Doodlets to Zentangles – How the World Turns!

As if I have all the time in the world on my hands to start yet one more project… not even close!

But… I do like to draw and have been doodling and painting abstract designs for many, many years. Since I was a kid actually (and no, I’m not going to tell you just how long ago THAT was – LOL). I love to draw or paint what I’ve always called my “doodlets” using black pens or black paint on white backgrounds. If you know me, you know I have a thing for black and white. 😉

I stumbled on “Zentangles” over the weekend. I was reading a home decor article that had a bunch of other recommended articles at the bottom. One of those recommended articles showed a drawing of what I’d call my “doodlets” and it intrigued me. When I clicked to read the article, I discovered that these doodlets I’ve been doing all these years have a name – “Zentangles”. The article led me to a YouTube channel, and of course I had to watch one of the videos. Oh. My. Gosh! This doodlets/Zentangles is practically a movement with a cult-like following! Who knew?!

Dad’s Doodlets

I have to back track here for a minute and give you a little background intel.

When I was a kid, my Dad used to draw pictures for me. He was SO good at drawing! I loved the pictures and cartoons he made for me, and asked him to show me how to draw like he did. While I never was as good as Dad, he taught me to just pick up my pencil, put it on the paper, and just let my mind go. He told me to relax and just see where the pencil wanted to go. My first doodlets were probably pretty rough (I was maybe only 5 when I started). But over the years, I got better and better and really loved the almost mindless activity of drawing my doodlets. I have sketch books filled with these drawings!

When my first son was born, I wanted to customize a rocking chair for him. I painted it white and then using black paint pens, I drew doodlets all over the chair. I added colorful patterns, as well as leaves and vines, and other abstract drawings and designs. His chair turned out so good! And I have to say – he’s no longer a child, and has definitely outgrown this small rocking chair, but he still has it (good son!).

Since the rocking chair, I’ve used these same techniques of combining my doodlets and designs to make many gifts for family and friends. Everything from patio chairs, to coffee mugs, plates, wood storage bins, and much more.

About a month ago I bought many more black paint pens and a bunch of white planters with the intention of customizing the planters with my doodlets.

And now (after all these years), I discover Zentangles.

Zentangles

While I don’t claim to have invented what I call my doodlets – that was all my Dad’s doing – I was really surprised to discover Zentangles. To see the same kinds of things I’ve been doing since I was a kid in a new craze is pretty cool!

So… what is a Zentangle you ask?

• Zentangle is a meditative drawing method.
• Zentangles are drawings of patterns that form beautiful works of art.
• Zentangle art relaxes you and calms you.
• Zentangle comes from the word “zen” (meditation) and “tangle” (interwoven), creativity with meditation.

Anyone can learn how to draw Zentangles, and I think you’ll find just how relaxing this craft can be!

The people who came up with Zentangles have their own website. It’s Zentangles.com. Check it out when you have a chance – they have a lot of cool products that they make, and their videos will teach you how to draw Zentangles.

By the way…. it was also fun for me to discover that the Zentangles website is a Shopify website. I’m a Shopify Partner, helping people set up their own websites on the Shopify platform. Small world, eh? I guess I was meant to discover the Zentangles website and their videos!

Recommended Resources

Here are some recommend resources if you’d like to try your hand at drawing Zentangles… and I highly recommend you do!

Books

Tools

Videos

If you give this art form a try, I’d love to hear from you and what you think about it! Share your input in a comment below.