Mandala Wall Art

About 3 weeks ago I was contacted through my Etsy shop about making one of my polymer clay mandalas. Now, most of my work is small scale. I like to start and finish a project within a short amount of time. That way I can move on to my next project. But I was asked if I could do something bigger. Of course I can (have I ever said no?!)

And so it began. The customer not only wanted it bigger, she also wanted it to be domed. Hum, that got me thinking....what could I use as a base that was round, about 10" across, oven proof, and domed. Think, think, think......I think I'll go to the thrift store and have a look around.

 An old pot lid should do the trick! A few turns of a screw and the handle is off.

I was given the color scheme and made a few canes.

Next step, covering the entire lid with a pale, off-white and then starting in the center with a design.

Nope, not enough negative space. Time for a do over.

Nope, wrong shade of green. Try again.

Making progress.

A few more changes.

Finished!

After about 3 weeks, many e-mails back and forth and lots of changes I was able to create something that both the customer and I were happy with. I hope it adds an interesting and colorful element to her bathroom wall. Something that will be enjoyed for many years! 

Mandala Doodling

After finding Shrinky Dinks and colored pencils while cleaning out a closet recently, I have rediscovered my love for drawing. I've always loved to draw and color but I'm sometimes stumped  as to what to draw.  I've always loved  mandalas but never thought about drawing them myself. But for the past couple of nights I've discovered that it is surprisingly simple and relaxing.  All it takes is a pencil and paper. There are really no rules, no right or wrong. I just follow where my mind takes me.

These are the ones that I've done so far.  They are just drawn on some paper from a pad that I found in the same closet.  I tore the paper into a six inch square, found the center and just went from there.

There's nothing too spectacular about these but I would like to continue with them. Maybe the next one I draw will be a masterpiece! Who knows!!! So until next time......put a smile on!