Zen-Nana

Who is Zen-Nana and what is The Zentangle® Method?

 

My name is Nancy and my nickname is Zen-Nana.  I’m a crafter by nature - meaning I can use scissors, glue things together, knit a bit and sew. I am not a professional in any sense of the word, but I very much like any art project.  But for the life of me, I still can’t draw a straight line. In walks The Zentangle Method. 

 

‘The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. These patterns are called tangles. ‘ taken from founders Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas’ book Zentangle Primer Vol 1, 2016.  For more information visit Zentangle.com 

 

So, have you ever been involved in something that you said, ‘Wow it’s been 2 hours already -  where did the time go?’  The Zentangle Method is like that.  When I tangle, I find myself more relaxed, more able to focus and happy with my drawings. 

 

I am telling you, anyone who can write their name can tangle.

 

About 6 years ago after I retired, I viewed my first video showing how to draw images with structured patterns - that person, the tangler, was Melinda Barlow.  She is a retired librarian and a Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT).  In her videos, her sense of humor and humbleness shined. She kept stating ‘there are no mistakes in Zentangle, only opportunities’ and that idea made me want to try tangling myself.  I was more than intrigued. 

 

From there I watched more videos. My first drawings were simple and fun, ‘mistakes’ and all. What I noticed then (and each time I tangle now) is that TIME seemed to stop while I tangled.  The ability to mindfully stop time had me hooked.  I began my Zentangle practice.  Like yoga or other meditative practices, tangling focuses and settles my brain. 

 

I also continue to learn from Mary Rose Feldman, CZT and I follow other tanglers on social media. Yes, there’s a lot of tangling going on.  As I view other tangler’s beautiful tiles (the square paper drawn on) I feel that I’m in a community of creativity.  Sandhya Manne CZT from India is another mentor of mine. I studied with her for over four years. In February 2026, I received my training to be recognized as a Certified Zentangle Teacher.  That experience was invaluable as it provided the philosophy of the Zentangle method and numerous techniques to help me teach this meditative method of drawing.  

 

In my own classes,  I demonstrate how to draw several of these structured patterns, called tangles.  Step-by-step, the entire tangle becomes apparent.  Tangles are then brought to a life of their own by adding pencil shading.  One can even add color for a different visual effect. It’s fun. 

 

Sounds too good to be true?  Well, in this case, it is true.  I’d be happy to guide your tangle journey.   I still cannot draw a straight line, but I can tangle.  And yes, you can tangle too.

 

Come, tangle along,

 

Zen-Nana aka Nancy