Not sure about the rest of you but my pocket book can't afford the $ 2.42 to $ 3.79 cost of a Micron Pen, especially when I use one up in 5 to 6 tiles, and don't even get me started about the $ 0.59 cost of a Zentangle tile. Also, consider that CZT's get a 50% discount on these materials, which if you can afford the $ 1,100 to $ 1,800 class is a great benefit, however for those Zentangle Artist's that can't afford these luxuries here are some cost savings tips.
Instead of Micron's my favorite alternative are the Sharpie Pen's which are available in a 0.3mm fine point. In addition, NEW to the market by Sharpie is a medium point pen, which is fantastic to draw strings in a heavier weight allowing the lighter weight patterns to standout, as well as, accentuate any shading a Zentangle Artist would wish to apply.
There are four GREAT benefits to Sharpie Pen's; they don't bleed, they last FOREVER (I'm still using the set I bought last year and I Zentangle every day), and they are available in a set of 6 lovely colors (black, red, green, blue, orange and purple), if those three things don't sell you on trying this fine product from Sharpie you can pick-up a set at your local Target Store for $ 7.29 (a 6 Pen Set).
So I encourage you to try out the Sharpie Pen's.
Next on my list of pens are the 0.3mm Staedtler markers. These pen's have a tendency to bleed a bit on certain papers, however, they come in a great array of colors (black, brown, lime green, teal green, light blue, indigo, fuchsia pink, red, orange, and yellow). This set of ten pens is now available at any Target Store for a cost of $ 11.99. Try these if you don't care for the Sharpie Pen's.
Now that I've addressed the pen a quick note that instead of Zentangle tiles try a Carson Bristol Vellum 100 pound cover. Available in pads of 20 sheets at most art stores in several sizes. A 8 1/2" x 11", 20 sheet, pad costs $ 14.95 at my local art store. If you're fortunate enough to live in the Cleveland, Ohio area I strongly encourage you take a drive to near by Brunswick, OH to visit Hollo's Papercraft. At Hollo's you can purchase a stack (100 sheets) of 100 pound or 80 pound Carson cover in per cut sizes of 3" x 5", 4" x 6", 5" x 7", and 8" x 10" for $ 1.50 per stack. Hollo's also carries a black version of this paper if you enjoy the reverse Zentangle look.
So that's it for now. Hope you're having a great summer, which inspires beutiful Zentangle Artwork.
All The Best, Oodles Of Doodles Art
