How to Make a Mandala
Learn how to make a mandala and why making a mandala is such a powerful process for students. Making mandalas in art can be a relaxing and meditative experience allowing kids to relax and calm their bodies. Keep reading to find out how to make a mandala.
How to Make a Mandala
A mandala is a geometric configuration of symbols that is often used in spiritual and ritual traditions. The word “mandala” comes from the ancient Indian language Sanskrit, where it means “circle” or “center.” At its core, a mandala represents wholeness, balance, and unity, and has been used for centuries across various cultures for meditation, healing, and art.
What is a Mandala?
Visually, a mandala is usually made up of a central point surrounded by symmetrical patterns, often arranged in circular forms. These designs can be simple or highly intricate and are frequently used in both spiritual practice and artistic expression. In spiritual contexts, mandalas are seen as cosmic diagrams—maps of the universe and the self.
History and Cultural Origins of Mandalas
Hinduism
Mandalas first appeared in Hinduism around the first century BCE. In Hindu rituals, mandalas are used as spiritual tools to aid in concentration and meditation. Deities are sometimes depicted in the center, with surrounding patterns symbolizing layers of the universe..
Buddhism
Mandalas were later adopted by Buddhist traditions, especially Tibetan Buddhism. Buddhist monks create elaborate mandalas with coloured sand, a practice that can take days or weeks. After the mandala is completed, it is ritually destroyed to symbolize the impermanence of life.
Indigenous and Other Cultures
Mandalas (or mandala-like symbols) also appear in other traditions:
Native American medicine wheels use circular symbolism to represent harmony and cycles of life.
Christian rose windows in cathedrals show radial symmetry and symbolic design.
Modern Uses of Mandalas
Today, mandalas are popular in:
Art therapy – for stress relief and self-expression.
Colouring books – for mindfulness and relaxation.
Education – to teach geometry, symmetry, and cultural studies.
Yoga and meditation – as focal points for concentration.
Sources on the History and Meaning of Mandalas:
What are Mandalas Made Out of?
Mandalas can be made out of many different materials, depending on the culture, purpose, and medium. Here are some common materials used to create mandalas:
Sand
Used in: Tibetan Buddhist rituals
Material: Coloured sand (usually made from crushed coloured stone or dyed sand)
Purpose: Spiritual meditation; monks create detailed, temporary sand mandalas to represent the universe. After completion, the sand is swept away to symbolize impermanence.
Example: Rubin Museum on Sand Mandalas
Paint and Ink
Used in: Art therapy, school art projects, and spiritual artwork
Material: Acrylic, watercolour, gouache, or ink on paper, canvas, or wood
Purpose: Self-expression, mindfulness, decoration, or meditation
Paper (Drawn or Coloured Mandalas)
Used in: Schools, therapy, adult colouring books
Material: Pencil, marker, pen, crayon, coloured pencil
Purpose: Relaxation, learning symmetry and pattern, creativity
Check out my mandala symmetry drawing book by clicking on the button below. It is perfect for 9 years old and up!
Fabric or Thread (Textile Mandalas)
Used in: Sacred tapestries, home décor, or crafts like "Ojo de Dios" (God’s Eye)
Material: Yarn, cloth, or embroidery threads woven into a circular pattern
Purpose: Rituals, home altars, or artistic expression
Natural Materials
Used in: Outdoor art or Earth mandalas
Material: Leaves, flowers, stones, sticks, shells
Purpose: Nature-based mindfulness, land art, environmental awareness
A nature mandala is a type of mandala made entirely from natural materials—such as leaves, flowers, twigs, stones, pinecones, shells, and seeds—arranged in a circular, symmetrical design. It uses radial symmetry to create the design.
Making Nature mandalas is a really fun activity to do in any season. You can do it outside in winter by walking in the snow or using food colouring, mixed with water and spray bottles.
You can make a nature mandala in the fall by collecting a bunch of different coloured leaves. You can make nature mandalas in the spring or summer using leaves or flowers, sticks, and twigs that you have collected.
I love making nature mandalas with my class around earth day or in the different seasons especially if we are spending some time doing outdoor learning, reading, or being in a park. It's just a fun art activity to do collaboratively and to create a sense of classroom community.
To check out my nature mandala resource click the button below!
Digital Tools
Used in: Graphic design, animation, digital colouring apps
Material: Created using software like Procreate, Adobe Illustrator, or mandala generators
Purpose: Design, relaxation, online content
Architecture and Stone
Used in: Sacred buildings, temples, stained glass windows
Material: Stone, mosaic tiles, glass
Purpose: Religious or spiritual symbolism in spaces of worship
Example: Rose windows in cathedrals resemble mandalas in form and meaning
How to Make a Mandala
There are different ways to make mandalas, but I find when making a mandala with students. It's good to help the students plan and prepare for how they would like their mandala design to look.
It's also good for them to think about what materials they are using to create their mandala and where is the location of the mandala?
They can also think about how large they would like their mandala to be, and think about if they would like to make their mandala by themselves with a partner with a group of people, or collaboratively as a whole class.
To help students with how to create a mandala I have created different planning pages as well as lots of colourful examples to show students. You can check out my nature mandala, resource by clicking on the button below to use with your students year after year.
I also have created lots of mandala symmetry drawing for grades 2 through 12 and you can save 30% by purchasing my Mandala bundle, which includes the nature mandala lesson as entangle less than an activity to get students thinking about line and pattern, as well as my symmetry drawing with a mandala theme for primary grade students, middle school, as well as high school you can save 30% by clicking on the button below.
Resources Mentioned:
Mandala Symmetry for Primary Students
Mandala Symmetry for Middle School
Mandala Symmetry for High School
Or Save 30% and Get the Mandala Bundle
Mandala Symmetry Book (Paper copy of Mandala Symmetry for Middle School)
Related Articles:
Check out my FREE Symmetry for Middle School
Purchase the Mandala Drawing Book on Amazon for Kids Ages 9+
