Mehndi Inspired Mandala Tutorial

MANDALA: Sanskrit, means circle. In religion and philosophy represents the whole, the universe. In Analytical Psychology represents the Self (C.G. Jung)

 MEHNDI: Hindi, the art of temporary henna tattoos, from the Sanskrit Menhika or henna plant.

For this tutorial I'm using:

 Stillman and Birn Zeta Series Wirebound Sketchbook (6x8 in 15.2x20.3 cm)

Staedtler Triplus Fineliner 334

This little page with the basic shapes I like using

Copyright © 2014 Maria Mercedes Trujillo A. All rights reserved.

The Process:

1. First I choose the colors I'm going to use (Lavender and Delft Blue don't come in the set pictured above, can be replaced by Dark Mauve Pink and Silver Gray)

2. I start always in the center, that way I can keep my mandala even, I don't use a compass or any template. Using my basic shapes page I choose to start with a spiral.

3. Now I add one of the borders.

4. Then I add petal shapes around the border.

5. I add some filling to the petal shapes. I start adding leaves.

6. Fill the leaves.

7. Add an outer adornment to the leaves and some circles on the spaces between them.

8. Add a border again.

 9. More leaves or petals, add fillings.

10. Outer adornment and little circles in the spaces between petals/leaves.

You can keep repeating from step 3, adding more elements from the basic shapes page or your own, making your mandala as big and complex as you want.

When you feel you have finished your mandala write the date.

It is perfectly fine if it doesn't turn up completely round and symmetrical, you will get there with practice.

It is a process to relax and have fun regardless of the end result.

Look at your mandala with love, you just made it and it is precious!

Keep all your mandalas even if you don't like them much, you can follow how they change with time.

If you have any question you can ask on the comments , send me an e-mail or through the contact form on the left of this blog.

Have fun!!!

Note: If you want to see how I draw a very similar mandala on a pebble, have a look at this video.

Please if you share about this tutorial link back to my site!!!


Some examples done following the steps on this tutorial.