Category: Mindfulness Crafting

1. Crocheting Mandala's

   Posted on 7:00pm Monday 17th Mar 2025

   Crocheting Mandala's for the Spectrum SHOP project is just beginning to unfold for me—a journey of mindfulness, creativity, and discovery. As a beginner crocheter, I’m finding that each stitch is teaching me something new, not just about crochet but about patience, focus, and the meditative rhythm of making. The repetitive motion is calming, offering a way to be present while creating something beautiful. I'm loving this, especially now, when so much to worry about is happening in the world.

   I’m also exploring the deep cultural and spiritual significance of mandalas, which symbolize unity and balance across many traditions. From Tibetan sand mandalas to Indian rangoli, these circular designs hold meaning beyond their intricate patterns. While I’m still learning, I already appreciate how universal and timeless this art form is.

   The Purpose of a Tibetan Sand Mandala - Sand Mandalas: Creating A Perfectly Harmonious World Sand-painted Mandalas are used as tools for consecrating the earth and its inhabitants. According to Tibetan Buddhist belief, in general all Mandalas have outer, inner and secret meanings. On the outer level they represent the world in it s divine form; on the inner level they represent a map by which the ordinary human mind is transformed into an enlightened mind; and on the secret level they depict the primordially perfect balance of the subtle energies of the body and the clear light dimension of the mind. The creation of a sand painting is said to effect purification and healing on all three levels.

   Some Rangoli Design Ideas - Mandala Rangoli Design Images (Kolam Ideas)

   Understanding how to keep crochet circles flat has been an interesting challenge for me. I’m researching different stitch heights, increase methods, and tension control, testing out what works best. I’m also learning a lot from others—through tutorials, discussions, and shared experiences—and I plan to pass this knowledge along, linking to helpful resources.   Click here to read what I've learnt so far

   This is one of my mandala creations where I carried on following the "flat circle" theory that I researched and tested out - read here I'm now at a stage where I can attach it to my wire circle (in this case it was from an old lamp shade I purchased from a local charity shop). I've stretched the circle out and attached it the circle with clips, ready for crocheting to the wire.

   And then with some strategical placed chain lengths I created flower petals for this one. At the moment it looks like there are too many petals but I'm hoping when it's stretched out and fastened to a circle it will look smashing. Watch this space......

   At the end of this project, who knows? I might even create my own free crochet pattern to share my findings! There’s still so much to explore, but that’s part of the excitement.

2. Learning a new trick

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 29th Nov 2024

   Macrame is a fun, tactile craft that’s great for creating small, decorative pieces perfect for the Christmas season. Using just a few simple knots, you can make charming ornaments like mini Christmas trees, stars, or angels, which bring a handmade touch to Christmas decor. Small projects like these are also ideal for beginners, allowing you to explore basic macrame techniques without committing to a large project.

   A couple of days ago I decided to have a go at this wonderful craft, see if I could recreate the beautiful circular visions I had seen.  The 'SNOWFLAKES' kit I sell seemed the obvious choice, little mini projects, each of which could be completed in an hour or two. Well to my delight I smashed it.

   The macrame bug took hold and other creations appeared.

   Bergin & Bath Mandala Kits -   Premium craft kits, planet-friendly projects, packaged with style.   Our motto is  #CraftnotCrap

   The joy with purchasing a kit is that ALL the instructions, macrame yarn, circles and beads are included in the kit so as a starting point these are great. Once you've mastered the 1st one, you then know what materials to buy and there are plenty of free tutorials to move you on a stage. Macrame for Beginners offers a range of Christmas tutorials, including projects for mini wreaths, Christmas trees, and stars. Each design is beginner-friendly, using accessible materials and providing step-by-step guides for easy crafting. You can explore options like cinnamon stick ornaments or gnomes, which are perfect for the holidays​ Macrame for Beginners. Marching North has tutorials for several easy macrame Christmas ornaments, like macrame angels and a tassel ornament incorporating dried orange slices for a rustic feel. These projects use simple materials and can be completed quickly, making them great for quick gift ideas or festive touches around your home​ Marching North Macrame Reindeer Ornaments - Carolina Montoni offers a tutorial on crafting small reindeer ornaments that would add a whimsical, handmade charm to any Christmas tree. This beginner-friendly project focuses on simple knotting techniques, making it accessible for anyone looking to add a festive touch to their decor​ Grit and Graceful Macrame Angel Ornaments - Chasta from Soulful Notions has an easy-to-follow guide on creating angel ornaments using soft, golden-hued macrame cord. These delicate angels can be customized with various colors to suit your tree or holiday theme. Lori Lori also offers a simpler version if you're looking to create a few in quick succession​ Curious Craft Studio Macrame Candy Cane Ornament - Julia Tothefullest shares a DIY for candy cane ornaments made with colorful macrame cord, perfect for a traditional holiday look. This quick project uses basic knots and can be a fun way to introduce kids to macrame​ Grit and Graceful For more inspiration, consider joining a macrame community, such as the Macrame for Beginners Facebook group, where crafters share ideas, troubleshoot projects, and offer support to fellow beginners. These sources provide creative ideas that balance skill-building with the joy of handmade Christmas decor!