Zendoodle events are easy to create and deliver. The materials you need are minimal and a lot of the time is spent with each person doing their own project. The steps of this badge program highlight different ways to deliver an event with this craft.
Steps
1. Make and take.
Make and takes are quick projects for individuals to complete in 15 minutes or less. For this, you’ll need sample patterns and a completed project to show what they can do. You’ll also need a pre-cut (and maybe even pre-printed) card and fine black markers. Try creating a “make and take” and present it to a few people to get used to the process.
NOTE: You can also use a group of “make and takes” as opening activities for a larger event.
2. Stations.
Stations are activities that usually take 20-30 minutes. You’ll need more room for people to sit and do the project as they’re moving as a group and not individuals. Each station might have a worksheet with different ways to zendoodle, collect a different pattern at each station, discuss where they might find inspiration, etc. What other stations might complement your zendoodle theme?
3. Single time event.
With a single event, you might choose to do a specific project or explore the basics. Look through the three badge programs — Zendoodle Basics, Zendoodle More and Zendoodle Beyond. You’ll notice the badges progress from simple doodling to more complex shapes and possibilities. You can do a few easy exercises or a single larger one. Decide how you might group these activities for a 1- or 2-hour event.
4. Series.
Choose your favorite projects from the badges and do one or two a week. Start out with easier projects and move toward the harder ones. The best part about doing a series of events is that you can give your participants things to do between the times you meet like collecting patterns each week to use on the next project. After reviewing the zendoodle badge set, brainstorm possibilities to make a series of events.
5. Weekend.
What’s better than getting away for the weekend? Doing a craft that you enjoy with people who are also having a great time. You could zendoodle all weekend or plan other activities to break up times of sitting still. You might look for patterns in nature or shop for white canvas tennis shoes to zendoodle on. What other activities could you incorporate into a zendoodle weekend?
6. Open-ended.
Teach a few basics and let your participants explore the craft! Using an open-ended model allows each person the chance to craft in the way that makes the most sense to them. You provide samples and supplies to get your participants started, but the majority of time will be used to work on their project(s). Is this an event format that you’d like to try with zendoodle designs?
7. Clubs and meet-ups.
You can find (or create) a group that gets together regularly to share new techniques, finished projects, new patterns and more. Explore your local groups, meet-up sites and even craft stores where you might find people or groups you can join. If you can’t find a group, would you like to start one?
8. Training.
Training will be more work for you. Your participants will ask a lot of questions and expect you to have answers. You’ll need to not only teach the zendoodle exercises, you’ll also need to know how it will relate to others. For example, I teach Girl Scout adults so they can take things back to their troops. As I’ve run a session with the Daisies and Brownies, I know they are capable of zendoodling. I can also offer tips to them so if they are working with girls in this age group, they’ll have additional information. As you run events with zendoodle, keep track of what works and doesn’t with different ages and abilities. You may find that you can start creating a general file for what works with each group to use later.
NOTE: For classes, workshops and training, search your local area. I didn’t put any in the “Sites to Explore” section as they change frequently and the link might not work.
9. Exhibition / contest.
Offering a way for others to show their work leaves the work in their hands. You merely need to supply the location, rules and date. You may choose to go more in-depth and train others to take information back to their troops or groups so they can decide if they wish to participate. Some ideas might include:
- Art exhibit
- Fashion show
- Most unusual item zendoodled
- T-shirt designs
Brainstorm different categories where you might be able to award prizes for zendoodling. Also, what guidelines could you give judges so they fairly review different works?
10. Create your own.
Create your own event using elements from the above steps or make an event that’s uniquely you!
11. Zentangle® consultant.
You can find Zentangle consultants in the US as well as many parts of the world. Asking a consultant to present the craft to your audience would take the pressure off you. The theories and processes would also add a different spin to the event. Look to see if there is a Zentangle consultant near you.
Supplements
SUPP_ZB_6Patterns_larajla
- Six squares to put patterns in for reference while teaching
SUPP_ZB_Heart_ATC_9up_larajla
- Nine ATC-sized cards with hearts to give everyone the same starting image
SUPP_ZE_Various_ATC_9up_larajla
- Nine different ATC-sized cards for events, training and fun
SUPP_Zen Events_2in_12up_larajla
- Avery 2” round label printable, 12 up
SUPP_Zen Events_Checklist_larajla
- Badge checklist
SUPP_Zen Events_WF_larajla
- Zendoodle word find
Sites to Explore
- www.dancingmoondesigns.ca/zen-doodle-time
- www.caregiving.com/zentangle-art-show-1
- doodleartclub.com
- www.meetup.com/topics/zentangle
- www.zentangle.com/teachers.php
Get the infographic here > larajla blog post
Get the PDFs of the badge program / supplements here > Full badge PDFs