Zen Mandalas
Sacred Circles inspired by Zentangle®
Snowflake Mandala by Carole Ohl, ©2010 (pages 10-11)
For centuries, mandalas have been used to connect the spirit with the divine, offering symbols found in nature as subjects for contemplation. Drawing mandalas enables us to acquire a sense of wonder at the greatness that exists all around, helps discover the true inner self, and provides a connection with the source of all inspiration.
This book offers an opportunity to explore the ancient teachings of the mandala through the process of Zentangle. Gently appreciate the uniqueness of your experience in the world of ten-thousand things as you create beautiful drawings that reflect your vision and you will discover the infinite possibilities that spring from inner peace.
Basic Zentangle instructions are copyrighted material and are used with permission.
ISBN 978-1-57421-696-7
COPY PERMISSION: The written instructions, photographs, designs, patterns, and projects in this publication are intended for the personal use of the reader and may be reproduced for that purpose only. Any other use, especially commercial use, is forbidden under law without the written permission of the copyright holder. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information in this book is accurate. However, due to differing conditions, tools and individual skills, neither the author nor publisher can be responsible for any injuries, losses and other damages which may result from the use of the information in this book.
INFORMATION: All rights reserved. All images in this book have been reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the artists concerned and no responsibility is accepted by producer, publisher or printer for any infringement of copyright or otherwise, arising from the contents of this publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that credits accurately comply with information supplied.
WARNING: Due to the components used in this craft, children under 8 years of age should not have access to materials or supplies. Under rare circumstances components of products could cause serious or fatal injury. Neither New Design Originals, Suzanne McNeill, the product manufacturer or the supplier is responsible.
NOTE: The use of products and trademark names is for informational purposes only, with no intention of infringement upon those trademarks.
Cover art © 2010 by Margaret Bremner.
© 2011 by Suzanne McNeill and New Design Originals Corporation, www.d-originals.com, an imprint of Fox Chapel Publishing, 800-457-9112, 1970 Broad Street, East Petersburg, PA 17520.
“Zentangle®”, the red square, and “Anything is possible, one stroke at a time” are registered trademarks of Zentangle, Inc. Zentangle’s teaching method is patent pending and is used by permission. You’ll find wonderful resources, a list of Certified Zentangle Teachers (CZTs), workshops, a fabulous gallery of inspiring projects, supplies, kits, and tiles at zentangle.com.
eBook version 1.0
The ‘Zen’ in Zentangle®
The word Zen means meditative state. It describes the creative energy that an artist experiences when the work or design creation is allowed to flow naturally from your consciousness without being forced.
Art created in this manner touches the viewer in a profound way that is difficult to describe in words because the emotion of the artist - whether it is love, devotion, pain, loss, gratitude or joy - passes into the work and radiates outward.
The process of Zentangle® helps anyone get in touch with life. It opens your awareness to new ideas, helps you solve problems, calms the soul, and fosters your creative spirit.
History of Zentangle
Zentangle® was created by Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts. As Maria drew background patterns on a manuscript, she felt an amazing sense of well being, complete focus, and the timelessness that people usually associate with a meditative state. She described this sensation to Rick and together they created a simple system which would allow others to enjoy drawing tangles and experience a similar feeling.
“Zentangle”, the red square, and “Anything is possible, one stroke at a time” are registered trademarks of Zentangle, Inc. Zentangle’s teaching method is patent pending and is used by permission. You’ll find wonderful resources, a list of Certified Zentangle Teachers (CZTs), workshops, a fabulous gallery of inspiring projects, supplies, kits, and tiles at zentangle.co.m
The Zen in Mandalas…
Sacred Circles
Infinite, with no beginning and no end, the circle has a long history as a sacred symbol. It is the shape our ancestors saw when they looked at the sun and moon; it is the shape we see when we view our planet from space. It is the shape of raindrops and puddles, fruits and berries. Even our eyes, the windows of the soul, are circles.
Possessing balance and symmetry, circles represent the calm surrounding a point of creation.
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