October 2024

Creating a Mandala  
Use plant and natural materials found in the house, garden and supermarket in this activity. It's a simple way to engage the senses in an immersive and creative activity, suitable for all abilities. Mandala is Sanskrit for “circle”  and is a geometric design that are believed to represent different aspects of the universe in Hindu and Buddhist cultures. Mandalas are used in meditation and are symbols of prayer in China, Japan and Tibet. Have a go at creating  a mandala!  Video and activity sheets to guide you below.

Activity Sheet Creating a Mandala , https://trellisscotland.org.uk/sites/default/files/u29/fs_create_a_mandala.pdf And find lots more Activity sheets full of fun activities at https://www.trellisscotland.org.uk/content/factsheets

Video  Do -Along or find out how to run a mandala making session in this video https://youtu.be/uVCk_iPvrA8?si=so681L5civXgDUiO

Subscribe to the Trellis YouTube Channel – Its FREE!  For the latest activity videos https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWD5O8RdkZrZGcE549eCddg

Link to our Live Demo sessions – nature inspired activity ideas online  in October. FREE -  see Live Demo page to Register at https://www.trellisscotland.org.uk/content/live-zoom-sessions

Adaptive Tip: To make it easier to cut stems, flowers or other materials to use in the mandala, try PETA Easi- Grip Scissors – makes it easy for those with a weak grip , see PETA (UK) Ltd  https://peta-uk.com/?post_type=product&s=scissors
Look out for the symbols indicating which activities build on or suit those with specific skills - featured in the Year-Round Gardening Activities book.

Extension Activity Photo Exhibition:  Mandalas can be very ephemeral – changed in a second or slowly fading and decaying back into nature if created outdoors. However, you can capture the beauty of your /your groups mandala’s in a photograph . Why not print your photos and create a mandala art display or use natural  material which will keep (the kitchen cupboard may yield up lots of  beans, lentils, rice or use scrunched up coloured tissue paper), glueing them into position,  to create a more permanent mandala for display or for individuals to take away.

Email Sign-up receive information about online Live Demonstrations and other training events straight to your email inbox at the bottom of the Trellis homepage https://www.trellisscotland.org.uk/