Quilled Mandala

Hi!

Thanks for stopping by..

I'm gonna be teaching you to make a gorgeous colorful quilled mandala from just a few strips of paper and in a few steps :)

(The word "mandala" is from the classical Indian language of Sanskrit. Loosely translated to mean "circle," a mandala is far more than a simple shape. It represents wholeness, and can be seen as a model for the organizational structure of life itself--a cosmic diagram that reminds us of our relation to the infinite, the world that extends both beyond and within our bodies and minds)

There have been many different depictions of a mandala and here's my interpretation :)

Hope you'll like it and give it a shot!

Step 1: Materials Required

Sheet of paper (white) - i used a thick cartridge paper

Colorful and white strips of paper

Compass - for making circles

Pencil

Quilling tool

Eraser

Glue

Tweezers

Loads of patience and enthu :D

Step 2: Preparation for the Mandala

So we'll begin with the prep for the mandala..

For starters, i've worked with a different theme where i've stuck coloured and white strips of paper together.. I thought it will bring a different look to the mandala..

So, we begin with deciding which colours we want to work with.. As usual, i've stuck with loads of coloured strips :)

You start with applying glue on a single strip of paper and stick it with a white strip. Once thats done, get a lot of such strips ready. It also depends on your design and ideas. Once the strips are stuck, keep them aside to dry. This will also make the strips stiff and it'll be easier to stick them on the paper..

Once the strips are all stuck, and while they dry, get your sheet ready. I've used cartridge paper. On the paper, use your compass and make circles. I've kept around 1" space between each circle (as shown in the pic).

Keep the circles light, so it's easier to erase them as you progress.

Step 3: Begin the Mandala

So lets start with the actual mandala..

You can draw designs on the mandala.According to those designs, you can start with rolling your strips. For rolling the strip, i've used the back end of my tweezer and rolled the strips (as shown in the pic). I've added another insert to the petals and made a flower.

You can also quill the strips into loose curls and shape them into tear drops, half moons and marquee shapes and stick them on the paper.

Make different shapes and sizes and add them to your mandala. I've also added rolled strips to make proper defined designs.

If you're a beginner, start with simple designs and drawing down your designs will also help.

Step 4: Building on the Mandala

You need to keep on building on the mandala and keep adding more designs and styles. I've kept all the designs simple and colourful.

You can complicate the designs as you wish :)

Once you've finished the mandala, frame it and use it as wall decor, give them as gifts or use them as wall tiles..

I'm sure you'll love it once it's done..

Hope you liked the idea :)

Step 5: Mandala - Done!

The mandala is done! However, you can add upon the design as you like and build on it.. Keep it as small or big as you want and enjoy it :)