8.5” x 11” paper – White bond is great or any light-colored paper that you can draw onto with pencil
Compass
Protractor
Graphite pencil – Softer lead will erase easier (i.e., HB or #2)
Eraser – White vinyl is least abrasive but Pink Pearl will work just as well
For erasing fine lines, etc. - Tombow’s Mono Erasers are great - they are very small in size
Vidalon – a more substantial “tracing paper” to transfer the outline of the mandala onto a similar material used in some coloring books as the coloring surface that is easy to draw on and erase pencil marks
IDentipen – a permanent/black pen that writes on almost any surface as outliner for design
Color pencils
Optional (but Fun!) – 1) Waterbased markers in assorted colors 2) Foamboard is a great drawing surface, it is very smooth and has a bit of give to allow the compass point to penetrate without slipping out of its hole/center point

PROCESS

Find the center of the bond paper
Draw 5-6 concentric circles using the compass – keep the point at center
Circles do not need to be equidistant from each other – it’s more interesting if they are not!
Use the ruler to draw a line through the center point
Use the protractor to create even radii by dividing the circle into 12 equal sections
Make marks at 30/60/90/120/150 degrees
Draw a straight line from these marks through the circle center to the opposite side of the circle
NOTE: You can make copies to draw on because you just made a template
Begin to draw on the template with a pencil with repeating patterns
You can add additional radii and concentric circles, if desired
When the design is complete, place the Vidalon over the design and begin tracing the patterns with the IDentipen
Choose your color palette
Start coloring!

Tips: 1) Do not move the compass until all your concentric circles are drawn 2) If the measurements are off the mandala will not work out well 3) Mix curved and straight lines in your design for interest 4) Have fun! And don’t forget to sign your work!