Huggins: Tangle of the Year

Zentangle HQ just released its Tangle of the Year: Huggins.

Huggins is a high-focus tangle, meaning it is a bit more challenging. It took me a while to get the gist of drawing it. Inevitably I would draw a line going the wrong way or some other mistake opposite, After practice I go the hang of it, and now it is a favourite. I still sometimes make a slight error slip, but when I do I either ignore it or hide it.


The Tangle of the Year is meant to represent intents for the coming year. I have been thinking about what this means. Perhaps it indicates a warn hug to those who need (and want) one, since a single Huggins element is called (semi-officially) a hug. Perhaps it is a reminder to embrace new practices or hobbies (or re-embrace neglected ones).

Whatever it means to you, I hope you will take time to do things that bring you joy.

With Gratitude and appreciation

Sarah

My Zentangle Journey

I discovered Zentange randomly. I had started paper-crafting, and often visited a website with weekly themed challenges. One such challenge was “doodling, ” and the moderator made a passing comment about how the challenge was perfect for “Zentanglers”. (The proper term is tanglers, BTW.) I could tell by the name it would be something I’d enjoy. 

So, I Googled “Zentangle” and found the site. I immediately ordered the starter kit. I was hooked.  I wanted to be CZT, but the cost was prohibitive for me first as a student, then working minimum wage jobs for several years.

When COVID happened, and in-person seminars were suspended, the team at Zentangle HQ had to find a way to adapt.  They started offering online CZT seminars, and that made saving much easier. I had also found a proper job, which helped.  So finally, after over fifteen years of tangling, I was able to afford the training to be a Certified Zentangle Teacher!

What makes it even more exciting is that here in Northern Ontario I am the first. CZT  The need for affordable and accessible mental health solutions is real, and we can all use more positivity.

I can’t wait to get started sharing this amazing art form that teaches us self-love and that “everything is possible, one stroke at a time.”