Back in Kuala Lumpur at the Tangle Retreat 2025, we had the joy of a very special moment — a short online session with Rick and Maria, the founders of Zentangle®. Even though it was virtual, the energy, warmth, and wisdom they shared made it feel incredibly personal and meaningful. During this session, they introduced us to a brand-new tangle, still waiting to be officially named. There’s always something magical about being present at the very beginning of a tangle’s journey, and I couldn’t wait to explore it on my tile.

This tile became extra special for me as I decided to add golden highlights. It’s been a while since I last reached for gold on a tan tile, and the sparkle brought back that old excitement. The way the metallic sheen catches the light and enhances the simple strokes feels almost celebratory. Even better, I recently discovered a fantastic pen that works beautifully on this surface, making the process smooth and enjoyable.

Working with gold reminded me how small touches can completely transform a tile — from simple and serene to luminous and festive. It also brought back the feeling of connection to the larger Zentangle community, where creativity and inspiration flow endlessly, whether in person or through a screen.

This piece now holds not just the joy of tangling, but also the memory of that retreat and the thrill of discovering something new alongside Rick and Maria.

Materials: 4.5 inches Tan Zendala Tile, Black Micron 01, Brown Micron 01, White Gelly Roll pen, Gold Metallic Pen, White Charcoal Pencil, Graphite Pencil, Stub.

Tangles: Scena, Divadance, Pokeleaf, Mooka,  Crescent Moon,  Flux, Printemps.