April Mandala

For 2013, I am hosting a mandala series, one a month for the year. Join in on all or one: it's up to you. I want to thank EVERY ONE OF YOU who have participated in this swap series. I didn't intend to continue in 2013, but you have all made this so much fun, and have challenged my own creativity, I feel I've grown. I hope you all feel the same way. :) and <3

Please don't get hung up on definitions. Do get hung up on making something beautiful.

The word "mandala" simple means "circle". They are traditionally a contemplative piece, meant to be used as an object of meditation. I am keeping the definition loose, so as to allow your artist's heart latitude in the creative process. A mandala should be roughly circular within the format below. Other than a recognizably circular shape, it is all up to you and your creative heart. Please go to the Flickr site above and see mandalas: also look at the comments. My November Mandala is there, with a comment from someone who does not consider it a mandala. For the purposes of this series of swaps, it would be defined as a mandala because of its circular, symmetrical format. However, mandalas do not have to be symmetrical in design: see the link for zentangled mandalas, where designs within a circle aren't symmetrical. Also, rangoli is acceptable. I've had questions regarding using printed mandalas. I think that a printed string would be acceptable, to tangle, but not a printed mandala that you color. Please check with your partner. Hope this is clear -- and loose -- enough for all of you to draw to your heart's content!!!

In order to possibly bind the mandalas into a year-book, please make the format 7" X 6" sturdy paper. Make the mandala on the rightmost 6" X 6" area, leaving the leftmost inch as the area to bind it into a book. Please use sturdy, at least 65# paper (at least cardstock weight). You may draw, paint, collage, zentangle your mandala. Those of you who can, please post your mandalas in the Flickr group -- the link is above on swap homepage. I've had mandalas sent to me in incorrect format -- on paper too light-weight, and with no space allowed for the leftmost inch, to bind into a book. I've not rated these down... so far. PLEASE remember to use the right format. You risk a 3 if your partner is strict.

Please know that at any time, if I'm blunt and outspoken, that I don't intend to hurt. I am often gauche, sorry, I have tried my whole life for tact, and often fail. Social cues just go over my head, so please try to understand.

I'll check profiles and reserve the right to ban at my discretion.

I will angel but I hope it will not be necessary.

Here are two links to tutorials to learn to make mandalas:

One link is here

The other link is here

and here is one for a zentangled mandala: Zentangled mandala