Mandalas are awe-inspiring. The intricate patterns invite you to look again and again. Certainly, there’s always something new to discover.
There are many ways to enjoy mandalas:
- Admire the finished art
- Colour a mandala
- Create your own mandala
Each of these options can bring a moment of calm and meditation. Basically, it depends on what you enjoy most.
So, today’s focus is making your own Mandala Grid.
Therefore, if you want to draw your own mandala, this tutorial will walk you through how to make a basic grid.
(But, if you’d rather skip this part, download one directly from the button below, and start drawing right away!) 😊
Above all, making the grid accurate is super important as it is the foundation of your mandala. This will make a beautiful mandala or a sloppy looking one…
What You’ll Need:
- Compass
- Protractor
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Eraser (optional)
1. Find the Centre of Your Page
- Firstly, measure the halfway point on each side of the paper.
- Then, draw two perpendicular lines to mark the centre.
- Finally, use a ruler to double-check that they intersect in the middle.
2. Protect the Centre
Mask the middle of the page to protect it from the compass point. You can use cardboard and masking tape (blue painter’s tape is the best in my opinion).
Once it’s covered, use your ruler to redraw the centre lines on top of the tape.
3. Draw Concentric Circles
- Start with the largest circle, leaving about 1 cm of space from the edge of the page.
- For the smaller circles, you have two options:
- Use equal spacing (e.g. every 1 cm)
- Use irregular spacing for a more organic feel
As you get closer to the centre, you might need to lift the masking tape slightly to draw smaller circles. It takes practice, but it’s worth the effort!
Step 4: Divide Your Mandala
- Decide how many sections you want. This will shape your final design.
- Use your protractor to mark angles from the centre. Here are some common options:
- 8 sections → 45°
- 10 sections → 36°
- 12 sections → 30°
- Mark each angle with a dot around the circle, then use your ruler to draw straight lines from the centre through each dot.
Congratulations!
You’ve finished your mandala grid! Now it’s time to dive into your creative inner world and see what kind of mandala is waiting to be created.