I recently created this tile for the Square One Purely Zentangle Facebook page. The focus tangle was haKrall (deconstructed by Holly Atwater, stepouts here) and I paired it with Stoic (Zentangle®, AKA Twile, stepouts here) and B’Twined (deconstructed by Pegi Schargel, stepouts here). This tile was a real meditation for me and it turned out to be a sort of square zendala with a maze-like feel to it.
I had several people ask if I had work-in-progress photos of this tile so they could see how the tile developed. I have to admit, I was so absorbed in the zen of this tile that I did not even think to stop and take photos as it developed. However, thanks to some digital magic I have created some graphics that will help to explain the process.
This tile was started with a simple pencil string grid, 6 squares by 6 squares, recreated here in red.
This layout can be broken down into three rings (for lack of a better word, square rings? oh well) starting from the outside perimeter and working toward the center. One for each of the three tangles I’d chosen.
Stoic on the outside ring
haKrall on the middle ring
and B’Twined in the center
As you can see from these graphics each tangle is simply drawn on one of these three concentric rings. The magic happens for this tile because there is a relationship between these tangles. Both Stoic and haKrall have the center square with arms radiating around in slightly different ways. All three are really fragments that when put together on a grid have an over and under woven appearance.
These tangles work so well together on this tile because connections or as I like to call them BRIDGES are created between the tangles. To create the bridges I was mindful of two things as I was drawing, proportion and orientation.
The parts of each tangle that connect with the tangle in the adjacent sections need to be roughly the same dimension.
The tangles in each section needed to be oriented correctly to align with the tangles in the other sections.
This is not as difficult as it may look or sound. You just start with one tangle. I started with stoic around the outside. When you start the next tangle in the next section it will be obvious how to orient it to match up with the adjacent section and the proportion it needs to be so that a bridge is created. Visualize extending lines from the first tangle into the next tangle. Just work slowly and mindfully.
The point here is that nothing special was done to these tangles to get them to flow together, it is simply a matter of being mindful of their similarities and how they can form connections. In fact there’s a good chance you have already done this on some of your own tiles.
I also feel this is a good life lesson too. We would all be better off if we were more mindful of our similarities and used them to forge connections. Something to think about anyway.
As always if there is anything in this post that you would like to try in your own work please feel free to do so.
Blessings,
Lynn
Deas Lynn, you can see things and combine tangles in an exraordinary way. Thanks for showing and sharing your experience!
One step at a time. It never stops to amaze me at how the most complex of patterns become simple with step outs. You’ve created a wonderful post. Thank you.
This made so much sense when you broke it down this way. I was able to do a tile and follow what you did and see the connection between the patterns and the “bridge”. Awesome tutorial, Lynn.
Lynn, you really have a wonderful tangler’s mind with the way you wove these three tangles together. Thank you for taking the time to illuminate us on how your mind worked when drawing this wonderful masterpiece. Your explanation is so simple and easy to follow. I am looking forward to trying this out.
You have an amazing way of looking at things I would never see that way. This is a fabulous explanation of your thought process and the results! Thank you so much for sharing.
Lynn, this is phenomenal! What a unique gift of vision you have.
Love to read about your process in this case! Thank´s for sharing this experience!
This is the best thing I’ve ever seen on the inter webs. Your breakdown about the relationships is amazing. Thank you! I am going to try this!
Wonderful explanation! Everything’s easy when you know how. The Zentangle community is so creative and generous. Thank you for sharing.
This is a masterful job of explaining your process in an easy to understand and inspirational way! Thank you Lynn!
Have to think WE may be compared to oil and vinegar, but together our friendship makes a perfect combination! So thankful for whatever bridge connected us! Awesome instruction as always! Love.
Thank you…this is amazing! I love how you broke it down to its simplest form for many to understand..Not sure I’m ready for it but I do thank you for your effort and sharing!
This looks absolutely fantastic and so complex, but when you took it apart it made so much sense and ‘seems’ simple in its execution. However, it is the idea that counts and finding the tangles to make it work! Hence: absolutely amazing!!!
Cool tile! Thanks for sharing your process and the reminder to be “mindful of our similarities and use them to forge connections.”
Your work & your words are inspiring.
Lynn, you are SUCH a talented teacher! Your explanations, both in person and in writing, are logical, easy-to-follow and very clear. I look forward to trying this threesome. <3
I am totally taken with your breakdown. Thank you for all you do giving us a wonderful website.
Ahhhh…now I get it. Such a clear description for an a-MAZE-ing tile!
This is a wonderful tile & I can’t say thank you enough for the step-outs. It looks so complicated but with your step-by-step pictures I think I might try this.
On another note, I have been sitting with a friend while she is convalescing & I have been using the Tangle Deck & booklet to keep me busy. This is such a handy thing to have in my bag. I pack several pieces of 4 x 4 Bristol paper, add a pencil & pen & put it all in a zip-lock bag. Always ready to go & a joy to use. Thank You!
Lynn, this post is incredible! How mindful of you to see these connections and how accurate your take on it! I am impressed by you again and again, thanks for all the inspiration you provide 🙏🏻