Chalk dust mandala

Mandala, meaning “circle” in Sanskrit, is a geometric design which has deep symbolism and meaning in Hindu and Buddhist cultures. They represent the universe and may be used for meditation. Buddhist monks make sand mandalas from coloured sand, originally made from ground stones, to represent the impermanence of life. Rangoli sand designs are used for festivals such as Diwali, Hindu festival of lights.

Today’s craft is inspired by this and sidewalk chalk art that people are creating to share with neighbours and to thank frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Make a chalk dust mandala!  Have fun with this variation on sidewalk chalk art and get creative outside, at home. Here's how we did it. Experiment and have fun doing it your way!

Time: 2 hours or more

Supplies

  • Sidewalk chalk
  • Grater
  • Small containers
  • Spoon
  • String
  • Scissors
  • Paper to make cones or Ziploc bags
  • Round trays or plates
  • Flowers, small natural items such as stones or pine cones

Directions

Step one

Grate the chalk into dust.

Step two

Draw a circle. You can use the string or plates to shape your circle.

Step three

Make your design using chalk dust and the spoon, cones, or bags.

Step four

Add flowers, pinecones or stones if you wish.

​​​​​​​​​​​​
undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null