School-aged kids will learn how to create Christmas themed mandalas in this easy project. We’ve included a free printable to make this lesson easy for home or classroom use.
What is a Mandala?
A Mandala (Sanskrit for “circle”) is an artistic representation of higher thought and deeper meaning given as a geometric symbol used in spiritual, emotional, or psychological work to focus one’s attention.
Mandalas are a wonderful way for kids to express their creativity while drawing soothing patterns of color and line. This activity encourages kids to see how they can use lines and colors to form various Christmas themed designs.
Related: Kids use tracing paper when learning to draw mandalas in this project.
Supplies Needed to Make a Christmas Mandala Art Project
- Free Printable Mandala Template- Download Below
- Black Cardstock
- Paintbrush, cotton swabs, dotting tools, etc. – used for painting
- Acrylic Paints
- Paint Palette
- Water
- Paper Towels
- Chalk
- Pencil
- Tape
Download the Mandala Printable Here
This download offers 3 different template options to choose from, based on skill level of the child.
- A basic mandala grid that I generally use for my younger students.
- A detailed mandala guideline for older kids. This grid offers guidance while granting kids more freedom in their design process.
- A grid that only includes the circles, where kids are free to add their own design segments.
Directions to Make This Christmas Mandala Art Project
Step 1
Begin by coloring the back of the mandala template with chalk. This will make it possible to easily transfer the design onto the black cardstock.
Step 2
Next, tape the template on top of the black cardstock. This step will prevent the template from moving around when tracing it.
Step 3
Then, use a pencil or other blunt object to trace the mandala, transferring it to the black cardstock underneath.
Step 4
Use the guidelines to begin adding shapes to your mandala. Upside down “V” shapes can become Christmas trees. Half circles fit together to create ornament shapes. Follow the center of the mandala to create a snowflake. The design ideas are limitless!
Step 5
Take time to explore various painting tools and techniques.
Step 6
Add finishing touches.
Step 7
Finally, when the paint is dry, use a clean paper towel to wipe away any excess chalk.
Finished Christmas Mandala Art Project
Our mandalas turned out great! Since these projects are made on paper, they can easily be framed, clipped, or displayed in your preferred style with your holiday decorations.
Our Experience Making this Christmas mandala Art Project
Mandalas are a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn about shapes, lines, and patterns. Plus, I love how well the acrylic paint looks against the black cardstock. As always, I am amazed when students start with the same basic template, yet they produce vastly different designs.
Prep Time
5 minutes
Active Time
20 minutes
Additional Time
5 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Cost
$1
Materials
- Free Printable Mandala Template
- Black Cardstock
Tools
- Paintbrush, cotton swabs, dotting tools, etc. – used for painting
- Acrylic Paints
- Paint Palette
- Water
- Paper Towels
- Chalk
- Pencil
- Tape
Instructions
- Color the back of the mandala template with chalk.
- Tape the mandala template on top of the black cardstock.
- Use a pencil or other blunt object to trace the mandala, transferring it to the black cardstock underneath.
- Use the guidelines to begin adding shapes to your mandala. Upside down “V” shapes can become Christmas trees. Half circles fit together to create ornament shapes. Follow the center of the mandala to create a snowflake. The design ideas are limitless!
- Take time to explore various painting tools and techniques.
- Add finishing touches.
- When the paint is dry, use a clean paper towel to wipe away any excess chalk.
Notes
Christmas Mandala Art Variations
- Use white paper or other mediums to complete mandalas.
- Adapt theme to fit any season or holiday.
- Encourage kids to draw their own mandala templates using a compass and ruler.
Christmas Mandala Art Variations
- Use white paper or other mediums to complete mandalas.
- Adapt theme to fit any season or holiday.
- Encourage kids to draw their own mandala templates using a compass and ruler.
Other Fun Christmas Art Projects from Kids Activities Blog
Did your kids enjoy creating Christmas Mandalas? What designs did they add to their creations?
