10 Stunning Quilled Mandala Designs to Try

Quilling, also known as paper filigree, is an intricate art form that involves rolling, twisting, and shaping strips of paper to create beautiful and detailed designs. One of the most mesmerizing ways to use quilling is in the creation of mandalas. A mandala, derived from the ancient Sanskrit word meaning "circle," is a geometric design that symbolizes wholeness and unity. In many cultures, mandalas are used for meditation and reflection, serving as a tool for spiritual guidance and focus.

Quilled mandalas combine the calming, meditative nature of mandalas with the delicate beauty of quilled paper art, resulting in stunning and intricate designs that captivate both the eye and the soul. Whether you're an experienced quiller or a beginner looking to explore a new challenge, quilled mandalas offer a fantastic opportunity to create something both beautiful and meaningful.

In this article, we'll explore ten stunning quilled mandala designs that you can try at home. From beginner-friendly designs to intricate patterns, each of these mandalas showcases the versatility of quilling as an art form. These designs can be framed as wall art, used for greeting cards, or even made into decorative pieces for various occasions.

Basic Geometric Mandala

For beginners, a simple geometric mandala is the perfect starting point. This design focuses on basic shapes like circles, triangles, and lines to create a symmetrical, balanced pattern. To make this mandala, you can use straight strips of paper and create various types of coils, such as tight coils, loose coils, and scrolls. By arranging these coils in layers, you can form a beautiful geometric design.

Materials Needed:

• Paper strips (preferably in a variety of colors)
• Quilling tools (slotted tool, needle tool)
• Glue
• Scissors
• Mandala template (optional)

Steps:

1. Start by creating a series of tight coils and loose coils of different sizes.
2. Arrange the coils symmetrically around the center of the design.
3. Use scrolls, teardrop shapes, and zigzag coils to form the outer layers.
4. Fill in the spaces with smaller shapes like petals or triangles for added detail.
5. Once you're happy with the design, glue the pieces to a circular base, ensuring that the mandala remains balanced.

Floral Mandala

Floral mandalas are a popular choice in quilling because they combine the beauty of nature with the intricate patterns of mandalas. This design incorporates flower shapes, petals, and vines, creating a soft and harmonious aesthetic. The organic shapes and flowing lines make this mandala perfect for those who enjoy creating delicate, nature-inspired art.

Materials Needed:

• Paper strips (various colors, preferably floral hues)
• Quilling tools
• Glue
• Floral mandala template (optional)

Steps:

1. Create tight coils for the center of each flower, then form teardrop shapes for the petals.
2. Arrange the flowers around the center, leaving space between each one.
3. Use smaller coils to create leaves and vines that spiral outward from the flowers.
4. Add embellishments such as small loops or curly shapes to enhance the design.
5. Glue everything in place and allow it to dry before framing.

Peacock Feather Mandala

Inspired by the vibrant colors and intricate details of peacock feathers, this mandala design features layers of quilled paper that mimic the delicate nature of the feather's eye pattern. The swirling colors of teal, gold, and blue create a luxurious and eye-catching piece of art.

Materials Needed:

• Paper strips (peacock-inspired colors like teal, gold, blue, and green)
• Quilling tools
• Glue
• Peacock feather template (optional)

Steps:

1. Begin by creating tight coils in shades of teal and blue to form the center of the feather.
2. Create petal-like shapes and arrange them in a fan-like pattern around the center.
3. Use alternating colors of paper strips to build up layers of petals, making each layer slightly larger than the previous one.
4. Add detailed loops and scrolls around the edges for added texture.
5. Glue the mandala onto a circular base and allow it to dry.

Sunburst Mandala

The Sunburst Mandala is an uplifting design that symbolizes the warmth and energy of the sun. With its radiating lines and circular symmetry, this mandala is a wonderful expression of light and positivity. The sharp, angular shapes contrasted with the soft curls of quilled paper create a dynamic and striking effect.

Materials Needed:

• Paper strips in warm colors (yellow, orange, red, and gold)
• Quilling tools
• Glue
• Circular template (optional)

Steps:

1. Start by creating tight coils in yellow or gold for the center of the sun.
2. Use the petal or teardrop shapes to create the radiating sunbeams around the center.
3. Add additional layers of curled paper in warm shades like orange and red to enhance the design.
4. Use scrolls and small coils to add extra texture around the outer edges.
5. Glue the mandala onto a circular base for display.

Mandala with Sacred Geometry

Sacred geometry is a powerful design element in mandalas, representing the fundamental patterns of the universe. This design uses quilling to create the intricate geometric shapes found in sacred geometry, such as the Flower of Life, Metatron's Cube, and the Fibonacci spiral. This style is perfect for those who appreciate the symbolic and spiritual meanings behind these geometric patterns.

Materials Needed:

• Paper strips in neutral tones (black, white, gray, or metallics)
• Quilling tools
• Glue
• Sacred geometry template (optional)

Steps:

1. Begin by quilling the basic geometric shapes such as hexagons, circles, and triangles.
2. Use different sizes of coils to form the layers of the design, ensuring they fit together symmetrically.
3. Integrate straight coils to form lines that connect the shapes, creating a sense of unity and flow.
4. Continue building up the layers, ensuring the design follows the sacred geometry template.
5. Glue the completed mandala onto a circular base and allow it to dry.

Mandala with Metallic Accents

For a truly elegant and sophisticated mandala, incorporate metallic paper strips into the design. Gold, silver, and copper strips can add a sense of luxury and refinement to the traditional mandala. These metallic accents catch the light and bring a modern twist to the ancient art of quilling.

Materials Needed:

• Metallic paper strips (gold, silver, or copper)
• Quilling tools
• Glue
• Mandala template (optional)

Steps:

1. Create the basic mandala shape using non-metallic paper strips in a color of your choice.
2. Add metallic strips to the design by creating tight coils, scrolls, or lines.
3. Place the metallic pieces strategically to highlight specific areas of the mandala.
4. Continue building the design with non-metallic paper strips, balancing the shine of the metallic accents.
5. Allow the mandala to dry before framing or displaying.

Cosmic Mandala

A cosmic mandala evokes the vastness and mystery of the universe. This design incorporates swirling galaxies, stars, and planets, all of which are created using different quilling techniques. The use of dark colors such as deep blues, purples, and blacks, alongside specks of white for stars, creates a cosmic scene full of depth and wonder.

Materials Needed:

• Paper strips in dark shades (blue, purple, black, and white)
• Quilling tools
• Glue
• Cosmic mandala template (optional)

Steps:

1. Start by quilling a spiral or swirl in the center to represent the galaxy.
2. Add more swirls and spiral shapes, gradually increasing the size as you move outward.
3. Use small, tight coils and clusters of stars around the spiral to represent constellations.
4. Fill in the background with dark coils to mimic the night sky.
5. Place white quilled pieces in the design to represent stars or galaxies.

Butterfly Mandala

Butterflies symbolize transformation and beauty, making them a perfect subject for quilled mandalas. This design incorporates delicate butterfly wings, curves, and floral elements, creating a harmonious balance of shapes and colors. The butterfly mandala is a symbol of change, renewal, and growth.

Materials Needed:

• Paper strips in vibrant colors (yellow, orange, purple, blue)
• Quilling tools
• Glue
• Butterfly mandala template (optional)

Steps:

1. Begin by creating the butterfly's wings with tight coils and teardrop shapes.
2. Use curved lines and scrolls to form the outer edges of the wings.
3. Add small flower or leaf shapes around the butterfly to enhance the design.
4. Arrange the butterfly symmetrically in the center of the mandala, ensuring it is balanced.
5. Glue the completed mandala onto a circular base.

Mandala with Watercolor Effect

For a unique twist on the traditional quilled mandala, try incorporating a watercolor effect into the design. This technique involves blending colors together to create a soft, gradient effect that mimics the look of watercolor paintings. The gentle color transitions add depth and dimension to the mandala.

Materials Needed:

• Watercolor paper
• Quilling paper strips in various colors
• Quilling tools
• Glue

Steps:

1. Begin by painting a soft watercolor background on the watercolor paper.
2. Once the paint is dry, quill the mandala design on top, using colors that complement the background.
3. Layer the quilled pieces to create a flowing, harmonious design.
4. Use subtle color gradients to mimic the watercolor effect, blending tones as you move outward from the center.
5. Allow the mandala to dry before framing.

Nature-Inspired Mandala

A nature-inspired mandala draws its influence from the natural world, incorporating elements like leaves, trees, and animals into the design. This mandala might include quilled flowers, leaves, and spirals that create a balanced and peaceful depiction of the natural world.

Materials Needed:

• Green, brown, and floral-colored paper strips
• Quilling tools
• Glue
• Nature-inspired template (optional)

Steps:

1. Start by quilling small flowers and leaves to represent nature.
2. Create spirals or loops to mimic the natural growth patterns of plants.
3. Add earthy tones like brown and green for a grounded, organic feel.
4. Arrange the pieces in a symmetrical pattern to form a cohesive mandala design.
5. Glue everything in place and allow it to dry before displaying.

Each of these ten quilled mandala designs offers a unique way to explore the beauty and complexity of both quilling and mandalas. Whether you choose a simple geometric design or a more intricate nature-inspired piece, quilling provides endless opportunities for creativity and self-expression. Try experimenting with these designs and adding your personal touch to make each mandala your own masterpiece.

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