Zentangle Basics: A Creative Art form Where All You Need Is Paper Pencil & Pen (Design Originals) 25 Basic Tangles Step-by-Step; Turn Drawings into Art Designs, Improve Focus, & Develop Dexterity Paperback – January 1, 2010

Yes, this is super short, but they do pack the pages with very little white space...admittedly, I picked this and the others up for the tangle patterns, as I do like having a printed guide instead of staring at my computer screen, and I was having trouble following the logic of the recommended websites I was seeing when I looked up zentangle.I was in it for the tangle patterns that I then transferred into my traveling coloring book (I have a coloring book and fiddlestix markers in my bag, and use the space around the mandalas to copy the tangle patterns for reference)One positive of the booklet size is that I can tuck whichever of these I'm currently working with into my bag with my other stuff, and transfer while waiting for stuff to happen, and the paper is sturdy enough to easily withstand being hauled around...I will give points for good quality paper and clear images, and if you are more of a crafter type, this has some fun options on how to use zentangle. Also this is "billed" as written by crafters so it's hardly fair to pick on them for offering crafting options :-)These are all much alike, the later ones are more tightly focused on different crafts you can do with zentangle, and offer another several patterns. They are roughly the size and thickness of a Mead 5-Star folder.For price point, I don't know what to say. It's a niche market, and while the price is higher than I liked, I don't want them to skimp back on the paper quality, and I don't know how much theses cost to produce...I'll keep wishing for more pages/patterns per book, and wish someone would publish a book with all the original patterns included, but I have to admit I'll likely keep paying for new ones...

Because I could not choose, I bought all three of the Zentangle books by Suzanne McNeill. And Totally Tangled by Sandy Steen Bartholomew (see my review there) as well..I like them all.As other reviewers already stated, each of the Zentangle series books can be used on its own. But if you would like to begin at the beginning, the basics book is best.I do not agree with the reviewer who said that Zentangle 2 is almost a repetition of Zentangle Basics. This is simply not true. The very basics of Zentangling are summarised in Z2, but this is a kind gesture for those who do not own both books.Z1 gives you 24 designs - plus simple variations, such as reversing black and white, which gives the pattern a completely different look -, Z2 repeats four of them, and adds 25 more - also with variations -, as it promises. So, if you buy them both, you will have 49 different patterns.Some reviewers complain that the books contain so few pages. True. But the techniques are so simple that I feel that adding extra pages would only fill out the book, without adding substance. There is no waste of space in these books, so I feel that you do get value for money: lots and lots of patterns to try out for yourself, and to experiment further with.If you really do not want to buy all three of them, it does not matter very much which book you choose, as the basic steps are repeated shortly in vols 2 and 3.If I really had to pick one favourite, perhaps I would choose vol. 3. This book focuses a tiny bit more on how to incorporate the patterns into your own drawings, with a whole page of spectacularly zentangled flowers. Really mouthwatering for anyone who loves doodling. Books 1 and 2 are slightly more basic, but the difference is small.If you are a greedy person, like me, and seeing 20 patterns just makes you want to see MORE, then do buy all three of them.Good luck! I hope my review will help you pick and choose!

I purchased this book first, then shared it with a local program for "Elder Arts". Everyone has loved the concept and I'm sure many of the older adults will continue to explore this activity. The organizer of the weekly craft meetings is collecting everyone's TANGLE SQUARES (they drew on both sides) and a mobile is being constructed to show off everyone's beautiful and unique pieces. I have since purchased several other books on this subject, just for reference when my brain dries up. This book is an excellent place to start. It is funny to me that the book(s) are copy-writed, because most of the designs are derived from doodles we all have been doing all our lives....the author's have basically just 'organized' the process. It is inexpensive (the book) to get started (the supplies), you can use any paper (sometimes I use envelopes before I throw them away), any pencil and any pen. once you get the hang of it and perfected your own designs, then it is worth buying the Micron pens, for pieces you want to frame, or scrap book or decorate items (what about a sculpture in plaster with tangles all over.....WOW). Design your own note paper. Your imagination is your only limitation. I hope you enjoy this pleasant and relaxing pastime as much as I have.

初めてなのでトレースなどできるように大きさなどもう少し大きければと思いました。

Zentangleに興味があり購入しました。薄い雑誌の割に値段が張りましたのでちょっと考えものでした。他の数巻を買うのをためらっています。ちなみに中身はすべて英語です。

You must have an internet connection in order to be reading this; using your search engine of preference, search for official zentangles, when you find the masses of sites which have them, including that hosted by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas, you can either print the pattern instructions directly, or copy, save, and print them.Suzanne Macneill's books are nothing more than pamphlets 19 pages long, including the covers. In my humble opinion, they're not worth buying. If you're beyond basic tangles and looking for books to take you further, there are many others on Amazon far better than these.I hate being so negative, but that is my personal opinion. Others have every right to disagree.

I discovered Zentangle a year or so ago and am hooked! You don't need any 'artistic' ability its all about expressing yourself and seeing what evolves; remember drawing as a child, getting lost in the image developing and not being obsessed with the end result well this is it.You can apply it to anything, from picture frames to typography, cards to simply an expression; it is very cathartic!As such I have recently purchased this for a relative undergoing Chemo; she wanted to have something to do at periods when energy is low; knowing you get lost in the moment of drawing I thought that whilst tangling it would allow a sense of peace and escapism, which helps aid treatment / recovery.I would recommend this for anyone, any age; as a basic it will give you the tools to go onto other books and keep tangling!

I bought this book for a friend who was in hospital, I thought it was a lovely idea for mindful activities which are more than just colouring in. Portable idea with the use of the cards, lots of help to develop your drawing and follow if you are not confident. Could easily develop into a bigger interest. Such a lovely idea presented in a really beautiful and helpful book.