Tangling or doodling is an easy-to-learn method to spice up your Bullet Journal or any creative project. Tangles are not meant to represent anything other than patterns and are created by a series of strokes that are applied in a systematic approach. If you can hold a pen and draw a line, you can tangle. It is that simple. In this guide, I’ll give you 10 step-by-step tangle patterns for beginners. You will be able to create beautiful and intricate artwork after following these super simple steps.
Why I tangle
I love to tangle in my Bullet Journal, as it creates unique page layouts. In the past, I have used tangles to create a unique birthday card, create a picture for a friend and tangled on wooden letters that adorn my daughter’s door to her room. No tangle will ever look the same and with only very little practice you will be able to weave them together with ease. I never really know how a piece will turn out until it is done. The process is that organic. By following the step-by-step tangle patterns you will always know what to do next. The results are always unexpected and beautiful.
Why you might want to tangle?
When you use the step-by-step tangles you will likely increase your
- Relaxation
- Creativity
- Attention to Detail
- And most and foremost have fun.
Tangling is almost a meditative practice as you apply stroke after stroke and not knowing what the outcome will be. It is a great way to spend some me-time as well.
Without further ado, here are my favourite 10 Step-by-Step Tangle Patterns for Beginners:
Hypnotic
A grid-line, a few dots and circles around the dots, that’s all there is to this gorgeous pattern. They really come to live when you bunch them together and the more the dots are off to the side of the grid, the more interesting your pattern becomes.
Ornamato
This pattern is perfect if you need to fill any space quickly.
Shattuck
I love this one for creating headline boxes like pictured above. I also used it for my future log. They are also great when you have to fill awkward spaces.
Betweed
This is a very versatile pattern that you will be able to quickly master. It does amazing things for your page layout, like letting the boxes for the days stand out.
Parasail-Z
I absolutely love this pattern and it so very versatile. I have seen and used it in many different variations. Don’t the daily headlines look so neat?
Leaflet
Let’s try something more curvy. As you can see, not all my half circles are perfect, but that makes the charm and the organic beauty of the finished pattern. Once you get the hang of it, try making your grid-rows curvy too. It’ll create an astonishing effect.
Featherfall
This is the first of the two feather patterns that I wanted to show you. Are you a feather fan as much as I am? Can’t wait to create a full page with feathers soon.
Joki
This pattern seems perfect for a more beach-y or floral look. Once you figure out the first swirl, just keep layering them on and on and on.
And, last but not least, another feather pattern:
Scroll Feather
I mostly use this pattern more as a stand alone or when I leave a part of the page blank.
Did you notice how intricate just a single pattern looks, but by deconstructing each tangle, they are so easy to create? Hope you will be tangling as madly as I am doing. It is so much fun.
Thanks for reading and read you soon.
Nikola
Your West Coast Dreamer
*I bet this tangle has an official tangle name, but I couldn’t find them. Please help me in naming them correctly. Thanks.
