07 Sep How to Draw DORE (Tangle Step by Step)

Would you like to draw a geometric border Zentangle pattern inspired by music? Check out my new tangle DORE, here’s the step-by-step tutorial:

What is the tangle DORE?

DORE is a simple border tangle built from alternating black and white rectangular shapes that instantly resemble piano keys. It creates a strong contrast and makes it very recognizable, almost as if you’re looking at a tiny keyboard inside your tile.

If you enjoy border tangles, check out my tangle CRIPTEX in my free tangle library.

Disclaimer: it’s very likely there’s already a similar “piano keys” tangle out there, even though I haven’t come across it. If you have, let me know so I can add that information here 🫶🏻

The inspiration behind my tangle DORE

Photo by Gabriel Gurrola (Unsplash)

DORE is a little homage to my relationship with music. Not many people know that I went to music school for several years and learned to play the clarinet. But secretly, I always wished I’d chosen the piano instead.

When I was younger, my father told me that piano was too unoriginal or mainstream, so I chose clarinet. Looking back, that’s the reason I had to make this tangle: as a reminder that sometimes being “unoriginal” is exactly what you should do if it’s what you really want 😌

The name DORE comes from the first musical notes do-re (mi-fa-sol-la…) but there’s another little reference hidden in it too:

Photo by David Spence (for Open House Madrid)

This building is Cines Doré, an iconic independent cinema in Madrid. I’ve always loved it very much so it was just the perfect way to name my tangle.

How to draw a Zentangle tile with DORE, step by step:

I’ve created a complete PDF tutorial inside my Pattern School, Zentopia, to explore a new way to play around with border Zentangle patterns.

In this exercise, we’re stacking rows of DORE on top of each other and experimenting with rhythm: changing the size, spacing and repetition of the rectangles to modify its look and create a dynamic composition.

Join my Pattern School Zentopia and besides this step-by-step PDF tutorial you’ll also get:

✏️ New tangle exercises every month (100+ and growing!)
🔁 Real-time video tutorials.
🫂 Access to an inspiring Telegram community of tanglers.
💪🏻 Support to keep drawing consistently.

Only for $5/month + taxes! You can also explore the full library of tutorials with a 7-DAY FREE TRIAL before deciding: