Here are fun ideas for mandalas that kids can make. Try mandalas on land, with flowers, drawings, records and printmaking!
Updated April 2023
Have you heard of a mandala?
A mandala is a circular structure with radial symmetry, meaning that the design radiates out symmetrically from the center. It is one of nature’s more wonderful and perfect configurations.
You can find mandalas in flowers, tree rings, the sun, eyes, snowflakes, spiderwebs, sea shells, seeds, fruits, succulents, and more.
Here are some photos of flower mandalas:
The mandala is also, interestingly enough, the first identifiable form that toddlers start drawing as they move from scribbles to more realistic drawing. Not the often complex mandalas found in nature, but a simple circular shape with lines radiating inward and/or outward. This first mandala artwork usually progresses to drawings and paintings of faces, suns, people, and animals.
If you are interested in learning more about mandalas in nature, check out The Mandala Book: Patterns of the Universe. It’s beautiful!
Mandalas found in nature are so fascinating and mandala art is a fun way to explore this formation.
Here are seven art activities that create mandalas in different ways.
Ideas for Mandalas
1. Back-and-Forth Mandala Drawings
Collaborate with another person to create a radially symmetrical artwork. Take turns adding each concentric design around the center until the mandala is deemed complete. We especially love turning this project into a Valentine heart!
2. Flower Mandala Suncatchers
Press flower petals and leaves to sticky contact paper in a mandala design. Press a second sheet of contact paper over the flower petals. This works especially great with a paper plate frame, or even an embroidery hoop frame.
3. Sticker Mandala Art for Kids
Use stationery store stickers to create mandala collages on different colored paper. Try hole reinforcement stickers, circle stickers, star stickers, or label stickers. Add drawn design elements as well, if desired.
4. Land Art Mandalas
Create mandalas in nature with nature’s materials. Try it with seashells and driftwood on the beach or rocks, sticks, and pinecones in the forest.
5. Pasta Shape Mandalas
Paste a fun assortment of pasta shapes into a mandala design on a paper plate (or sticking the pasta into playdough for a temporary design!). You can use dried pasta straight out of the box or dyed pasta.
6. Mandala Art Designs on Records
Upcycle a record and glue on loose parts to make beautiful mandala art designs for kids.
7. Mandala Printmaking for Kids
Mandala printmaking made super easy with craft foam glued to a cardboard base. Kids can use their stamps to make print after print!
More Ideas for Mandala Art for Kids
- How to Create Mandala Leaf Art
- These Record Mandalas for Kids Are the Perfect Way to Relax & Unwind
- Create Mandala Pizza Prints
- How to Make Sticker Mandalas for Kids
- How to Make a Flower Mandala Suncatcher
- Playdough Fun for Kids with Mandalas
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