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Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Walk on the wild side!

Maria writes:
My habit, when I begin to tangle, is to grab a square white tile; maybe once in a while, a blank white zendala. But I decided I would go over to the "other" side for a while and I got a stack of black Zentangle tiles. I wanted to really dive in head first and see what happens. At first, I began with simple strings on squares. Marking my corner dots, connecting them, drawing my string with a white charcoal pencil as I followed the basic Zentangle ceremony. Filled my sections with my go-to tangles, threw in a mac'n cheese tangle, and I let it draw me into its magic.

It did not take long for me to get hooked. I started to see opportunities not available to me when working on a white tile.

Like the original tile, the real magic appears when you add the shades of gray, but with black tiles, you also have the option of using a white chalk pencil or a Zenstone to add highlights and lighter tones. This added another dimension, not available when working on the white.

I then grabbed a new tool for working on black tiles – a gray Fabrico™ marker.  For years we offered this gray dual tipped marker for working on fabric (T-shirts, sneakers, aprons, etc.) when one would ordinarily use a pencil if it were paper. I began using the gray marker to shade the black tiles and it was spectacular. You almost don't even see it, except for the before and after tiles – it darkens the white lines but doesn't affect the black paper so much.


I love the subtle nuances it creates. AND you can make it darker and darker by adding another layer of the gray marker. OK, this is way more fun than I should be having . . . .
 

Also, I played with going over the white lines more than once. The first line of white can partially soak into the paper. But once it dries and you add that second stroke, it is brilliant! (in more ways than one) You could create stripes, only redrawing every other one, or going over the top half of each stripe, or adding a highlight here and there. The textures are lovely.



SO . . . you may want to take a little walk on the wild side, and dance with your Gelly Rolls®, try out those shades of gray, go find your ZenStone, wiggle some dust on those tiles, rough them up a bit.


Experiment with old tangles and new . . . monotangles and borders.


Zendalas, both strung . . .

 . . . and not.



Show your wild side. . . .

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We will randomly pick some commenters to receive a tile as our way of saying, "Thank you," for commenting on our blog.

Many thanks,

R&M

P.S.

We designed an introductory Black Tile Tool Set just so people could try tangling on black Zentangle tiles.

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Updated October 7, 2015, to add:

We originally uploaded this blog post at 6:37 pm EST.


Molly received an email from our friends at Sakura of America . . .

 . . . within seconds of the same time, telling her that they had just uploaded a YouTube of Molly teaching how to tangle munchin on black Zentangle tiles using materials from the Zentangle Black Tool Set that we developed with Sakura.

Molly did that video a while back and we had totally forgotten about it when we did this blog post. We love it when that happens!

Oh yes . . . Here's the video. Enjoy!

92 comments:

Betsy Wilson CZT14 said...

Always, always something more for which to strive! Beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Love the use of the grey Fabrico. They are just stunning and inspiring.
Melissa Cahn, CZT6
mwcahn@ptd.net

Unknown said...

Ooooh, I love B&W tiles! I taught a class just last week using them and everyone loved them. I share your tip about writing on your skin to reactivate a stuck white gel pen in almost every B&W class. I tell them, that tip was almost worth the price of admission to the CZT training all by itself. ;-) I can't tell you how many white gel pens I've thrown away prior to that tip. Thanks for all the tips throughout the years!

Lady Dragoness said...

These are brilliant! I wish I had some black tiles to play with... maybe if Santa is good to me at Christmas, I'll be able to get some.

Melanye said...

Maria, you ARE AMAZING!!!! Inspiration to the MAX!!!

Anonymous said...

All fascinating, and somehow timely given the lights in the darkness season coming upon us. My personal favorite is the unstrung Zendala --- lots of inky, mysterious black with that swirly. starry center.

Phyllis C said...

WOW --your timing is awesome!! :) :) :) I am new to Zentangle, but I love white on black--and I just bought some black tiles. Let the fun begin--I am really excited to use my white gel pens and the black tiles. Thanks for the inspiratio, can't wait to get started.

Valerie said...

These are amazing! Just as I think you all have reached the limits of Zentangle options, you slip through a crack into a whole new realm!

Unknown said...

Love your black tiles! Beautiful work! I can't wait to try the techniques you shared, especially going over the white lines in different ways to create unique textures.

Barb Burgess, CZT said...

Oh my gosh, I would never have thought to use the grey Fabrico pen as a shader on the black tiles. I love doing the white on black, but I can not wait to try my Fabrico over my tile and see what magic I can produce. By the way, our Zentangle club had our first show today and your gifts were greatly appreciated! Everyone loved the gifts and the Zentangle work that was displayed was amazing! How exciting that we have well over 100 people in our club and they were all taught by the four of us CZTs. Thanks again for everything you do to help keeping us busy...

Jeannette Bisbee said...

The black tiles are my absolute favorite. I will have to try the Fabrico marker to add even more depth. My favorite technique is to add just teeny, tiny little points of colored Gelly Rolls to the black tiles in conjunction with the white.....It makes the black tiles bloom with added depth and mystery....like streetlights in the far-off night sky. As always thanks for all you do, and I am so excited to finally realize the dream of becoming a CZT with you this upcoming summer at CZT #24. How blessed am I! Jeannette Bisbee

Mamie Pennington said...

You've done some lovely work here, Miss Maria! I think the one that struck me most was the Zendala where you've used Rick's and your initials as tangles. It's nice to be reminded to enjoy what we do. Thanks!

Linda Fine, CZT said...

Beautiful tiles, no matter if they are black or white! Your tiles give me so many ideas! Thank you for sharing with us all!

Lianne said...

Maria, I am always so inspired by the tiles you create. I must say the square one with the ghostly hues of the zenstone is my favourite. I was also thrilled to hear your using the gray fabrico pen for shading. I had accidentally stumbled upon this idea of using the gray pen when one of my black tiles had far too much white & I wondered what I could do to tone it down a bit. So that is when I grabbed the fabrico pen & shaded over some of the white & it worked wonders. Just lately I have also used the gray for shading & love the results. You have also given me more ideas to play with. As always, thank you & the rest of the Zentangle family for sharing with the world.

Mariƫt said...

Wow...It's amazing what the result is with the grey shadows!
Thanks for showing this.

Stephanie Jennifer said...

They are all such lovely tiles. The grey ink is a great idea that I should definitely try sometime soon. The tiles almost seem to shimmer as I scroll through the post. ^-^

I, too, have been experimenting with black Zendala tiles. I've actually posted a few of those tiles onto my blog. If you'll like to see them, you can view them via this direct link:

http://www.everythingis-art.com/2015/10/you-have-to-think-outside-border.html

anotherid4me said...

gorgeous, as usual! In transition, moving, so supplies are inaccessible right now but I'm eager to unpack, & devote some zen-time!

Anoeska said...

Where are my black tiles?!? I need to practice some more, right now! Thanks for yet another amazingly inspiring blogpost.

Terri Y CZT16 said...

I love the look of white on black. I have also used my neon pens for some striking effects. I hope to teach a black tile class soon and show my students the dark side of Zentangle. LOL Thanks

Libby Gilpatric said...

Can't wait to try these with my new student. Hard to say who wil be more excited in trying these dimensional effects on black.

Julie said...

Awesome! Thank you so much for the ideas and inspiration!

michele wynne said...

Brilliant post! White on Black is sooooo far out of my comfort zone. I never do it unless prompted by a challenge. Thank you so much for the gorgeous inspiration!

Unknown said...

Wow!! Love the versatility of Zentangle and the tools we get to use!!

NanW said...

Amazing tiles. I haven't tried black yet but now I can't wait. I love the depth in the shading and on the layers of white.

DeVine Garden said...

I love the depth and mood that the white pen on black tiles creates! Thank you for sharing your gifts...truly inspirational.

Deborah Lee said...

With the holidays coming up (groan!), I can visualize the round zentangles as ornaments on a tree - especially a fake white one. Or hanging from a chandelier or drapery rod or just up on a white wall. A whole different style of decorating!

Midori Okasako said...

wow, each of those black tile creations are AMAZING. they all seem to be glowing under black lighting!
very moody...

Jennifer Hohensteiner said...

Beautiful, inspiring examples. I am suddenly very excited about black tiles. That one...you know which one...that very dark one with the bright spots right up against it - it's like Magic.

Brenda said...

Oh my goodness! And I am not a fan of black tiles, but you take them to a totally different level! Thank you for inspiring me to pull out a black tile this evening and trying again and actually liking what I did! And thank you for sharing Molly's video, it's made me fall in love with Munchin all over again! Love the detail she inserted with the black micron at the end!!!

Ellen said...

Love white on black, and so do my students. I will make sure they see your work for inspiration and the video Molly did. Thank you for sharing your artwork. Ellen CZT5

Sara said...

Perfect timing for me, too. I've been sick with the flu and haven't even picked up a pen for 10 days. Tonight I will reach for my black tiles and white tools and try to bring some calmness to my crazy life. Your tiles are lovely and Maria's YouTube just what I needed for motivation! Thank you all!

Sara said...

I'm sorry...Molly's YouTube... must be the "good drugs" that made me do it!

Unknown said...

Maria..inspiring as always!

Unknown said...

So beautiful and inspiring,as always. Zentangle is so wonderful in so many ways!!!! Thank you!

soozalope said...

What a lovely new technique to try! where is the blue tint coming from? or is it just something with the computer? Im looking forward to trying this.

Anna said...

Beautiful inspiring work, as always! I never tire of your blog posts and seeing your gorgeous tiles

Ginny Lockhart said...

Love this! I'm ready for a return to black tiles, thanks to Matis & Molly!

Jana said...

So cool. May give it a try when I get more experience.

Unknown said...

Beautiful black tiles!!

Unknown said...

Beautiful black tiles!!

Unknown said...

Great information and just in time for my "Black is the New White" class next week. I have also used a clear Gelly Roll Glaze penon the black tile. It makes the area shiny, slightly raised and a deeper black. I love the effect.
Cherie CZT#20

Unknown said...

The black tile contrasting with the white and gray is so striking. It's motivation for me to try this now.

TiredMama said...

I haven't tried the black tiles yet, but I'm really inspired to try now. I'll have to check out that black tool set too.

JJ said...

Haven't had much luck with black tiles in the past... but this makes me want to pull them out and give it another try!

TiredMama said...

I haven't tried the black tiles yet, but I'm really inspired to try now. I'll have to check out that black tool set too.

Lynn Jarrett said...

I have not tried the black tiles yet. I just tried the sepia pens recently. Perhaps I will try the black tiles soon. The ones you showed were very nice.

sreynolds999 said...

I need to pull out my black tiles! As usual, Maria, your tiles are gorgeous!

Unknown said...

I'm hoping Santa will leave me the new black tile kit in my stocking! Beautiful work. Thank you for sharing.

pfleet said...

So many creative options. I'll try the white on black! Thanks for the sparking my brain. ;)

Debbie New said...

Aww, no one can have too much fun!
Thank you for sharing all of this with us!

Debbie New
CZT18
Singapore

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jennifer said...

What a whole new world Black tiles open up. I love how a singular tangle on a black tile can add so much variety.

Unknown said...

Inspiring- guess I am saving $ for more tangling tools! Ohh the bliss!

Unknown said...

Greetings from Central Florida! I have been having a great time experimenting with my Gelly Rolls on black tiles - some of the colors and metallic offered are wonderful. I'm especially fond of the one that just leaves sparkle with no color - the perfect way to add a little bling here and there. I have one of the gray markers, so I'll have to give that a go for shading. It never occurred to me to go over the white a second time - now, how cool is that?!

Special note to Rick and Maria...I am still doing fairly well healthwise...this coming March will mark 2 years living with metastatic breast cancer. Every so often, I pull out my workbook and remember when Maria inked "Courage" on it...it lifts me on the low days.

Fondly,
Christine Garrott, CZT16

Konapuppy said...

Very intriguing. I really like the idea of coloured tiles.

Gina in Texas said...

There's a touch of elegance that can't be beat when using white ink on black paper. I never tire of it!

Unknown said...

Simply AWEsome and inspirational.

DanaLHN said...

You always inflame my creativity! I love this and I've got to try it. Thank you for all you do.

Susan L. said...

I just finished 3 hrs of tangling and checked my email before going to bed. Your blog with the amazing black tiles makes me want to go back to my desk and skip the sleep!!

Susan L. said...
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Susan L. said...
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Colleen Froats said...

Always beautiful, but the white on black adds a new vibrancy. I have never seen a Zentangle I didn't love, now with white on black it's like a new beginning. Thank you!

Cathy Bryant said...

These are exquisite, and I love the effects you have achieved with the various tools. One of many things that drawing Zentangles has taught me is that trying something new can be wonderful, not frightening. This is the first time that I've said thank you for you wonderful invention and ongoing inspiration. Thank you!

Antonine said...

Thank you so much for this inspiring post about black tiles! I love them but have thought we needed a shading tool beyond graphite, as they make a strange sheen on an otherwise velvety surface. Thank you for your beautiful examples with the Fabrico markers. My students are already asking for them!

Donna Pilato, CZT 18 said...

I can always count on finding inspiration in this blog/newsletter! Thanks for sharing all of these wonderful ideas! Love how you've made the black tiles sparkle.

Anonymous said...

The wonderful glow that some folks achieve using white on black is such a subtle and delightful effect. I'm still working on it, and this will help! Thanks for the posting!

Unknown said...

I love the black tiles and zendalas! I'm going to have to give them a try.

Jan Nagorski said...

I have been playing with the black tiles for a while. I bought the 64 set of Gelly Rolls and have gone beyond white on black. Started using the gellies to sketch flowers and surround the flowers in zentangles. So much fun!

the dudz said...

Thanks Rick and Maria for the wonderful tiles, ideas and inspiration. I've been wondering what kind of pen to use on black tiles and you not only answered that question but gave me the idea to try adding some color on the white with my existing Prismacolor pencils. WOW, I am officially in love with black tiles.

Mary Fiedler said...

I enjoy receiving your news letter..I have recently entranced my daughter, Mary Jo, with zentangling. She has done a lot with Zenspirations and is branching out. I have been painting and tangling. Thanks again!! Mary Fiedler

bozoette said...

What great inspiration! I especially like the Zendalas.

Unknown said...

I am rei-nspired to work on black tiles! Thank you! Anita Morrison. CZT 11. Chicago, IL

Patsy said...

It must be my "OLD" eyes, but the tiles look like they are NAVY!!!! And, as usual you make the tiles sparkle! Black really makes things look classy, whether in fabric, quilts or crafts...guess I will have to buy your new kit! Thank you for the beautiful inspiration.

Holly Williams said...

Thanks SO much for this wonderful inspiration! The video is 'icing on the cake'..... Now I have to pull out my black tiles today! <3

Unknown said...

I love white on black. I use your gel pens, white charcoal and the crystal. I use a blending stump for shading. I then go over the gel lines to make them pop.

loscann said...

Now that the weather is cooling and the days are darker earlier I am looking forward to more time explore the world of Zentangle again.

Cindi (aka iring) said...

I love the look the gray adds, and the bright white spots on one of your samples! I learned by reading other's comments too. I'm going to try writing on my skin to resurrect my white pens. And, I'm not the only one who sees them looking navy. Oooh, wouldn't zentangle be cool in indigo?!

chawol said...

Maria, as always you are so creative and inspire that in others. I appreciate your willingness to share the creative process with those who are CZT certified or not. Love the grey marker idea and going over the lines. Beautiful Work!NO FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lorna A. said...

I'll show these to my 9 year old granddaughter. She was my youngest student, at age six. She needed thank you notes to give to people who pledged for her jumping rope for a fundraiser for the American Heart Association, and plans to try her hand at white on black bookmarks!

Jill Miller said...

Oh my goodness -what fun!!! I loooove the idea of the gray marker. I too always grab a white tile. Now I HAVE to try some black tiles and a variety of Jelly Rolls.
Thank you!!!

Unknown said...

These black tiles are stunning, dramatic! Thank you for sharing your extraordinary creativity with us all.

Miranda White said...

I love watch someone zentangle I practice but it is not as organized as the ones others do.I love the black tile and white pen it is just beautiful.I am going to keep on practicing until I get it.Just doing what I do is relaxing.I will keep looking for videos I loved the one molly done thanks for inventing this art.

Anonymous said...

Tangling white on black feeds and expresses a part of my soul different from when I tangle black on white or with color. My mom died just 4 months ago, and there have been many days when my white gelly roller and my zenstone have shone/shown me a light shining in the darkness that I was having trouble seeing. Part of what I love is the stark beauty of the contrast -- not sure I'd want shades of white at this point -- but it's always good to know the possibilities for the future. (Pat Floerke)

Unknown said...

I'm now inspired to use my recently purchased black tiles! Thank you for the beautiful examples and video. Can't wait to get started.

Anonymous said...

Love the idea of white on black. I hope my white pens will leave a light enough mark on the black. Unique idea!.
funkkaren@hotmail.com

Bonnie Feather said...

I never thought of using a gray marker to shade on a black tile! I've used a couple of lighter gray Copic markers on white tiles, so I'll just be getting them out to try this way!

Like many tanglers (and crafters!) I always enjoy new tools, so I might just have to go out and get one of the ones you mention!

Bonnie

Unknown said...

What a great blog and video - out with the black tiles and white pens and pencils, plus all the other suggestions by the commented!

Anonymous said...

I'm going to have to try using a gray Fabrico™ marker on black tiles today. Awesome ! Jackie Sinkovitz CZTXIII

Tisha said...

I recently taught some friends a lot of these ideas with black tiles and they loved it! It really is an entirely different and beautiful mindset.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for more inspiration! Love the way the grey pen works as shading! Off to dig out my black tiles again. Guess I have been in a rut! Kate Ahrens, CZT IX

Esther Piszczek said...

Beautiful and inspiring, as always! I'm teaching a black tile series class starting October 26 - so well timed, too!! Thank you!!

MartyG said...

Maria, your tiles are always so inspiring. I love how you used M and R in the zendala tile. I saw the introductory sets at Michaels last Sunday. They were right at the entrance. Hopefully this will bring Zentangle to more people. Thanks for walking on the wild side. MartyG