Recently a friend was asking if I’d heard of Zen doodling. I hadn’t, but wanted to know more about it. She said it was used as a form of relaxation and that the simple doodles that we do on the back of an envelope while talking on the phone are kind of the base idea. Simple circles, loops, dots and curlicues, one upon another. I realized that the more she explained it to me, the more it sounded like a design I’ve been working on.
I came home and looked up Zen doodling. From a book by Carolyn Scarce on Amazon it’s explained: The simple repetitive nature of drawing patterns is spiritually rewarding and can boost creative confidence. Zen doodling doesn’t require any artistic training, and there’s no need for special tools or equipment, just a pen and a scrap of paper.
My design has been growing over the last few weeks. My first attempt was less fully formed but it inspired me to try it again. I admit it’s addictive and fun to keep adding little details like dots and circles. Simple dots can act as shadows and shading to parts of the design and repeating details adds to the flow of the larger doodle.
I find it so appealing because such simple little doodles become quite grand when they all come together. I keep the pad of paper nearby and get lost in lines and circles as my design grows. Sometimes I sketch the basics with pencil but all the embellishments are free form. I hope soon to add one to my pillow designs. I am imagining having it printed in red on white fabric for Christmas or maybe indigo. I love blue and white.
Give it a try. I think you’ll be surprised at what you didn’t know you could do.
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