Map tangling is a creative and mindful way to create your next Zentangle® project. You can use coffee spills, watercolour splashes or ink stains to get started with your next Zentangle® work of art.
Zentangle Inc. often talk about no mistakes, only opportunities, but that doesn’t have to apply only to the tangling stage. What if there was a spillage on your paper before you’d even started? Disaster? Or a creative challenge?
Actually, many tanglers have been creating ink stains deliberately to form unique, interesting surfaces to draw on. From coffee or tea stains to watercolour blobs, it’s a great technique to explore, and I promise it’s as much fun as it sounds!
Read on to discover how you can give map tangling a try.
Why Try Map Tangling?
Map tangling provides a visually striking look that stands out from other Zentangle projects. Aside from the unique look, it’s a mindful, creative activity that helps you relax, unwind and destress, all while having great fun.
I used to feel so intimidated by map tangling, but now I wonder why. I recently watched a tutorial by Anica Gabrovec, aka Zen Linea, when she took part in the Sketchbook Revival challenge. She demonstrated a simple, fun method of adding colour that completely inspired me.
Even my five-year-old daughter, Isla, was fascinated when she saw me experimenting with map tangling. Now, she keeps pestering me to create more ink-blob stains.
I asked Anica if I could share her technique here, and she kindly agreed. So, grab your supplies, and let’s get started
Supplies Needed – Watercolour/Coffee Spill Method
Here’s what you’ll need for Anica’s watercolour technique:
- Watercolour paints, coffee, or tea
- Paper
- Pens (fine liners for tangling)
- Graphite pencil
- Pastel pencil
- Blending stumps
While you can use traditional watercolour palettes, Anica’s method is quick, fun, and surprisingly effective.
Pick your colours: Anica uses Ecoline liquid watercolours, as did I, but you can use any water-based colours. Use the dropper to place about four drops of each colour on your paper, depending on the size of the surface you’ll be drawing on.
Mind the edges: Keep your colours away from the paper’s edges unless you want the ink to spill over.
Plastic folder technique: Carefully place a transparent plastic folder (the kind used for ring binders) on top of the blobs. The folder lets you see and control where the ink moves as you press it down and manipulate it to spread around your paper tile.
Peel and blot: Gently lift the folder and blot any excess ink with kitchen towel or tissue. Wipe the folder clean for reuse.
Let it dry: Allow your tile to dry naturally for a couple of hours, or speed it up with a hairdryer.
Supplies Needed – Felt-Tip Pen Method
This method is sometimes less vibrant than watercolours but still produces a fun, colourful background. It’s great for kids, too!
You’ll need:
- Felt-tip pens
- Water spray bottle
- Paper
- Tin foil
Here’s how to do it:
Colour on tin foil: Draw patches of colour (solid, overlapping areas work best) onto a sheet of tin foil.
Spray with water: Lightly mist the coloured areas with water. Be careful not to overdo it!
Transfer the ink: Place your paper, tangling side down, onto the wet felt-tip surface. Press gently to transfer the colour.
Reveal and dry: Peel back the paper to reveal your ink blobs. Let it dry fully before you start tangling.
Time to Tangle!
Once your tile is dry, it’s time for the magic – adding your tangles.
The beauty of map tangling is that any tangle works. Trust your instincts and play around.
- Monotangles: Use one tangle repeatedly across the entire coloured area for a striking effect.
- Mixed tangles: Combine different tangles for each colour on your tile.
Personally, I can’t decide what I love more: creating the ink blobs or tangling over them. All I know is I now have several finished map-tangling projects and a pile of untangled maps waiting to be adorned with patterns.
Add Some Shade
Shading brings your tangles to life. Add graphite where tangles overlap or along the edges of shapes to create a pillowing effect. Use a blending stump or tortillion to smooth the shading for a soft, dimensional look.
Highlights: The Finishing Touch
I love finishing my map tangling with highlights. They truly add the wow factor. In this technique, highlights seem even more impressive, enhancing the contrast against the colourful background.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Map tangling has become my new obsession, and I’m not looking back. Have you tried it before? I’d love to see what tangles you’ve used with this technique. Share your tiles with me!
Want more Zentangle inspiration?
- Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for tips, tricks, and creative ideas.
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- Download my free ebook to take you step by step through your first Zentangle project.
Until next month, happy tangling!