I love being creative, but one of my struggles with creativity is staying inspired. There’s inspiration everywhere, sure, but that’s not helpful when I’m stuck at home and in an uninspired mood. Today we will take a few simple things — Zentangle, an inspirational quote, shaving cream, and paint — and put them together to create something beautiful that will inspire you for years to come!
Zentangle
With just a pen, pencil and paper, you can create beautiful works of art — even if the words “I can’t draw” often cross your mind, because they certainly do mine. You can even learn a simple way to relax your mind to allow your own creativity to shine through. Remember to keep it simple. Even the most complex looking patterns you will find in Zentangle inspired art are broken down into simple lines and circles. Focus on one line, one step at a time, and you will be surprised with the results!
We will start with a simple exercise — drawing with your breath. 
- Decide your guidelines for marking the page with each breath — maybe you will draw squiggles on way on the inhale and the other direction on the exhale.
- How will your marking shift when you realize you have stopped following the breath?
- You will create a repetitive pattern that changes with a change in your awareness marking each breath.
Now let’s learn some Zentangle patterns! Grab a pen and some paper and follow the steps in the videos. Remember these are just basic lines and shapes, so once you’ve practiced one way, add your own flair to each pattern!
Pattern 1 (Each of these patterns have names, but the names aren’t as important as simply drawing.)
Pattern 2
Pattern 3
Pattern 4
Inspired Art
Now it’s time to put those patterns together!
- Grab your inspirational quote or pick your favorite from the list I’ve gathered (see below). There is no wrong way to do this, so possibilities are endless! There are templates provided if you don’t want to write out the words, but my suggestion is for you to write them.
- Write or print your quote onto a piece of good quality paper, like paint paper or cardstock.
- Follow the instructions below for creating your marbled background onto your paper with the quote. (You can also create your background first and then write on the paper.)
- Once it’s dried you are ready to add your tangles! In my example I simply added one of each of the patterns that we did, adding in an extra tangle of pattern 1. You can add as many tangles or patterns as you like. This is your inspiration!
Instructions for creating a marbled background for your quote:
You will need:
- A quality piece of paper (paint paper, cardstock, something a little thicker than regular printer paper)
- A baking sheet
- Parchment paper, cling wrap, or aluminum foil
- Shaving cream
- Paint
- Something to stir the shaving cream with
- Something to scrap off the shaving cream
Directions:
- Grab your baking sheet and line it with the cling wrap.
- Spray your shaving cream on the cling wrap, making sure there is a solid layer across the sheet.
- Take 3-5 colors of paint and drip them on top of the shaving cream.
- Use your stirring stick to swirl the paint through the shaving cream until it makes a pattern you like.
- Place your sheet of paper on top of the shaving cream and press down gently.
- Carefully pull the paper back up (straight up if possible, but sometimes that just won’t work).
- Scrap off the shaving cream and let paper dry.
Once you’ve finished, please send us a picture of your awesome Zentangle Inspired Art! We will post them in a mosaic on our website or Facebook page!
Sample quotes:
“Explore rather than expect.” Mary Ann Radmacher
“There are no mistakes, only new paths to explore.” Gregory David Roberts
“It is not who we are that holds us back, it is who we think we are not.” Michael Nolan
“Inspiration is everywhere, all the time, waiting for us to find it. Sometimes we just have to take a moment to notice.” Christine Castro Hughes
Quote 4
“There’s no need to wait for life to come to you. Bring what you have to life and let the adventure begin!” Jamie Ridler
“Life is nothing but a dream and if you create your life with love, your dream becomes a masterpiece of art.” Don Miguel Ruiz
Check out these books to learn more about Zentangle:
Mandala Zentangle: The Mindful Way to Creativity by Jane Marbaix (I loved this one because it has great examples of patterns and cool ideas to try.)
Zen Doodle Mindscapes: Tap into your Emotions by Carolyn Scrace
The Art of Zentangle: 50 Inspiring Drawings, Designs & Ideas for the Meditative Artist by Stephanie Meissner
Hoopla also has great Zentangle books for both kids and adults!
– Cassie, Youth Services Assistant