Harnessing your Clay Tangle:
Zentangle Inspired Slab Containers
Angela Fout: Lake Region High School
angela.fout@polk-fl.net
Recourses: Scholastic Magazines
Students boxes I would like to take with me as examples for the
teachers.
Bring sample bisque fired tiles so that they can try the different
finishes.
Kelsey: nice job on the acrylic paint
Diana: cylinder simple design nicely executed acrylic
Savannah: Color scheme 5x5 h2o and chalk
Ashleigh: Simple but clean color scheme acrylic 6x6
Hali: Pyramid chalk, marker, charcoal
Kayla: square 4x4 different shoe polishes
Ryan: Dark box 5x5 charcoal and h2o colors
Requirements for the Containers
Box
Pyramid
Cylinder
# Sides=6___
# Sides=_4__
# Sides=_3__
Max h: _5___
Min h: __4__
Max h: _7___
Min h: __5__
Max h: __8__
Max d: _4___
# Sides=_6__
# Sides=_5__
Max h: _4__
Max w:_9___
Min w:7____
Max h: __9__
Min w: __4___
Max h: _7___
Min h: __5__
# Sides=__3_
Max h: __5_
Max d: __8__
Measuring tips:
Key:
Formulas:
h= Height
C= 2r or d
l= Length
w=Width
d= Diameter
C= Circumference






Start at the Zero on the ruler.
Use the corner of the paper where it is square and
straight.
Measure both sides of the paper for the same
measurement and then mark a line all the way through
Put 3 sheets of paper together and cut once to make 3
squares.
Put a X on the lines you don’t need to cut out.
Requirements for the Containers, once you decide which container use the white sheets of paper to cut out and
measure each side of your container.
Box
Pyramid
# Sides=___
Max h: ____
Min h: ____
Cylinder
# Sides=___
Max h: ____
Min h: ___
# Sides=___
# Sides=___
Max h: ___
Max w:____
Min w:____
Max h: ____
Min h: ___
# Sides=___
Max h: ___
Max d: ____
# Sides=__ _
Max h: ___
Max d: ____
Max h: ____
Min w: _____
Measuring tips:
Key:
Formulas:
h= Height
C= 2r or d
l= Length
w=Width
d= Diameter
C= Circumference






Start at the Zero on the ruler.
Use the corner of the paper where it is square and
straight.
Measure both sides of the paper for the same
measurement and then mark a line all the way through
Put 3 sheets of paper together and cut once to make 3
squares.
Put a X on the lines you don’t need to cut out.
Starting the Zen tangle part.
Step one Tape your paper pattern cut outs together in an arrangement in which all of the sides are continually touching
like the ones below.
T= top B= base S= sides
T
S1
S2
S3
S2
B
S4
S3
S4
S1
B
T
S1
B
S1
B
S2
S3
Creating the Zen Tangle
Requirements and Limitations
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Minimum of 8 bold thick lines that overlap and run-off the Paper.
In each section created by the overlapping lines create complex patterns using lines and shapes.
Try to create a new pattern in each section, try not to repeat a pattern more than once.
Fill in pattern over all of your paper pattern cut outs.
No Stereo Type images( hearts, stars, smiley faces)… No Letters or Numbers.
Step one:
Step two : start your patterning.
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Zentangle satire
zentangel Examples
How to Draw: Step by Step
Clay Tangle Vocabulary Graphic Organizer:
Write down each of the following definitions and then sketch out an image that goes with
each vocabulary word.
Vocabulary word
Zentangle
Miter cut
Lock and Key
Rhythm
Reinforce
Definition
Sketch
Clay Tangle Vocabulary Graphic Organizer:
Write down each of the following definitions and then sketch out an image that goes with
each vocabulary word.
Vocabulary word
Zentangle
Definition
Sketch
a system of
interconnecting lines and
patterns that create a
visual Rhythm
Miter cut
45 degree angle cut
Lock and Key
A cut out notch on a clay
slab container that
permits the lid to fit only
one way. Securing that
the lid will fit tight to the
base.
Rhythm
The alternating repletion
of patterns and or
elements of art such as
line, shape and, color.
Reinforce
A coil added and welded
to the two pieces of clay
that are being attached to
help bind and support
the seam.
45°
Zentangle Vocabulary Review: As a group write down the definition
for each of the words then write down which of the four categories do
they belong to: Stages of clay (SC), tools and techniques (TT),
Construction Methods (MC) , Concepts (C).
Word
Line
Carve
Texture
Leatherhard
Coil
Slip
Zentangle
Shape
Score
Rhythm
Reinforce
Miter cut
Lock and Key
definition
(SC) (TT) (MC) (C)
Zentangle Vocabulary Review: As a group write down the definition
for each of the words then write down which of the four categories do
they belong to: Stages of clay (SC), tools and techniques (TT),
Construction Methods (MC) , Concepts (C).
Word
definition
Line
Carve
Texture
A moving dot
Leatherhard
Semi dry clay, when it is
stiff but is still dark gray
Coil
Slip
Zentangle
Shape
Score
Rope like clay construction
Rhythm
Reinforce
Miter cut
Lock and Key
(SC) (TT) (MC) (C)
x
x
Resessed line or area
x
Actual or visual surface
quality
Watered down clay used for
attaching clay/decoration
Complex designs of patterns
to create a visual Rhythm
Is a 2D enclosed area.
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Roughing up the area of
clay to prepare it for
attachment
Alternating repletion of the
elements of art
A coil added and welded to
the two pieces of clay that
are being attached
A 45 degree angle cut
x
A cut out notch on a clay
slab container that permits
the lid to fit only one way.
x
x
x
x
Zentangle Box FINISHES:
No Firing Finishes: Why??? Because the Glazes take 3 coats and that would fill in the carved out lines, plus saves on
firing time.
Requirements for the finishes:
A.
B.
C.
D.
All surface areas must be address, ie. Painted or added color to all carved out and upraised areas.
The inside and the bottom of the box needs to be finished
Paint or rewrite your name on the bottom of the container and add your class Number
Use a Minimum of 3 different colors
Recommend:
A. Use a color scheme:
a. Warm or Cool colors,
b. Monochromatic color
c. Analogous Color
d. Triadic Colors
B. Use Contrast/or emphasis
a. Bright vs. Dark/dull
b. Warm vs. Cool
c. Value – fading
d. Repetitious color placement
C. Use various different Finishes ex, charcoal and water color paints
Medium Options For NON- Firing Finishes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Shoe Polish – doesn’t come out of clothes
Acrylic Paint—doesn’t come out of clothes
Water color Paint
Charcoal
Oil Pastels
Water Soluble Oil Pastels
Chalk
Markers as accents, only can be added to non-oil based medium
Zentangle Box Critique: Gallery Walk
Sketch out project
Create a title for
the Piece
Name:__________
+ Write one Positive thing
about the piece
Delta= change: Write one thing
you would change
Someone at your table:_______
Someone across the Room :________
Your Self
Answer the following questions in complete sentence form:
1.How did you create a visually interesting Rhythm design?
2. Why is it important to establish your own visual culture/design instead of using pre-designed images or symbols?
3. Do you feel that you were successful at creating Visual Rhythm explain why or why not.
4. What grade would you give yourself and write about two example of areas on your box that show support as to why
you would give yourself that grade.
5. What was your least favorite part about the whole Process of creating the Zentangle Box?
Name:
Project:
Zen-Tangle
Box
Concepts :
unity,
Rhythm
Constructio
n
Grade
Name:
Project:
Zen-Tangle
Box
Concepts :
Unity,
Rhythm
Finish
Grade
___ 20pt Construction: name on the piece, no Broken
pieces, cracks or gaps in joints or where lid is cut
___ 20pt Technique, proper use of the lock and key,
use of re-enforcing coils on inside, box is squared
with smooth edges where attached. All added pieces
are attached , design is clear and visible with thick
lines and the use of carving and pressing are visible
____30Pt Creativity of design: use of elements line,
shape, to create a unique and original tangle design.
variety of design found on every side, and the added
on clay enhances the design. Design is used to flow
from one side to the next to unify the piece.
____30Pt Quality: Craftsmanship all walls are the
same thickness, all surface areas are addressed with
design and are smooth, application of design and
construction show a strong neatness.
___ 15pt Application: no missing spots without
finish, use of more than two colors, inside and out
and bottom all have a finish.
___ 25pt Technique unity and rhythm,: used a variety
of finishes to help create a since of movement by
using color, used finished to demonstrate a sense of
unity/togetherness for all pieces, used finishes that
enhance and define the carved and added design.
____30 Pt Creativity of design: the use of the finishes
creates a sense of Rhythm The finishes applied to
create a unique design that allows you to flow from
wall to wall, the piece is well thought out and color
applied to refine ever designed area.
____30Pt Quality: Craftsmanship all surface areas
are addressed with finish, neatness of application of
finishes, use of clear coat and wax used to protect.
Name:
Project:
Zen-Tangle
Box
Concepts :
unity,
Rhythm
Constructio
n
Grade
Name:
Project:
Zen-Tangle
Box
Concepts :
Unity,
Rhythm
Finish
Grade
Name:
Project:
Zen-Tangle
Box
Concepts :
unity,
Rhythm
Constructio
n
Grade
Name:
Project:
Zen-Tangle
Box
Concepts :
Unity,
Rhythm
Finish
Grade
___ 20pt Construction: name on the piece, no Broken
pieces, cracks or gaps in joints or where lid is cut
___ 20pt Technique, proper use of the lock and key,
use of re-enforcing coils on inside, box is squared
with smooth edges where attached. All added pieces
are attached , design is clear and visible with thick
lines and the use of carving and pressing are visible
____30Pt Creativity of design: use of elements line,
shape, to create a unique and original tangle design.
variety of design found on every side, and the added
on clay enhances the design. Design is used to flow
from one side to the next to unify the piece.
____30Pt Quality: Craftsmanship all walls are the
same thickness, all surface areas are addressed with
design and are smooth, application of design and
construction show a strong neatness.
___ 15pt Application: no missing spots without
finish, use of more than two colors, inside and out
and bottom all have a finish.
___ 25pt Technique unity and rhythm,: used a variety
of finishes to help create a since of movement by
using color, used finished to demonstrate a sense of
unity/togetherness for all pieces, used finishes that
enhance and define the carved and added design.
____30 Pt Creativity of design: the use of the finishes
creates a sense of Rhythm The finishes applied to
create a unique design that allows you to flow from
wall to wall, the piece is well thought out and color
applied to refine ever designed area.
____30Pt Quality: Craftsmanship all surface areas
are addressed with finish, neatness of application of
finishes, use of clear coat and wax used to protect.
Name:
Project:
Zen-Tangle
Box
Concepts :
unity,
Rhythm
Constructio
n
Grade
Name:
Project:
Zen-Tangle
Box
Concepts :
Unity,
Rhythm
Finish
Grade
___ 20pt Construction: name on the piece, no Broken
pieces, cracks or gaps in joints or where lid is cut
___ 20pt Technique, proper use of the lock and key,
use of re-enforcing coils on inside, box is squared
with smooth edges where attached. All added pieces
are attached , design is clear and visible with thick
lines and the use of carving and pressing are visible
____30Pt Creativity of design: use of elements line,
shape, to create a unique and original tangle design.
variety of design found on every side, and the added
on clay enhances the design. Design is used to flow
from one side to the next to unify the piece.
____30Pt Quality: Craftsmanship all walls are the
same thickness, all surface areas are addressed with
design and are smooth, application of design and
construction show a strong neatness.
___ 15pt Application: no missing spots without
finish, use of more than two colors, inside and out
and bottom all have a finish.
___ 25pt Technique unity and rhythm,: used a variety
of finishes to help create a since of movement by
using color, used finished to demonstrate a sense of
unity/togetherness for all pieces, used finishes that
enhance and define the carved and added design.
____30 Pt Creativity of design: the use of the finishes
creates a sense of Rhythm The finishes applied to
create a unique design that allows you to flow from
wall to wall, the piece is well thought out and color
applied to refine ever designed area.
____30Pt Quality: Craftsmanship all surface areas
are addressed with finish, neatness of application of
finishes, use of clear coat and wax used to protect.
___ 20pt Construction: name on the piece, no Broken
pieces, cracks or gaps in joints or where lid is cut
___ 20pt Technique, proper use of the lock and key,
use of re-enforcing coils on inside, box is squared
with smooth edges where attached. All added pieces
are attached , design is clear and visible with thick
lines and the use of carving and pressing are visible
____30Pt Creativity of design: use of elements line,
shape, to create a unique and original tangle design.
variety of design found on every side, and the added
on clay enhances the design. Design is used to flow
from one side to the next to unify the piece.
____30Pt Quality: Craftsmanship all walls are the
same thickness, all surface areas are addressed with
design and are smooth, application of design and
construction show a strong neatness.
___ 15pt Application: no missing spots without
finish, use of more than two colors, inside and out
and bottom all have a finish.
___ 25pt Technique unity and rhythm,: used a variety
of finishes to help create a since of movement by
using color, used finished to demonstrate a sense of
unity/togetherness for all pieces, used finishes that
enhance and define the carved and added design.
____30 Pt Creativity of design: the use of the finishes
creates a sense of Rhythm The finishes applied to
create a unique design that allows you to flow from
wall to wall, the piece is well thought out and color
applied to refine ever designed area.
____30Pt Quality: Craftsmanship all surface areas
are addressed with finish, neatness of application of
finishes, use of clear coat and wax used to protect.