Zenspirations: Letters & Patterning (Design Originals) Beginner-Friendly Techniques for Frames, Doodles, Lettering, Patterns, and Borders to Decorate Your Journals, Drawings, Crafts, Gifts, and More

As a professional calligrapher, I was looking for a more refined approach to making fun letters. The "zentangle"word seemed lacking for letters . . . somehow. I'm glad to see that Fink uses instead "interest, texture" and "patterning"(which are more artistic and accurate terms to describe how she applies whimsy and dimension to her art).It's a beautiful, easy to follow, and inspirational book for all levels. It IS addictive! Her integrative simplicity(especially in using color) sets her apart as a designer. Creating the letters, at least for me, takes a little time andredoing to get them right. I was reluctant to "sketch" for weight, but that is precisely what makes the letters charming.Her letters have a lot of energy and emotion even though they are carefully and skillfully created. A kind of "disciplinedfreedom."Very helpful are Fink's detailed descriptions of tools and materials, pen techniques, watercolors, and the sequenceof making the letters. Another reviewer felt that information on YouTube was repetitious with the book. Not so.It's always helpful to watch a demo, but then have notes and printed examples to refer to as you work.Fink presents a lot of variety in the book and at the highest level I've seen so far. I would like to say, however, thatwhile I like most Sakura pens, there are other pens superior to Sakura Micron if you have a heavy hand. The Micronsare better for those who are blessed with a light touch. If you hang on for dear life, try Sakura's Pigma Sense or ZigMillenium. Both are also longer lasting.I hope Fink is working on more books! This one will bring you joy!

This compact book with so much information is a Dynamo ! Definately worth your time and money. It's loaded with enough ideas that you will be sparked to have some of your own. The Content is nicely laid out and very organised by the categories. My main reason for purchasing this guide book is for the Lettering anf the Borders. The rest is a bonus !! The author, Joanne Fink has done a fine job of keeping the learning interesting.

The book is everything it's advertised to be. Anyone can draw these things and the fun is in the embellishing. Add dots, lines, curves, and so on. I love playing with a pencil but my talent for drawing and sketching leaves much to be desired. I am generally left feeling frustrated with every attempt. With the ideas in this book I have had fun drawing and creating and new ideas keep on coming. It is a very relaxing and playful endeavor, because you really can't mess up. Crooked lines are part of the charm of the drawing! I highly recommend this book to anyone who simply enjoys drawing and playing with color. I would think even a talented artist could enjoy these exercises simply to clear the mind and find new inspiration.Joanne Fink also has a few videos on YouTube that are interesting and informative. She demonstrates several of the techniques in the book.I have another book on doodling and also have tried some of the Zentangle books. But this book is by far the easiest and most fun of all.

This 51 page paperback is exactly what I was hoping it was. Joanne Fink's ZENSPIRATIONS Letters & Patterns is one of those things that if you get stuck on a deserted island you would want to have with you! It's so entertaining but also gives one confidence in being able to turn their 'can't draw a straight line' into some much more fun and interesting. Definitely recommend to all doodlers, artists or wanna be artists.

This was the most inspirational book I have ever picked up. Convinced, with good reason, of my pathetic drawing abilities from a young age, this book showed me some simple ways for me to create my own beautiful images and got me started down some fun roads drawing that I have taken tons of pleasure in. Also my kids soon picked up on some of the ways to fancify their art, and it set them to experimenting, which I truly love. I am so thankful to this lady for showing me there is a way for me to indulge my love of drawing without being terrified and disgusted by the results :) haha. Thanks to the author! now go buy it. I liked it much much more than that zentangle stuff. NowI want to teach a session of art class at school on this beautiful style of art!

When I first heard of "Zentangles" I briefly investigated the idea, but was turned off by the "official" patterns and "certified instructors" and forgot about it. I came across this book at the library, and was so enchanted I ordered my own copy immediately. I love the "out of the box" approach and the exuberance of Fink's style. The book is printed on heavy glossy paper so the colors and designs are crisp. There are examples of using the art by itself or to enhance other objects - cards, bookmarks, calendars, the ideas are endless. Her experience as a lettering artist come into play as well, and she demonstrates a simple alphabet that can be embellished for use with the drawings. She makes doodling fun!