Mandalas for relaxation

Mandalas, meaning “circles” in Sanskrit, are known to boost the immune system, by reducing the stress, activating the brain stem, imaginative thinking and connecting with our emotions.

How emotions are linked to Mandala?

I always used to think that Mandala is very complex as it has so many concentric circles and the precision while drawing should be followed. I was so hesitant at the beginning to give it a try as I had assumed that this will induce stress instead of relaxation. When I started drawing patterns and colouring them with different shades of black, I realised that I could create patterns using strokes and it was really satisfying.

Your mood decides the pattern and how intricate the design is. The Mandala art internalises the unconscious emotions within us.

If you observe further, Mandalas go from the centre outwards. The colors and shapes indicate our sub-conscious thinking. Thereby, we are connecting with ourselves, rebuilding and freeing us from inhibitions.

My daughter and I recently started creating a few Mandala designs of our own. Thus far, it has been a very relaxing and refreshing activity during these prolonged periods of being at home.

`

Try it out and share your thoughts πŸ™‚

Regards,

Sriranjini

Advertisement

Quilling workshop at Snehadhara foundation

The workshop was fun-filled and packed with loads of creativity among the kids and adults. The newspaper quilled craft was introduced to the group. The session started with warm-up songs and introducing newspaper as the main medium for the craft.

The kids with special needs understood the concept of rolling the paper and tried rolling the newspaper to strips. It was wonderful to see the excitement and the focus that they exhibited while learning the technique. It was not easy for them to do on their own initially but with support they were able to roll the newspaper into strips. 

When the rolled strips were handed over to them and were asked of them to shape into coils, some were able to do it on their own while the others accomplished it with some support. The creativity that the support group and rest of the regular children showed was mind-blowing. These kids were asked to roll out different shapes from the newspaper strips and glue together to form an artefact. Hairband, necklace, anklet, binocular, spectacles, table coasters,  face, kumkum holder, chariot etc. were created out of newspaper quilling.

pipilika session

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The group was so fascinated about their own creations and with regular practice their motor skills will improve further and they will be able to create different artefacts by combining different shaped quilled coils.  

 

Quilled Fusion Earring (Jhumka)

Jhumkas and silk sarees are traditional South Indian attire for weddings and grand occasions. The Jhumka is quilled into domes and attached using beads and danglers. The crystals and the flower shaped beads are chosen based on the color of the dress and user preference. These earrings are very lightweight and waterproof.

I have put together instructables for this atΒ http://www.instructables.com/id/Quilled-Fusion-Earring-Jhumka/

 

Happy Quilling πŸ™‚