Magnificent Mandalas!

Looking for a new hobby that is not only fun, but also helps you de-stress, find some personal bliss, and discover your calm center? Coloring mandalas is something you should try!

What is a mandala?

The mandala is a circular design that begins with a defined center, and from that center, it branches out into a variety of shapes and symbols.

 

 

The word mandala means “circle” in Sanskrit. In Buddhism and Hinduism, it is a spiritual symbol representing the universe.

Coloring mandalas can be a meditative experience. The repetitive, soothing practice of creating them (or even just coloring pre-made ones) feels great – and even better – when you’re done you have yourself a work of art!

And no, you do not have to be an artist or even remotely gifted in drawing to enjoy coloring mandalas (or I wouldn’t be able to do them – I can’t even make a stick-man).

You can make your own (how-to instructions linked below), or my preference, order pre-made mandala coloring books (who said coloring is just for kids?).

Check out these awesome resources:

• “How to draw a mandala,” from the “Art is Fun” website.

• “How to draw mandalas, and why you want to,” from this cool blog – “Creative Dream Incubator.” It includes a video tutorial.

• Find some cool free mandalas to print out and color on printmanda.com.

• Here is my favorite way: I use this coloring book that I order from Amazon – there are lots just like it. I frame my pages when done, they are so gorgeous!

• If you are able to, I highly recommend ordering or purchasing Prismacolor colored pencils or markers – they are far superior to the kind you’d buy for school maps and such – and the colors turn out brilliantly! You can get them at their website, or in hobby and craft stores (like Hobby Lobby and Michaels).

Have fun!