Zentangle(R) is an easy-to-learn method of pattern drawing that reduces stress while promoting creativity. This book will introduce readers to the basic theory of Zentangle and provide instructions for drawing over 100 tangle patterns from such Certified Zentangle Teachers as Suzanne McNeill, Sandy Steen Bartholomew, and Marie Browning. This beautiful book is filled with examples of Zentangle drawings as well as other art projects and compelling stories from those who have improved their well-being through Zentangle.

Marie Browning is a best-selling author of craft books and an experienced designer for consumer and industry magazines. With her vast knowledge of the craft industry, she also serves as a creative consultant, helping manufacturers develop innovative products and market them to craft consumers. Marie has taught classes, demonstrated at trade shows, and appeared on TV and online videos. Her warm and encouraging approach to creativity makes her and her company, Marie Browning CreatesT, a valuable asset to the creative industry. Marie's professional expertise is recognized by her membership in the Crafts and Hobby Association (CHA) and her past board membership in the Society of Craft Designers (SCD). She was also selected as a "Top Influential Industry Designer" by Craftrends trade publication in 2004. Marie resides in Vancouver where she enjoys gardening and crafting.

Marie Browning's profile page

Suzanne McNeill is often known as a Trendsetter for arts and crafts. Dedicated to hands-on creativity, she constantly tests, experiments and invents something new and exciting. Suzanne is the woman behind Design Originals, a publishing company dedicated to all things fun and creative. She is a designer, artist, columnist, TV personality, publisher, art instructor, author and lover of everything hands-on. She was the 2011 winner of the Craft and Hobby Association's Industry Achievement Award.

Suzanne McNeill's profile page

Sandy Steen Bartholomew is a Certified Zentangle Teacher, an illustrator, and a mixed-media artist. She also designs rubber stamps and paints furniture.

Sandy Bartholomew's profile page

This book may change your life.

Zentangle is the newest craze to hit the crafting world. This easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun illustration technique is a great way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. It's easy to learn and, after doing a few Zentangle pieces, you'll begin to notice the world around you in a different way-it will seem brighter, more colorful, more in focus. You'll also master illustration techniques that you never thought possible.

Traditional Zentangle designs are done in black ink on a white square tile of paper. A simple pattern can be broken down into several small sections and each section contains a different doodle or illustration. There is no right or wrong when creating a Zentangle design, just relax and let yourself go!

There are also several ways to use Zentangle, as outlined in Joy of Zentangle. You could use it to decorate your home, create beautiful backgrounds for scrapbooks and cards, or simply decorate a margin of a business memo as you sit in your morning meeting.

Joy of Zentangle makes jumping into this addicting illustration technique easy and fun. With step-by-step full color photographs and detailed written instructions, this is a great guide for those who are new to or curious to learn more about this addicting hobby.

Reviewed by Melissa Conner

Joy of Zentangle an EXCELLENT choice for the beginning Tangler to start on their Zentangle Journey with well crafted how-to steps, excellent pictures, inspirational stories and beautiful examples. All you need is pen, paper, and this book book to get you started on your Zentangle journey.

Certified Zentangle Teachers: Suzanne McNeill, Sandy Steen Bartholomew and Maria Browning have authored most of the first 6 Zentangle books. Now the best of the best from these books and a few new tangles have been added to this Overview edition. Find 101+ tangles in one place.

The differences between the small books 16-20 pagse and this book and this 160 page book is the high presentation quality. The photography is very nice and most of the pages are dedicated to a single tangle with how-to steps and inspiration concepts or thought to give futher understanding to the Joy that Zentangle has brought to many lives.

Additional info is included to offer the new budding artist exploring Zentangle an understanding what focus means to cultivating creativity, stress reduction and relaxation. Ideas for working with 3-D object, Zendala / Mandalas, and much more are included.

-- Sharla R. Hicks CZT, Soft Expressions