Exploring Creativity Within a Beautiful Boundary
What happens when structure becomes your playground?
DINGBATZ is an engaging Zentangle-inspired project based on the Typography Dingbat concept introduced by Maria Thomas. In typography, dingbats are decorative symbols — self-contained motifs that live within defined shapes. In this workshop, we translate that idea into our Zentangle practice.
We step into the fascinating world of creating intricate compositions inside confined silhouettes — where fragments, simple tangles, and thoughtful shading transform a limited space into a rich visual story.
This is mindful structure.
This is creativity with intention.
Instead of feeling restricted, we begin to notice:
Stronger composition
Better balance
Clearer focal points
More intentional repetition
Deeper dimensional effects
A confined shape invites problem-solving.
It sharpens your design eye.
It strengthens your artistic voice.
DINGBATZ helps you see how powerful “less space” can truly be.
his is a step-by-step guided experience designed to build both understanding and confidence.
We begin with:
Understanding the Dingbat concept and its design philosophy
Exploring materials and supplies for clean, high-contrast results
Learning how to select and use fragments effectively
Understanding placement and flow inside geometric boundaries
Then we move into creating on:
✨ White Phi Tiles
✨ White Round Tiles
Using carefully chosen simple tangles and fragments, we will:
Build layered motifs
Create movement within still forms
Develop visual depth through strategic shading
Enhance contrast using light and shadow
Discover how graphite can sculpt dimension
You will complete beautiful, striking tiles that feel graphic, elegant, and thoughtfully designed.
DINGBATZ is not just about filling a shape.
It is about:
Designing with intention
Understanding spatial harmony
Training your eye to see negative space
Using shading as a design tool, not just an afterthought
This workshop strengthens your foundation while expanding your creative confidence.
Tanglers who love fragments and structured compositions
Students ready to move beyond random placement
Artists who want to improve shading and depth
Creators who enjoy graphic, bold, polished results
Anyone curious about merging typography-inspired ideas with Zentangle principles
Everything you need for a smooth, joyful experience:
Learn at your own pace with step-by-step guidance.
See exactly where the magic of light and shadow happens.
🎨 Creative Expansion Ideas
Try color variations, metallics, or alternate surfaces.
You’re not just learning a project—you’re learning a process you can use again and again.
By the end of DINGBATZ, you will:
✔ Understand how to build motifs inside any confined shape
✔ Feel more confident designing balanced compositions
✔ Use shading to create powerful depth
✔ See boundaries as creative opportunities, not limitations
Most importantly —
you will experience the quiet joy of watching a simple shape transform into something intricate and alive.
This is an INTERMEDIATE Zentangle project.
If you’re just getting started, I recommend beginning with my Fundamentals of Zentangle workshop before joining this session — it will give you the perfect foundation to enjoy this magical project fully.
A: DINGBATZ is a one-time payment and you will never be charged monthly.
A: No. It is all available online no matter where you live!
A: You will be sent login information immediately after purchasing, allowing you to begin your creative journey right away.
A: All possible questions have been addressed in the workshop, however, you can always email me at sandhyamannestudio@gmail.com for anything beyond that.
A: You have unlimited access to the course for a minimum of 12 months and you can work at your own pace for as long as you have access.
A: Absolutely!! Anyone can create a Zentangle. If you can hold your pen and write your name you can create a Zentangle! This workshop will guide you the right way step by step.
Since this is a digital course, all sales are final. Once you’ve gained access, there’s no way to "return" the content, so refunds aren’t possible. I encourage you to review all the details before purchasing to make sure it’s the right fit for you. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to help!
Namaste,
I’m Sandhya Manne… and I absolutely love to tangle!
As India’s first Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT #7) and a full-time artist, I’ve been joyfully immersed in this meditative art form for over a decade.
From cozy studios by the Bay of Bengal to buzzing online classrooms across the world, I’ve had the privilege of teaching thousands of enthusiastic students the magic of Zentangle. My journey has taken me into boardrooms too—sharing mindful creativity with teams at Texas Instruments, Wipro, Danfoss, Target, Marico, Kotak Mahindra, Asian Paints, and many more.
Teaching isn’t just something I do—it’s what lights me up. I’m obsessed with helping people discover their own creative rhythm, one stroke at a time. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a returning tangler ready to grow your skills, you’re exactly where you need to be.
So… are you excited? 😆 Because I can’t wait to welcome you in and guide you through this beautiful, relaxing, skill-building, creative Zen time that Zentangle brings into your life.
Let’s tangle together! ✨