Zendalas Challenge
The Zen of Doodling for 30 Days
Remember all the notebooks and margins you used to mark up when you were sitting in class. Here's your chance to do it again and not get in to trouble for it!
Release your creative freedom with the art that anyone, that's right anyone, can do with the 30 day Zendala challenge.
Once a day for the next 30 days make at least one zendala. I dare you!
Citation: unless otherwise stated images are copyright M. E. Wood.
What is a Zendala?
Basically it is creating a doodle pattern within a circle.
Do You Doodle?
Don't Like Circles?
You can do squares (Zentangles - see link below) or a little bit of both!
My 30 Zendala Challenge Begins Here - Days One to Ten
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Tools and Equipment
What do you need to work on this 30 day challenge? No special tools are required. You can use a regular ball point pen and paper if you like. But if you can afford it I recommend an ink pen and watercolor or heavy sketch paper (heavy paper is required to prevent bleed through and curling). If you use regular paper you'll need a bleed sheet to put between the sheet you are working on and the next fresh sheet.
For this challenge I used a Fabriano watercolor tablet in 5 x 7 size which allowed for two circles per side. I made the circles with the masking tape you see in the image. The inside circle seemed like a perfect size for working through this challenge but you can use something bigger if you like. I also have a small 3 1/2 x 5 sketchbook where I have been collecting patterns I like and create. Each facing page is divided into four rectangles.
I have used a combination of pens: A fine point Sharpie for thick lines, a Sharpie pen for fine lines, Micron Pigma pens (01 and 08), a Calligraphic marker (1.5) and a metal tip Calligraphy pen with refillable ink. Of all of them I think the Micron seems to last the longest. I prefer black because it seems the sharpest visually.
My Zendala Challenge - Day 11 to 20
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My Zendala Challenge - Day 21 to 30
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Looking for Patterns?
If by mid-month of your 30 day challenge you feel your patterns are getting stale then you must stop by Tangle Patterns which is the absolute best resource for doodling patterns.
10 Reasons to Take the Zendalas Challenge
- It takes at least 21 days to start a new habit so by 30 you should be a master!
- It's relaxing and calming.
- It reduces stress.
- It offers an easy to do creative outlet that everyone can do.
- No training required.
- It makes a great "artist's date". (see Julia Cameron's Artist's Way)
- The satisfaction of finishing 30 small projects in 30 days is rewarding.
- your friends will think you are cool.
- It improves your eye hand coordination.
- They make great cards and present tags.
If you try the 30 day challenge let us know!
