Sourcing Supplies

While I always encourage students to work with the best materials available, that doesn't mean they have to be expensive.  You may even have materials around the house that you can use or can pick up missing items at your local craft store.  

My supply kits are designed to make it simple and cost effective to get started, but if you prefer to use what's on hand or pick up your own, here's what's needed:

Paper

Zentangle is traditionally drawn on 100% cotton paper with a slightly textured surface.  Cold pressed watercolor paper is a good alternative to name brand Zentangle tiles.  Legion Stonehenge Paper is a brand I like to use as well.

If using your own paper, cut it into tiles that are 3.5 inches square.

Pens

Zentangle is traditionally drawn using a fine nib permanent pen such as a Sakura Micron 01.  These pens are not difficult to find and can be sourced at any craft store or ordered online.  If choosing a pen from what's already on hand, use a very fine felt tip marker rather than a rollerball pen.

Pencils

You'll need an HB pencil or a #2 pencil, preferably a short one no longer than 4 inches.  If all you have are long pencils, sacrifice one to Zentangle and cut it down! Mechanical pencils and pencils with numbers higher than 2 are not suitable for Zentangle.

Blending Tool

If buying your own blending tool, look for products labelled "tortillons".  Blending stumps used by sketch artists are similar and will work if that's all you have available locally.  In a super pinch, you can try using a Q-tip, although you will sacrifice the precision you would get with a tortillon.