Gerald Walsh

ACTIVITY: Zentangles

SOURCES:
Zentangle. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://zentangle.com/

Guild, U. P., Shovava, Day, T. I., Comma, & Colorsheets, V. (2020, March 17). Adults Are Filling
Drawings with Calming Patterns Instead of Just Coloring Them In. Retrieved from
https://mymodernmet.com/zentangle-art/

190 Zentangle Step by Step ideas: Zentangle, zentangle patterns, tangle patterns. (2020, January 25).
Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.com/quiltingday/zentangle-step-by-step/

(n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?rs=ac&len=2&q=pencil grip

arthritis&eq=arthritis pen&etslf=9591&term_meta[]=arthritis|autocomplete|1

EQUIPMENT NEEDED: a 4 inch by 4 inch piece of paper, 1 Gel pen, 1 pencil, a ruler (optional)

DESCRIPTION: Zentangles are is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by
drawing structured patterns. We call these patterns, tangles. You create tangles with combinations of
dots, lines, simple curves, S-curves and orbs.

1. Get a 4x4 inch piece of paper and draw 4 dots in each corner about ¼ of an inch from each. Connect
those dots with a line creating a square on the paper.
2.In that square take a Gel pen and draw one continuous line creating some type of figure.
3. Use that figure to plan on how you could like to fill in your tangles to create different sections to the
paper.
4. The drawing has not right or wrong to it just draw whatever you are feeling at that time.
5. After filling in the figure with shapes or lines begin to shade those figures with the pencil (Again
there is no right or wrong way to do so)
6. Describe why you decided to draw what you did eith the group and enjoy your Zentangle

PRIMARY INTERACTION PATTERN: The primary interaction pattern of this activity is Extra-
Individual. The individual is working on a project with no competition but with a goal in mind. The
individual can work at their own pace and does not need intense instructions to complete.

ADAPTATION: The most practical adaptation for Zentangles would be for individuals who have
difficulty grasping pens and pencils. For this adaptation we will focus on individuals who have
arthritis. There are many different measures that we could use such as foam tubing grips to make the
pencil/pen width larger. We could also cut a whole on both sides of a tennis ball and push the writing
utensil through the ball to create a larger grasping area. These are all Low tech ideas however there are
some high tech solutions also. These could include the use of apps on I pads or electronic devices so
that the individual could create smoother line if needed or drawing with a touch screen rather then
using a stylist or writing tool

PARTICIPANT: 75-year-old woman diagnosed with early onset dementia. This activity is not
time sensitive or direction oriented. This activity is an expression of creativity and emotion. We would
be able to adapt this activity for the woman by having smaller groups. This would allow the RT to give
more time to the participants and allow them to stay on task with reminders. The woman will have a
peaceful environment to express herself freely while being monitored by the instructors for cognitive
decline. If the activity becomes to stressful for her we would be able to complete the activity at any
time including a session where it is 1 on 1 with the RT.