Happy Friday, crafty friends! Yesterday, we debuted several products featuring a very on-trend design: the mandala. These pleasing designs can be found in many places, on everything from art to architecture, clothing, and yes, stamping and die-cutting! But did you know that the mandala’s design and origin date back thousands of years? In simple terms, the word mandala is a Sanskrit term that translates to “circle.” A mandala can be defined in two ways: as a spiritual and ritual symbol in Eastern religions (Hinduism and Buddhism), representing the universe. In everyday use, the word “mandala” has become a generic term to describe a shape or pattern that represents the universe or a cosmic diagram that reminds us of our relation to the infinite.

Throughout history, mandalas have appeared on cave walls, been incorporated into medieval architecture, created in stunning sand paintings, textiles, and more.

Chenrezig sand mandala created at the House of Commons of the United Kingdom on the occasion of the Dalai Lama’s visit in May 2008. courtesy of Colonel Warden.

In Christianity, there are several forms that are evocative of the mandala, such as: the Celtic cross, appearing in illuminated manuscripts, and as rose windows, like that of the famous North rose window at Notre Dame in Paris, France.

courtesy Zachi Evenor based on File:North rose window of Notre-Dame de Paris, Aug 2010.jpg by Julie Anne Workman – Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/zachievenor/34705711854, based on File:North rose window of Notre-Dame de Paris, Aug 2010.jpg

In cardmaking, the mandala lends itself very well to crafting lovely projects, endless possibilities for creativity, and is well-suited for many occasions. With so many techniques to choose from (coloring, sponging, blending, embossing, water color, etc.) you can achieve many different styles and designs. And there is something so joyful about sending out a symbol of unity and harmony! Here are a few examples using our new stamps and dies:

For supply list, click here.

Above, I used the Mandala Cutting Plate to create this thank you card for a very nice woman who brought me a much-appreciated and thoughtful gift. In this example, I only removed the pieces from the outer portions of the petals, leaving the center intact. With a few Nuvo drops, I was able to add some lovely texture. I love how clean the Cookie Monster cardstock looks against that bright white Sugar Cube cardstock, don’t you?

Below, Gayatri Murali used white embossing powder over a stamped Mandala Background 1 image after watercoloring a gorgeous background on watercolor paper. I love how she used the Oreo cardstock for her Inside Scallop Rectangle Stacklet and Hello Script die-cuts to achieve such a bold and beautiful card.

For supply list, click here.

Jean Manis did some pretty wonderful inking and stamping on this Mandala Background 2, below. It’s clean and simple and the color choices she made are wonderful. By stamping in the corners of her card and off-setting the size, she created a visually pleasing frame for her Valentine’s Day message. LOVE!

For supply list, click here.

I started off by showing a really rich and gorgeous card created by Jean using the Mandala Cutting Plate and I’d love for you to check out some step-by-step instructions on how she created it! Her project is today’s featured Make this Project card and by clicking on the image below, you’ll find a FREE downloadable instruction sheet and a helpful shopping list to keep your supplies in order. When you are done with your mandala project, be sure to share it with us on our Facebook Page or in our Fans Group!