Head back to school in style with your own unique handmade notebook! Make notes at school or use as a diary or sketch book, you can keep it in your bag and take it with you anywhere.
Creating colourful mandalas is a simple and effective activity which allows you to relax and be mindful, a perfect way to enjoy the rest of the summer holidays before school starts!
Activity created for Maped Helix by Allo Maman Dodo
You will need
- Compass
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Colouring pencils
- Felt tip pens
- Needle and thread
Steps
Step 1
Create your mandala pattern by creating rosettes with the compass. First draw a circle, then draw several semicircles inside, each time placing the point on an intersection to create the petals. Circle around to create overlapping rosettes.
![](https://mapedhelix.co.za/storage/2022/10/maped_creativ_activity_kids_diy_mandala_notebook_01.jpg)
Step 2
Now add some detail to your design by drawing freehand. You could add zig-zags, waves, spots or anything else you like. The more details there are, the better the mandala will be!
![](https://mapedhelix.co.za/storage/2022/10/maped_creativ_activity_kids_diy_mandala_notebook_02.jpg)
Step 3
Decide on a colour scheme and choose 6 to 8 coloured pencils or felt pens to complete your design.
![](https://mapedhelix.co.za/storage/2022/09/maped_creativ_activity_kids_diy_mandala_notebook_03.jpg)
Step 4
Start colouring in the mandalas until there is no more white space! This will be the cover of your notebook.
![](https://mapedhelix.co.za/storage/2022/09/maped_creativ_activity_kids_diy_mandala_notebook_03.jpg)
Step 5
Fold your mandala design in half, along with some plain white A4 paper.
![](https://mapedhelix.co.za/storage/2022/09/maped_creativ_activity_kids_diy_mandala_notebook_05.jpg)
Step 6
Ask an adult to help you with this step or to do it for you. With a large needle, poke a few holes down the centre of the paper, then use the needle and thread to sew in and out through the holes to connect the sheets together. Finish with a knot to hold everything in place.
![](https://mapedhelix.co.za/storage/2022/10/maped_creativ_activity_kids_diy_mandala_notebook_06.jpg)
Step 7
Your unique notebook is finished and ready to use! You can create other designs in different colours of your choice!
![](https://mapedhelix.co.za/storage/2022/10/maped_creativ_activity_kids_diy_mandala_notebook_08.jpg)