Tutorial : How to Evenly Divide a Circle with a Compass

Hey there!

I made a quick video on how to evenly divide up a circle using a compass! ...for when you want more precise mandalas :)

Hope this helps you and if you have any questions just let me know.

I'm also thinking about doing one for dividing a circle easily into 12 sections, like for a clock, would anyone be interested in that?

Share this post:

Time-Lapse Drawing : Zentangle "Capped"

Zentangle "capped"

One of my favorite Zentangles so far. Again, I mixed geometric with organic, cause I LOVE it, lol.

I called this one "Capped" but I'm not super happy with that, anyone have a suggestion for a more interesting name?

Tangles I used are: Knightsbridge, Featherfall, Bula, and a fern shape I made up. :)

Happy Doodling! :)

Share this post:

More Zentangle String Examples

Here's the second set of Zentangle Strings examples for you! (A Zentangle string is the line drawn design that you put your patterns in when making a Zentangle tile.)

Hope these help you along in your Zentangle journey. Feel free to copy them exactly or just use them as inspiration.

Enjoy and don't forget to like my Facebook Mindful Doodling page, then you can just check out what's new while you're surfing your newsfeed. :)

Happy Doodling! 

-xo, deb.

Share this post:

Templates to Print for Mandalas, Doodling, Drawing, and Tangling

Mandala Templates

Simple Circles - for freeform mandalas 

(click on the image to open full size, then right click to save and print 8.5"x11")

Divided Circles - for more structured mandalas

(click on the image to open full size, then right click to save and print 8.5"x11")

Complex Circles - for detailed mandalas

(click on the image to open full size, then right click to save and print 8.5"x11")

Just let me know if you have any issues saving the templates! Happy drawing. :D ~deb

Heart Shape Template

Hey there! I was asked to put up the heart templates I used for my Valentine heart Zentangles so here they are! Should have done it a long time ago, thanks Beate for asking. :)

They are .pdf files, just click on the image or the title text to download them. They are scaled for a standard letter size page (8.5 x 11) so you should be able to print as is. If you have any issues, just let me know. 

Enjoy and happy doodling.

Heart Template
2 per page

2 per page heart template for Zentangle

Heart Template
6 per page

6 per page heart template for Zentangle

Zentangle Tile Template
4 per page

Practice Tile template for Zentangle

Share this post:

Zentangle String Examples

I thought I'd put up some examples of Zentangle Strings, which is the line drawn design that you put the patterns in when making a Zentangle tile.

I've found that a lot of people have trouble thinking of what to make for their string. I think it's the "blank page" syndrome thing, lol. But it's really just about making a simple scribble or a couple of lines down w/o worrying about being creative or making something "cool". Remember those scribble coloring designs we made as a kid? (well, I made them at least, lol) where you make a bunch of swirls and loops on a page with a pen and then color in all the sections with different colors? That's basically what you're doing for your Zentangle string, just much simpler, like just one or two loops. :) --although it doesn't have to be loops, it can be anything (I just thought I'd give that as an example) you can make straight lines or curved lines, abstract shapes or even a specific shape, a simple flower shape makes a good string.

Anyway, I wanted to do a series for the blog where I post a few examples of strings that I've done for your use or inspiration. Feel free to copy them exactly or just use them as inspiration.

Enjoy and don't forget to like my Facebook Mindful Doodling page, then you can just check out what's new while you're surfing your newsfeed. :)

Share this post:

Who Wants to Color? - I have coloring pages in my New Etsy Shop.

Hooray for the adult coloring trend! We no longer have to endure the humiliation of pulling out the ol' Minnie Mouse coloring book, lol, we now have beautiful, sophisticated coloring pages made just for us.

I also think coloring is great for practicing mindfulness. Like Zentangle, it's focused on the strokes of the crayon and the repetitive filling in of spaces rather than the creative process (although choosing which colors go where can be quite creative if you want) which lends itself to the meditative, zen-like state you can achieve while doing it.

These would be great to print out half size and use as a greeting card. Or you can frame your finished artwork and hang it up to admire everyday! :)

I've added a few coloring pages to my shop already and will be adding more as I am able to draw them up. I'll make more mandala, some cuter illustrations (my style of cute, lol, like cute mushrooms and such), some abstract art, and anything else I can think of.

I'd love some requests or suggestions for coloring pages! Just let me know what you'd like me to do in the comments.

These are the 3 pages I have in the shop so far! They are instant download PDF files so you don't have to wait to start.

Mindful Doodling on Etsy

 Lotus Garden : A Zentangle Inspired Abstract coloring page.

Mandalas & Leaves : A Henna Inspired design

I left the center blank on this one so you can fill it with whatever you'd like, maybe your favorite symbol or someone's name or maybe your own mandala!

Mandala : A Mehndi Inspired large mandala

I'd LOVE for you to share your colored in pages! Post photos to my FB page, Mindful Doodling

Enjoy!

-xo deb.

Share this post:

Time-Lapse Drawing : Zentangle

Zentangle "Connected"

Another speed drawing Zentangle I did. I call this one "Connected" :)

Let's see, the patterns I used in this design are: Zinger, Fescue, Perlz, Pepper, Tipple, and Florz

This one was fun, I wish I'd shaded the inside of the holes a bit more to give it more dimension. I still may actually! I'll update with a comparison photo when I do.

Enjoy!

-xo deb

Share this post:

Tutorial : How to Draw the Zentangle Pattern Shattuck

Zentangle Pattern Shattuck

This is an awesome tangle with a lot of options for variations! Here's a couple that I like:

Shattuck Variation 1

Shattuck Variation 2

Here's the video on how to draw the pattern with shading.

And here's the step-out just in case you aren't able to watch the video! :)

Zentangle Pattern Shattuck Step-out instructions

If you have any questions, just let me know! I'd love to see your shattuck designs! Post a photo in the comments here or on my FB page: Mindful Doodling

Happy Doodling!

~xo deb.

Share this post:

Tutorial : How to Clean Your Blending Stump

Shading your drawings is like putting icing on a cake; just makes something good even better!

You can use a lot of things to blend your pencil marks for shading, including a q-tip or just your finger, but the best way, with the most control, is to use a blending stump or tortillion. Here's a great, inexpensive kit from Amazon (but any Craft store will have them). http://amzn.com/B000YQM080

And a video I made on how to clean and resharpen blending stumps... cause it's important!

Share this post:

New Tutorial : How to Draw the Zentangle Pattern Punch!

Zentangle Pattern Punch - so cool.

This pattern is really cool. It's a patience stretcher with all the filling in (get a thicker pen to do the filling in) but worth it cause it looks awesome when it's finished.

Here's the step out for you to show you the steps at a glance.

Enjoy! Post a photo of your Punch art in the comments.

-xo

deb.

Share this post:

Speed Drawing : Quick Mandala

I love to watch artists do speed drawings (they are mesmerizing to watch) so thought it'd be super fun to do one of my own. This is just a quick, spur of the moment, mandala I did this time, but I think I just may do some more elaborate drawings. Stay tuned. ;)

This is also a design that would be great as a Henna mandala!


Happy Drawing!
~Deb.

Share this post:

Zentangle Valentine's Heart Series Designs 2016

Zentangle pattern Zinger, sooo cute!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm not a huge celebrater of Valentine's Day... well, not since my son got old enough to not care and most definitely NOT want any Valentine's goodies (well, maybe some candy as long as I don't present it to him is too cheesy of a manner, lolol. ...boys!), but I thought it'd be super fun to do a series of hearts decorated with Zentangle patterns for Valentine's Day, cause who doesn't love a good excuse to do some Zentangle! ;)

I chose some of my favorite patterns that include some easier ones and some that are a little more complicated (but still fairly easy). There are 5 in total and I made videos and step-outs of each pattern I used in the designs.

There are a couple that I think are just too adorable for words, but I wanna hear what your favorite is. Let me know if the comments! And when you give one (or more) a try, take a pic and post it here so I can see what you did. Or, you can post them on my FB Mindful Doodling page (be sure to give it a Like while you're there so you can easily see when I post new doodles!

Have fun! -xoxo

**ACK! I just realized that I forgot to edit and upload the Kitty pattern heart video. I'll do that asap and stick it in here!!! :D

Zentangle Heart Series! Patterns Betweed, Zinger, Mumsy, Knightsbridge, Ruflz, Kitty, and some spirals.

Zentangle pattern Betweed step-out

Zentangle pattern Mumsy step-out

Zentangle pattern Knightsbridge step-out

Zentangle pattern Zinger step-out

Zentangle pattern Ruflz step-out

Zentangle pattern Kitty step-out

Happy Mindful Doodling. :)

Share this post:

How to Draw Zentangle Pattern Cuddles Variations

Cuddles Variation

Here's the follow-up video for the Zentangle pattern cuddles. I draw 2 very different variations and shade them.

I think I'm going to experiment with a little deeper shading. Using a 4b or 6b pencil (pencils have hardness/softness ratings 6h to 6b, hard to soft, and softer pencil leads leave a darker, softer mark that blends easier) for the darkest areas and blending out. I live super contrasting shading. :) I'll let you know how it goes.

Again, let me know if you have any questions and post your drawings in the comments or on the FB page: Mindful Doodling

Full video:


Speedy version:

-xo deb

Share this post:

How to Draw the Zentangle Pattern Cuddles, with shading and a variation.

Zentangle Pattern Cuddles Variation

More Zentangle fun. I've kinda been on a binge recently which started with me writing out a syllabus and supplies list for some Zentangle classes I'm doing soon. It not only got my Zentangle juices flowing but also is what prompted me to make the FB page for sharing all things Mindful Doodling related. (if you haven't already, hop on over and like the page Mindful Doodling, Zentangle and Beyond). Turns out I really like making process videos!!

For this tutorial, I made a whole, fairly long video of how to draw the pattern and then thought it might be good to have a shortened version of it, for those who don't have the time (or patience) to watch the long version. I also just took some stills of the step-out and variations. :) --I also made a video for the other two variations, I'll post that shortly.

Give it a try and show me your versions. Post a photo in the comments here or on the FB page!

Step by Step on how to draw the Cuddles pattern

The basic Cuddles pattern

A Cuddles Pattern Variation

Another Cuddles pattern variation

Have fun and don't forget to show me your drawings!

-xo deb.

Share this post:

How to Draw with Intention in Your Zentangle and Other Art

I thought I'd  post a quick video on how to, and what I mean by, Drawing with Intention since I'm constantly talking about it.

Every stroke that you put down on paper should be done with intention. Remember though, it doesn't need to be perfect (and it's usually not, lol) but it does have to be done purposefully. Drawing this way is what makes Mindful Doodling so, well... mindful, lol, and why it's so relaxing and has meditative qualities.

Let me know if you have any questions!


-xo Deb.

Share this post:

Cute Fishies, Zentangle fun -- Step-out and Finished Examples

Lots of patterns: Static, Cuddles, Knightsbridge, Bales, Keeko, Nipa, Tipple, Amaze, and more.

Give this pattern a try. Reminiscent of tessellations (Escher is famous for his tessellations), it's a really easy pattern and is very cute. You can keep it simple with just some simple scales or fins on your fish or go to town with different patterns like I did. 

Thi image below is step by step instructions on how to make the basic pattern.

Step-Out instructions for the Fish pattern.

I'd LOVE to see everyone's fish art. Take a photo of your creation and post it in the comments!!

Just use a sketchbook, a scrap piece of paper, or even a napkin to draw on! Have fun!

Here's another idea I made with the same pattern, just to show you the possibilities.

Rows of houses made with the exact same pattern as the fish.

Have fun and remember to draw with intention, stay focused, take your time, and relax. :)

-xo Deb.

Share this post:

Shading and Making Shadows Tutorial Videos for Zentangle and More

I made a few video tutorials on how to make shadows and shading your Zentangles and other drawings.

I kept them very basic, shading can get very technical but I don't think that's necessary when mindful doodling and making Zentangles. We really just want to add interest and definition to our art and these videos will show you how to do that.

Please let me know if you have any questions, either in the comments here or on my YouTube channel.

Happy drawing!

Part 1 - shading a sphere and paying attention to the light source


Part 2 - shading a couple more shapes: a cylinder and a cone

Part 3 - using shading to hi-light objects and bring them forward in the drawing

Part 4 - examples of shaded Zentangles and how they're made

Share this post:

Mindful Doodling - An easier way to meditate!

I've decided to create a Facebook page to share the idea of mindful doodling, which includes Zentangle but is definitely not limited to it. Mindful Doodling - Zentangle and Beyond

I've wanted to meditate for a long time and really never could manage, I just really get bored, lol. The idea of Zentangle seemed silly to me at first, but when I actually sat down and tried it, like really tried it in a serious way, it was awesome. Drawing in a very mindful way, with intention and in the moment is a great way to "meditate" w/o getting bored, and you have some really cool artwork as a result.

It's a little difficult at first to draw mindfully. We're used to "doodling" that is mindless, something we do while thinking about something else and so we tend to be sloppy. Mindful doodling is about drawing each mark with intention. Thinking about the starting point and following through to the end point of the mark. You are really focusing on what your hand is doing and the mark that your pen is making on the paper. Once you get that, it's really great. It's still not easy and you'll still have to keep reminding yourself to slow down and draw mindfully and with intention, but it's easier to do that when there's something physical to focus on.

Anyway, I plan on posting exercises and tutorials, tips and info and some challenges. Please help me keep up with this, I tend to get distracted with life and forget to be consistent. If you don't see a new post on the FB page every few days, please send me a message or make a comment reminding me. I'm serious too, I really want to keep this going, not only to help everyone else be mindful and inspired, but to help myself too. Thanks!

Head on over to Mindful Doodling - Zentangle and Beyond and Like the page to join in! 

-xo deb.

Share this post: