Collages are a lot of fun, and the fall season is a great time to use things found in nature in your crafting projects. Mandalas are a great way to use natural items because the mandala means circle, and it can be seen in nature everywhere. This exercise is a great way to explore your creativity while getting back to nature and spirituality. This project will help you feel unified with the world, and it can help you find a inner calm. Here I will describe how to create a mandala using natural items.
First you will need to take a walk outside. Roam around and enjoy the natural sounds. Look around you in a peaceful manner. You will find many pretty nature treasures everywhere; the world is a lovely place, and these things are there for us to use and wonder at. Collect as many items as you like, and remember to enjoy the process; this time alone with nature is a great way to center your energy and be calm.
Now that you have all your lovely nature items you can start your project. Find a heavy piece of paper or cardboard for a base; you will also need glue, water, and a paintbrush for this project. A hot glue gun will also be helpful for bulkier items. Find a quite place in your home and clean off a table. Before you start gluing, lay all of your items out in front of you.
Now think about the circle and find some items to start with. A mandala starts with a circle in the middle; it can be small, or it can be large and filled with something. Start gluing your items to the paper in a circular fashion. Keep in mind the symmetry, lines, colors, and shapes of the items you are using. Play on their natural beauty as you find the circular pattern in this project.
When your first circle is complete you can continue with a circular pattern on the outside of the circle. Using leaves, sticks, acorns, and many other fun things found outside you can make many patterns of varying colors and shapes. When you are done with your piece, allow it to dry thoroughly before you hang it.
Allow this project to remind you of your unity with the world, and use the imagery and emotion represented by this picture to help you center yourself and find your inner peace. This project is a great way to help work through anxiety and stress; you should try it today!
