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Create beautiful woven wall art in a mindful, meditative way with Inga Savage’s DIY instructions for 17 gorgeous mandalas. Explore the therapeutic properties of weaving as you learn how to make incredibly intricate mandalas using traditional techniques, dowels and yarn. Start your yarn mandala journey today.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book to review from David & Charles. The opinions expressed are my own.
Discover how to make incredible woven yarn mandalas in a mindful, meditative way. This is a practical book of instructions for woven mandalas, starting with very simple four-sided mandalas through to more complex designs, with an emphasis on how they can be a tool to aid wellbeing.
David & Charles
Create Beautiful Mandalas with Yarn
I’m always looking for ways to use some of my extra yarn and now I can create beautiful wall art with the instructions in Yarn Mandalas for Beginners & Beyond.
This book provides step-by-step instructions for 17 colorful mandalas, starting with a simple four-sided version and finishing with more complex twelve-sided mandalas.
With guidance on choosing the right materials, including dowels and yarn, you’ll learn how to make patterns like daggers, squares and lots more.
Making mandalas can be a mindful and meditative activity, so there are also tips on using intention, color therapy and visualisation while you create.
Yarn Mandalas for Beginners & Beyond
Included in Yarn Mandalas for Beginners & Beyond are a variety of beginner friendly Mandala designs to get you started. More advanced multi-sided Mandala Designs that require more than 2 wooden dowels are also included, as well as, Energy Center Mandalas.
The first section of the book will teach you the basics, including how to make the first cross at the center of the Mandala (pages 22-23), how to make a double center (pages 24-25), how to wrap the dowels, how to change colors (page 27) and how to adjust and maintain your weaving tension (page 26).
First though, you will need to prepare the dowels. Detailed instructions are included from page 20-21. Along with written instructions, you will find images showing you how to mark and cut the dowels.
FOUR-SIDED MANDALAS
INSIGHT | 12 X 12 inches | 3/16 inch (4 mm) diameter wooden dowels X 2 (12-inch)
BLUE HORIZON | 12 X 12 inches | 1/16 inch (2 mm) diameter wooden dowels X 2 (12-inch)
EARTH AND FIRE | 12 X 12 inches | 3/16 inch (4 mm) diameter wooden dowels X 2 (12-inch)
PEACEFUL LIGHT | 12 X 12 inches | 3/16 inch (4 mm) diameter wooden dowels X 2 (12-inch)
MULTI-SIDED MANDALAS
RETRO VINTAGE | 12 X 12 inches | 1/16 inch (2 mm) diameter wooden dowels X 4 (12-inch)
PURE AND SIMPLE | 12 X 12 inches | 1/16 inch (2 mm) diameter wooden dowels X 4 (12-inch)
LITTLE GEM | 16 X 16 inches | 1/4 inch (2 mm) diameter wooden dowels X 4 (16-inch)
STAR BRIGHT | 14 X 14 inches | 1/16 inch (2 mm) diameter wooden dowels X 4 (14-inch)
SAGE BRUSH | 14 X 14 inches | 1/16 inch (2 mm) diameter wooden dowels X 4 (14-inch)
GOLDEN WAY | 12 X 12 inches | 3/16 inch (4 mm) diameter wooden dowels X 4 (12-inch)
ENERGY CENTER MANDALAS
These designs are based on the Energy Centers that regulate our immune system, organ function and emotions.
Before you begin, read the section “HOW TO BEGIN – SETTING AN INTENTION”. It helps you prepare and get in the right mindset for your Mandala.
ROOT | 12 X 12 inches | 3/16 inch (4 mm) diameter wooden dowels X 4 (12-inch)
VITALITY | 14 X 14 inches | 1/16 inch (4 mm) diameter wooden dowels X 4 (14-inch)
SOLAR | 12 X 12 inches | 3/16 inch (4 mm) diameter wooden dowels X 4 (12-inch)
HEART | 12 X 12 inches | 3/16 inch (4 mm) diameter wooden dowels X 4 (12-inch)
THROAT | 12 X 12 inches | 3/16 inch (4 mm) diameter wooden dowels X 4 (12-inch)
EYEBROW | 12 X 12 inches | 3/16 inch (4 mm) diameter wooden dowels X 4 (12-inch)
CROWN | 12 X 12 inches | 3/16 inch (4 mm) diameter wooden dowels X 6 (12-inch)
Supplies
The tools and materials you will need are included on page 8-15 of the book. By having the supplies on hand and ready to go you will be able to begin weaving whenever the mood strikes.
BASIC HARDWARE
The tools you will need include basic hardware, such as a hacksaw, tape measure (ruler), files to make flat or triangular notches in the dowels, a box-cutter (knife or chisel) and glue.
YARN
You will also need yarn. 100% wool, or acrylic yarns are recommended. The projects use Worsted Weight (Aran Weight) yarns in multiple colors.
The amount of yarn you will need for a given project can vary based on how you wind, tie and cut your strands but Inga Savage has included a handy chart with approximate amounts you will need for different Mandala sizes. For example for a 12 X 12 inch mandala you will need approximately 225 grams of yarn.
WOODEN DOWELS
The size (diameter) of the dowels you need depends on the size Mandala you are weaving. The type of wood you choose is also important as some woods are more bendy than others.
If you weave tightly when you create your Mandala your dowels may bend, or break. Helpful tips on how to overcome this are included on page 14.
Techniques Section
The techniques section includes finishing instructions, hanging instructions and TIPS to help your Yarn Mandala making process easy and frustration-free.
The Common Design Elements included are Daggers, Circle, Diamond and Star. Also included in this section is how to add embroidery to your Mandala.
My Favorites
I’ve always loved Mandalas. I find them soothing and beautiful to look at. Weaving my own using yarn (which I always have on hand) will be (I’m hoping) a fun activity I can do with my children, family and friends. I already have plans to see if I can gather and prepare the necessary supplies so my sisters, mom and I (and probably a few nieces and nephews too) can weave up wall hangings of our own.
My favorite Yarn Mandalas are:
I love Heart and Vitality. Although I will need to practise on some of the 4 sided Mandalas first and think I will begin with Insight.
Unleash your creativity and improve your wellbeing with Inga Savage’s captivating guide on crafting woven yarn mandalas. Through a step-by-step approach, readers are guided from creating simple four-sided designs to intricate 12-sided patterns, utilizing various techniques and materials. The book emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of this mindful craft and encourages active presence during the process with ‘Mindful Moments’. With 17 vibrant designs and techniques for adding unique elements like tassels and embroidery, Savage’s book empowers readers to create stunning woven wall art while nurturing their mental wellness – all one needs is yarn and dowels to commence this rewarding journey.
If you were not the winner of the Giveaway and you would still like to have your own copy of this fantastic book, you can purchase your book at Amazon:
Unlock your creativity and enhance your wellbeing with the soothing power of weaving. The secret? Mandalas! Dive into Yarn Mandalas for Beginners & Beyond and uncover step-by-step instructions to create beautiful, intricate yarn mandalas. Unleash color, patterns, and peace in every weave. The journey from simple four-sided mandalas to complex designs awaits you. Let each stitch be a step towards tranquility. #WeaveWellnessIntoYourWorld 🌈🧘♀️
Create beautiful, intricate mandalas with the soothing power of weaving. From 4-sided mandalas to complex designs, follow step-by-step instructions with Yarn Mandalas for Beginners and Beyond! #WeaveWellnessIntoYourWorld 🧘♀️
Those mandalas are beautiful! I think I would try to make every one of them in that book!
Yarn Mandalas Review – This is a fabulous book! I was actually thinking of picking it up last week, but now I’ll wait and see what happens. I looked through the whole book too, and it is just like you say. Very interesting, with clear and informative instructions. Good luck to all who enter!
This is the grown-up version of the Eye of God from grade school, only way more artistic and meaningful!
I’ve always want to try and make Mandalas so this looks like a great book to start the process.
I definitely want to try a star mandala. Tho all of them are beautiful. I love the creativity!
WOW! These mandalas are awesome and intriguing. I love them all but perhaps the Insight Mandala is my favorite. I’d love to give this a try!
Those mandalas are beautiful! I think I would try to make every one of them in that book!
Yarn Mandalas Review – This is a fabulous book! I was actually thinking of picking it up last week, but now I’ll wait and see what happens. I looked through the whole book too, and it is just like you say. Very interesting, with clear and informative instructions. Good luck to all who enter!
This is the grown-up version of the Eye of God from grade school, only way more artistic and meaningful!
I’ve always want to try and make Mandalas so this looks like a great book to start the process.
I definitely want to try a star mandala. Tho all of them are beautiful. I love the creativity!
WOW! These mandalas are awesome and intriguing. I love them all but perhaps the Insight Mandala is my favorite. I’d love to give this a try!