Totally Tangled Review

This review appeared on TanglePatterns.com by Linda Farmer

Totally Tangled by Sandy Steen Bartholomew – this softcover book from CZT® Sandy Bartholomew is a must-have reference for Zentanglers and doodlers alike.

Formally trained in illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design and New York School of Visual Arts, Sandy is an author, illustrator, mixed media artist, and business woman who runs her own “creativity general store”, mini-gallery, studio, and teaching studio in New Hampshire. These endeavors clearly show in the creativity of Totally Tangled.

Lavishly illustrated in Sandy’s whimsical and engaging style, this 52-page (including cover) delight contains directions for 107 (my count) patterns. Most are Sandy’s creations, but she also includes patterns by 11 guest artists, and 5 “official” Zentangle® patterns.

Totally Tangled begins with an illustrated section on tools you’ll find helpful, and suggestions on how to make the best use of them in your tangles.

Next Sandy reviews the basic steps of creating a Zentangle® followed by tips and techniques on shading, color, contrast, and how to create depth and roundness. As a rookie Zentangler, I found these pages really valuable and refer to the them often.

Then come the patterns! Lots of them, with step-by-step illustrations and tips sprinkled liberally throughout the pages. There are also examples of Egyptian, Japanese and Mehndi designs, and Zendalas for further inspiration.


The final 10 pages include lots of creative ideas on Zentangle applications, ideas for strings, more sources of inspiration, and tangling with your kids. It concludes with an alphabetical index of all the patterns in the book for easy reference.

Totally Tangled is full of inspiration and creative ideas for your Zentangling pleasure. I’d venture to bet that you’ll be hooked in no time with this book at your side. And you’ll be amazed how your kids will love this too – it’s a great hobby for the whole family.

As the back cover says, “Can’t draw? Stressed out? Even if you are an artist and feel perfectly calm … Zentangle is for you! Learn to focus, relax your mind and boost your creative confidence. No Kidding”.

Seriously. You want this book in your Zentangle® library.