Zentangle's Betweed

Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas, creators of Zentangle®, show how to tangle "betweed."
Zentangle is an easy to learn and relaxing method of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns. We believe life is an art form and that Zentangle is an elegant metaphor for deliberate artistry in life.
Visit zentangle.com to learn more and for a list of Certified Zentangle Teachers.

[@paulabinkley9398]

I can't tell you what finding zentangle has done for me. I deal with chronic pain 24 hours a day. The first evening I tried it, 4 days ago, I slept through the night for the first time in 15 years. I woke the following morning with a whole new feeling for the day. My husband has been so supportive through my illness he has seen such a change in my behavior the last few days. I can't thank you enough for all of the videos. Please keep up the great work. May God bless you.

[@KittyLovesGlover]

i'll listen to pure binaural beats for sleep while i do mine before bed. it's wonderful!

[@sivamal1]

I copy that. Just watching your videos is thereupatic for my chronic pain.

[@Indy__isnt_it]

A quick recap of life change at 65, ready to embark solo. I've been a crafter my entire life. In the last 20 years I've collected MORE than what I need to get through life! My biggest "problem" is scrapbooking and building a stash where you can work unlimited projects, I didn't anticipate disability and 24/7 chronic pain, as in the comment I just read about someone else with chronic pain. It's hard to keep your head in the right place 100% of the time. This is so relaxing just watching, and the slow pace of real time is a way to wind down without doing this yourself. I need to order tiles and find my pens!

[@gmanoverse6647]

@@Indy__isnt_it hope you’ve found your Zentangle tiles and pens!

[@gmanoverse6647]

On this inaugural International Day of Zentangle I just had to peek back to see what the oldest KZbin Video was. I was surprised that it was one dear to me. I’ve probably viewed it at least 20 times! It’s magical to me! Congratulations to Zentangle Inc aka “HQ” here’s to 20 more years! May the inspiration and adventures that breathing and putting four dots on paper never end! ☕️ cheers!

[@ianelley]

I have died and gone to heaven !!!!!!! In the nineties I studied Historic and Contemporary Decorative crafts at university with a huge emphasis on pattern, Ive been toying around with Celtic and Aboriginal designs for years but have never been satisfied with any results. I literally stumbled on your technique this morning and it fits in with things I have been thinking about for years, I have so many ideas my head hurts !! And Ive not picked up a pencil yet !! Thanks for a wonderful idea !!! I will be ordering some books as soon as iIm finished here, thanks again

[@9eskay]

What I appreciate nearly as much as the art are the gentle voices of Maria and Rick. There is a lot of respect conveyed between them in their interchange, adding to the meditative effect. Thanks for the lovely video, and I look forward to practicing this tangle.

[@Zentangle]

We only have so much time in these videos, you could certainly take as much time as it takes to be happy with your work. I am an artist, by trade (most of my life) and I tend to do things very quickly. I purposely slowed my pace down as much as I could. You can spend 15 minutes on a tile or luxuriate and spend 15 hours. It is all up to you. Enjoy the process, love the results. Maria Thomas

[@gmanoverse6647]

I hope your hand recovers from this lingering injury and that the healing process in 2024 continues and restores you to 100%. During the Idoz video this morning it was so very touching as you sought Ricks help to better handle the tortillion! To tell the truth I had been watching with moist heat on my shoulder and the scent of tiger balm liniment! I’ll give Idoz a shot when the anti-inflammatory kicks in! Love you and Thank You for being who you are doing what you all over the world! Pea&Hominy to us all! DkV

[@Allelya2]

Я влюбилась в эти ,казалось бы. простые линии. Завораживает наблюдение за пером и ты понимаешь что есть другой уровень красоты из плоского в многомерный

[@peytonrutledge4114]

this video is a GEM. I've been tangling for the past three years ... how did I miss it?? (and one of my fave tangles too.) thank you, Maria and Rick, for Zentangle!

[@kassandra344]

Just discovered zentangling, am obsessed already, losing sleep, turning up late for work and seeing patterns everywhere. Just going out to the stationers now to buy more pens. Thank you Rick and Maria for formulating and presenting the art of dooodling in such an inspiring and accessable way, this has got my creativity flowing again.

[@peppamlowe]

I can't imagine anyone disliking this... 3 of them! It's simple and beautiful. I have the kit and have tangled on just about everything. A great destresser!

[@tlsexton0913]

I am so excited that you are now making videos. It is so much more helpful to see someone actually doing it! Thank you so much for sharing this with us!

[@feyHiker]

LOVE THIS!!! Can't wait to play along! Rick, your commentary is very helpful For me it's easier to learn by listening and watching something done. I too would like to see a dvd workshop, there are no Zentangle teachers near where I live. Please keep these videos coming!

[@TheZoraWizard]

While I don't deny the simple pleasure of the Zentangle, I must admit that the most skill I witnessed in this video was in the calligraphy at the beginning. Personally, the first 30 seconds of calligraphy distracted me from the next 14 minutes of Zentangle. And that pen was absolutely fantastic, with it's offset nib.

[@artfan101]

I've been doing stuff like this in my sketchbooks and notebooks for a while now. I never knew there was a name for it.

[@newmeetings]

I really enjoyed what you did with the lines and adding the weights of color on the ends does create a whole new way of looking at it, and also adds a bit of dimension at the same time. Thank you JoAnn McBrady

[@ivodellkelly3831]

Love it thank you for sharing. I love zentangles

[@amjPeace]

I was so relaxed watching Maria tangle, and when Rick spoke ever so quietly I jumped a mile LOL

[@Colors_in_the_attick]

Namasté to the Zentangle.com crew. I am re-visiting all the Zentangle.com videos to learn more from them. There is so much to learn. Thank you for the richness and creativity you share so generously. Haha, it is so funny to hear Maria speak zo seriously in the early videos. I love how even the "isn't this fun" has evoluated :) I always tend to say out loud: "yes, yes, yes...."

[@paulinalareau8410]

All while watching this video I kept thinking that I could do this with silk. I could first draw then apply my silk. Has anyone tried this? A friend of yours sent me to you and I have not been this inspired in forever. Now to my sewing room. You are a beautiful soul.

[@MicahBuzanANIMATION]

Love zentangles. It's a trance-inducing artform.

[@OneDrumBum]

I've been doing this type of art for 15 years or so. I wish I would have come up with a catchy name and marketing technique. I'm happy someone did. This is a wonderful art form and using pure form with minimal supplies. And it is intense to create and also very appealing to the eye. Cool

[@nonxistenced]

Just got my kit, and watched your first KZbin video. Very inspiring. At a time in my life when I need to concentrate on something positive and creative, Zentangle fell into my lap. Nice to talk on the phone and email. Its comforting to know there are still personable companies out there. Thanks, nonxistenced

[@nickimcpheehals572]

So very cool! Love it!

Thank you so much for every single video explaining different patterns. I have been practising Zentangle for a few months now and although I still don't create wonderful art as others, I'm slowly getting more comfortable with the technique. I need more practice, I know that. And patience! Thank you so much for sharing this with the world! Much love from Spain.

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much I really really love 💕 and appreciate what you’ve shown us here, I really really love 💕 that shape you were drawing Maria, it’s very strong and elegant too. Stay safe and well too xxx Mags

[@carrieduff1388]

Zentangle is glorious!

[@SomaraSon]

I think you two and Zentangle are awesome! I'm a teenager that loves drawing and I don't think I could think of anyone else that could come up with all of these amazing techniques! Thank you!

[@gyoungphd1]

Thank you for sharing your genius. I found you today through Rhodia Drive, and my Rhodias are filling up with the first drawings I've ever done that I am proud of. More important, though, zentangles make me feel wonderful. O wondrous day!

[@TheOldladyB]

I am just starting to tangle and I find it a lot of fun. Just practicing right now and sometimes I'm not getting it. But time will tell. Thank you for creating this new art. Love it. Dar.

[@Zentangle]

What we have done is teach people how to draw patterns. We talk often about how we use patterns from cultures all over the world. We have not claimed that we designed all the patterns (although we have designed some), but we have developed a way to teach everyone how to draw them and assemble them into a composition. We are grateful to all who have come before us and showed us the many beautiful patterns. . . .cultures from all over the world. But we felt others should enjoy the feeling of creating them as well as the peace it brings. Zentangle is the name of the teaching method. And we do speak often of the influences of every culture in our teachings. We have never copyrighted a pattern, never stopped anyone from using our patterns.

[@dorothy918yl]

Sharing and love is the Greatest! Thanks!

[@Zentangle]

You can reach us at [e-mail] We teach patterns. LOTS of patterns. It's what we do This works real well when doing henna tattoos. I do not teach calligraphy.

[@jdockter9583]

I saw my first Zentangle when my sister included a tile in a handmade birthday card. It was a simple but beautiful design and I was hooked. I needed more info on creating my own Zentangles so I purchased a book at my local craft store, made a couple of tiles and needed more info. KZbin! Betweed is a fantastic idea. Thank you!

[@usaearthling]

I used to doodle as a teen and it gave me so much pleasure to do so, however Zentangle is a much more classy version, very creative and a great work of art. Enjoyed this very much. Look forward to more videos-tfs.

[@beccogiallo]

Your designs are beautiful.

[@Buraion]

i think these would be perfect doodles to pass the time in class!

[@br0607045845]

translation for the English speakers out there: thank you very much for sharing this technique which creates a beautiful final composition, and i think it helps with inner peace. a salute from Peru.

[@luciamarieng2081]

Omg the lines are so gorgeous

[@wonjud]

I am new to this art form. Tried it for abit and now i am stuck. I love it and is amaze at the beauty of lines and dots. Thank you for so kindly sharing your talent. God bless you.

[@hueyahumana]

Wow... I was always attracted to this type of draws but I had no idea how they were call neither how nicely easy they r done . THANK YOU . I mean it ! ... 👍👍

[@RuthDailey]

I love this pattern is has so much energy - it was great to hear your voices and watch your zentangles emerge- thanks for sharing the video

[@reevessl]

great video! I just took Pat Ferguson's zentangle class today, can't wait to try more. I think your first video here is a huge success!!!

[@Zentangle]

You can use any pen you want. . . . but we were asked to put together our recommendations for paper and pens, we use Fabriano Tiepolo paper and Sakura's Pigma Micron black #01 (on a 3 1/2"square paper "tile". Have fun! It gets more exciting the more you do. maria

[@bernbom712]

Great video...love seeing the working hand creating!!!! Thanks so much!

[@notsoperfectzen-tangles9537]

So amazing

[@rumisz1]

Muchas gracias por compartir esta técnica que consigue crear una bella composición final y creo que ayuda a la paz interior. Un saludo desde Perú.

[@Scarycheri1]

this was fun to watch and to hear you. Love the lettering at the beginning too. Been a fan for a couple years now.

[@rumzymocha]

Absolutely love this video. I still watch it even though I mastered Betweed a year or more ago. It is so relaxing to watch you draw, Maria ..I just sent a link to my good friend in Vancouver who can't find a CZT there. I taught her a basic class when she came to visit me here in Ontario in May and she is ADDICTED like the rest of us. Thanks so much for posting these videos.

[@otdave2784]

Delightful and inspiring. Thank you.

[@skyfire62]

very good tutorial ..I have been drawing feather type doodles because I hope to start machine quilting them on my quilts. I think getting into doing zentangles will help me be a better quilter/thread artist.. Please do more videos! Thank you!

[@santiekemp6497]

Thanks for sharing. I am so pleased that I found you. I will definitely try this

[@bravesfanLinda]

Fantastic video! Thanks so much for sharing. This is probably my favorite tangle so far. Hope there are more KZbin videos in your (our) future.

[@paulnguyen2144]

who else got spooked when the guy's voice came in?

[@mirelag.constantin7990]

wow! I used to do this kind of patterns when I was younger to hide names and words in drawings but this is soo much more profesional! love it!

[@ivyginna]

I love that you did the video. I was working to hard on this tangle ... now I can feel the flow. You both have done so much for my ability not only to create but also to relax and enjoy the process Thank You, Ivy

[@shadfan66]

Love this technique, showing it coming together is so much easier to follow, than your admittedly excellent diagrams

[@madamdiva]

looks great!! it's always wonderful to see the tangles demonstrated. would have loved to hear the sound though.

[@RubberstamprosieBlogspot]

This is EXCELLENT! Please do more of these instructional videos. Thank You!

[@hocogal]

Bravo! This was a lovely treat! ...can't wait to see more!

[@NannaNappin]

Thank you. Keep the tutorials coming. I love zentangling.

[@blevinsmusic]

I don't know why anyone would think the calligraphy at the beginning was distracting. I was in awe of it. I've never heard of Zentangle before, but now I am going to give it a try. Thanks for the lovely video (and your website, where I plan to purchase your kit.)

[@CJohnson79]

I have been waiting for this one since I first saw it on your blog! Thank you for sharing this.

[@saxmam74]

Great Demo Video. The 3rd "tangle" was my favorite and most appealing idea. I saw a 5 or 6 pointed star coming from that drawing! Might have to try that :-)

[@tomiannie]

I am new to Zentangle, but I love the concept and I really enjoy your videos! Thank you!

[@pcrusberg]

Oh, what a great pattern! I'm working on one of my first and couldn't think of what pattern to use next. I'm definitely going to try this one. Thanks!

[@grope11]

Vielen, vielen Dank für dieses Video, obwohl alles so einfach aussieht, bedarf es doch einiger Übung. Ich fange am besten gleich an.

[@carloshaun7297]

Soooooooo cool!

[@ShoshiPlatypus]

I have GOT to try this! Beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing. You are a real artist. Love the calligraphy at the beginning too - so fluid, and what a fascinating pen.

[@barb4255]

Love the pen at the beginning. I would love to own one of those - just because I love amazing old things, not because I can write like that. I would love to be able to write with such style but I want to do so many things I have to limit myself or I would be just a hoarder of things and accomplish nothing ~L. Love the Tangles and have everything on hand to try it out. Reminds me of the doodles of my youth!

[@MatidaJane]

I so love this art. Have become hooked and am planning on putting it on my porcelain. I too loved the calligraphy at the start and the pen is great. I keep saying I must try Calligraphy but you make me more determined. Shame I am so old-I need to live another 50 years. Love your e-mails too. Jane

[@debbiebehringer9023]

I love Zentangle. It is so relaxing and therapeutic. I have one question. Is there a reason you do not take more time and care on your shading? Again I appreciate what y’all have given us.

[@ChrissyMorinCO]

Love this! Going to go and practice!!

[@JPastorDominguez]

Muchas Gracias. Un trabajo fantástico....

[@katenmkate]

I agree, Jane. I love it, too. I am wondering if I can use thread. We a shall see!

[@suezn5]

I'm so happy to see you posting a video. Seeing how to shade was most helpful. The tangles I can follow step by step from directions, but having a vid for the shading options would be really nice. I look forward to more of your posts. ps thx for explaining the name of the tangle in your email newsletter!

[@ReneeVaughter]

LOVE YOUR WORK!! And love the fun chemistry between you two! The third in this one was my fave! And I disagree with Ryan Rivera's comment about the calligraphy and tangle not mending well together (or whatever he was getting at). I loved the two together! I love how you introduce the Zentangle with the calligraphy and I love how you show the final end results at the end! You're videos are very fun..... WE NEED MORE NOW!! :)

[@marthadonnamaria2339]

Loved it. Great tangle.

[@SuejacobsBlogspot]

Thank you! It really helps to see you work.

[@lotusblossoms51]

Absolutely incredible!!!! Love your unique creativity~

[@ChariLynn]

I love this tangle! I'm really looking forward to the CZT training! More video's please! Thanks!

[@Nyamazaan]

@ mins into this and im subscribed. Stunning.

[@GenevieveCrabe]

What a wonderful pattern, I haven't tried it yet but I know it's going to be one of my favourites. Maria, I also enjoyed watching your beautiful calligraphy at the beginning. Geneviève Crabe, soon to be CZT :-)

[@dragonlovesdolls]

Wonderful! I hope you do more and more and more :)

[@heartlightkirtan]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

[@Fielderfarms]

Awesome....Thank You

[@poetmargo]

Please post more Rick and Maria?

[@dorothymal]

Love it. Thank you.

[@mitzishaw5819]

Absolutely gorgeous, ty for the videos.I enjoy them so much please continue with more.

[@ritaperetto]

meravigliosi!

[@alliecat1941]

Thats amazing.i hope i can learn to do this . it dont look that difficult..with a little practice. i know from what i ee and here..there is 100s of designs.

[@zinaidanourreddine7042]

fabulous. i just discovered this clip

[@cuteeasydrawings1455]

Very nice!!

[@KattchaT]

Wow, I love what you do! It remains me, when I was child, I used to cover small rectangles of paper by tiny leaves, spirals and other paterns...I think I should start again :D Mucha is my favourite artist and I love this "mooka" paterns guys, thanks for sharing! :) ( I'm looking forward to new videos :))

[@PVolk7]

LOVE the video...Please make more! I would love to see how Rick makes the pattern on the website by Rick's name...I want to know how it's made to look that good!

[@Zentangle]

Merci Beaucoup, Salaheddine.

[@karenizziphd]

LOVE U BOTH!!

[@christinebiondi9420]

Fantastic! the pattern reminds me of the growing pattern on the trunks of palm trees. Your drawing seems three dimensional.

[@Zentangle]

The pen is a reproduction 1800's oblique pen holder with a vintage nib. M

[@syukri8553]

The intro is dope

[@swatguy6237]

I'm much better at the linear designs like this - will finish watching this video when I have more time, but I love the 3D effect I already see developing!

[@sewerdrain47]

amazing

[@petit-christ]

How prestigious !