect for kids or beginners.
Thank you very much Lightly Sketched for featuring Iyanu on your Blog Post. She is such a Talented Artist. Keep up the good work girl!
Thank you Funmi for your comment! Iyanu is super talent and we’re proud supporters of her work 🙂
These are so beautiful! I would love to use this in the classroom! Coloring something like this is so relaxing.
I use these in the classroom all the time and kids love them! Zentangling definitely creates a calming atmosphere…even if it’s just for a few minutes 😉
“Hello! Wow, I am so impressed with Iyanu’s endeavours! Iyanu is my piano student at RPSM and she is an amazingly talented young artist. She continues to inspire those around her with her words and music. Thank you, Iyanu, for being so awesome!”
– Allison Cameron, RPSM Music Teacher
Hello Allison,
Thank you for the lovely comment! Iyanu is spectacular in many ways. I’m honoured to have her as my featured artist this month.
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