How To Draw Your Own Mandala

What is a mandala? A mandala is an abstract design that is in a circle. It includes many shapes and patterns. They can create both geometric shapes that we all know, or even shapes of your own that you make up. It is created through repetition of the shapes and symmetry (the same on both sides).

Learning Intention: I can create a mandala using shapes and lines to make designs. I can find circle shapes around my house to create my mandala’s circles.

Things you could use: yogurt lids, milk lids, bowls, cups, plates, pot lids, empty recycling containers. Go look around your house and see what you can find to help you with art today.

What you will need:

Pencil, eraser, ruler, paper, eraser, 4 different size circle objects to trace (I used a small plate, bowl, and a cup – I used the top and the bottom of my cup to get two different sizes) and colouring tool of your choice (markers, crayons, pencil crayons, paint).

How to Draw Your Own:

1. Get a piece of normal blank paper (or construction paper) and lay it on your table hotdog style. I am using 81/2 X 11 computer paper.

2. Measure your paper (the papers width – up and down - is 81/2 if you’re using normal computer paper)

3. Measure the length and make a mark at 8 1/2 inches (grade 2’s may need to get an adult to help you with this step)

4. Then you draw a straight line from the top to the bottom where you made the mark. Cut the strip off so that you have a square.

5. Take your largest circle and put it onto your paper then trace it.

6. Next, take your next biggest circle and put it inside of your circle you just traced. Trace that circle now. Now you will have two circles.

7. Take your next size of circle and place it inside your circle (you should see space around your object). Trace it. Now you have 3 circles.

8. Last, take your smallest circle and put it right in the center of all of your circles and trace it. Now you have 4 circles and are ready to create.

9. Now the fun part ! The designs! Create a design in each circle. You can use different types of lines and shapes to create your mandala.

10. Now colour your mandala.

11. If you would like, you can email me a picture of your finished mandala to cthun@sd57.bc.ca

Have fun creating this art project!