Original Tangle Pattern by Dainty Kitty

Posted on August 25, 2017 by Kitty

The other day, I was just doodling and discovered a cute tangle pattern. There isn’t another one like it, to my knowledge. If there is, it would be a coincidence. The pattern consists mostly of lines, with dots alternating on a grid. It reminds me of electricity and atoms.

Tangle Pattern: Fluffer

Fluffer Tangle

The name Fluffer came about because I think it’s fun to say. Another reason is because I think the wavy lines appear fluffy and ruffly at the same time. I just combined the two adjectives into an amusing, nonsense word.

Fluffer Tangle Shaded Option

Fluffer Tangle

As shown above, it can be shaded for a more dramatic effect. Alternately, the shading could be reversed for a different look. Also, the dots in the grid could be left unfilled. Really it is up to the artist for what the final outcome will be. I think it is an easy pattern to learn and is relaxing to draw. Fluffer will definitely be used in a future project of mine, whatever it may be.

Tangle Inspired by Historic Solar Eclipse

Posted on August 20, 2017 by Kitty

Tomorrow, a total solar eclipse will be visible in the United States for the first time since 1979. It was nearly 100 years ago that one could be witnessed across the entire contiguous U.S. So, it’s a pretty exciting event. It starts on the Oregon coast at 9:06 a.m. PDT tomorrow and will end on the South Carolina coast at 4:06 p.m. EDT. If you don’t want to leave your home or buy sun-safe goggles, NASA’s website has got you covered.

Since the eclipse is kind of a historic event, I felt inspired to create a Zentangle piece. To draw it, I used tangle designs I found at tanglepatterns.com, a ruler, and a compass. The specific patterns I used are: Footlites, 4 Fun, Ciceron, and Floatfest. The others are just doodles I drew in for fun. To me, the contrast of black and white looks very crisp and signifies light and dark naturally. So, I will most likely leave it uncolored.

Total Solar Eclipse Tangle

Solar Eclipse Tangle

This piece took longer than expected, but I did finish it in time! Technically, I know that the sun’s surface cannot be seen during a solar eclipse, but I took creative license here. I thought it would look better this way. One of the things I enjoy so much with Zentangle, is that seemingly random patterns can be taken as building blocks to construct realistic or fictitious works of art. Also, because of the nature of the medium, timidity gets overtaken by creativity. When I finished this, I could hardly believe it. Usually, I get hung up on silly things that keep me from finishing a project. With this, it’s easy to gain momentum and stick with it until the end. So, whether you like science or art or both, I hope everyone gets to enjoy the total solar eclipse tomorrow.

My Own Pattern Inspired by Zentangle

Posted on August 11, 2017 by Kitty

A few years ago, I started dabbling in Zentangle. My cousin sparked my interest by showing me her awesome work. Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts sort of fell into the art form when Maria noticed she felt better after drawing. Zentangle is a term they copyrighted to describe their method and patterns. Anyone can make up their own tangle, but one must submit it to see if it will be trademarked. It’s so much fun, that it’s hard to stop once you’ve tried. There is also a sense of calmness that comes from drawing, using their method.

My Zentangle Drawing

Above is a very humble attempt at making a tangle composition. I was in a very floral mood, as you can see. All of the patterns in it are available for free in the first link. Unfortunately, I don’t remember their names, so it will take some hunting.

After studying and trying my hand with different patterns, I came up with my own tangle. Now, I say that not knowing if there is another one out there like it. I haven’t seen all the patterns, and I’m not a certified teacher. Honestly, this came about from hours of trying to come up with something. My brain just naturally flowed into it. I became fixated with diamonds and rays. There could be many variations depending on shading or the slightest additional line. The tangle reminds me of stars and stripes, but that name might be considered too suggestive. Perhaps, Starps is a good enough tangly term.

Zentangle-Inspired Pattern

Stars and Stripes Tangle

Please feel free to use my patterns in your creations. Just drop a line for me, if you would be so kind. ? Saying where the pattern comes from helps my blog and encourages me to make more things. I enjoy sharing my ideas and projects with you. ?