Workshop Software, Materials, and Tools

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You will learn three different ways to make a layered paper mandala using Cricut Design Space, Inkscape, and/or Adobe Illustrator. You do not need all three programs — I'm showing you all three, so you have options and choices. For additional support in creating your SVGs and making precisely what you envision, just the way you want, without compromise. Imagine having the know-how to impress everyone, even yourself, with what you can create check out the Cut Above SVG Design Course.

Software

Cricut Design Space (free for desktop, iOS, and Android — I'll be demonstrating on desktop)

Inkscape (free, requires Mac or Windows desktop)

Adobe Illustrator (monthly fee, 7-day free trial, requires Mac or Windows desktop)

Materials

• Four to Six (4-6) Sheets of 8.5" x 11" or 12" x 12" 65-80 lb. Solid Core Cardstock (various colors) -AND-
• One (1) Sheet of 8.5" x 11" or 12" x 12" Glitter Cardstock (optional for accent layer) -OR-
• One (1) Sheet of 8.5" x 11" or 12" x 12" 65-80 lb. Foil Cardstock (optional for accent layer)
• Shadow Box Frame (optional for displaying your finished mandala)

Tools

• A method to cut your cardstock - I used the amazing Cricut Maker 3, but you can also use the Cricut Maker, a Cricut Explore Series machine, or even the Joy for smaller mandalas
• Cricut Green StandardGrip Machine Mat 12" x 12"
• Bearly Art Adhesive Foam Tape -OR- Adhesive Foam Micro Pop Dots 
• Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue (use discount code JENNIFERMAKER at checkout to save 10%)
• Brayer
• Spatula
• Scraper
• Scissors (optional for cutting adhesive foam to size) -OR-
• Cricut TrueControl Knife (optional for cutting adhesive foam to size) -AND-
• Self Healing Cutting Mat
• Weeding Tool (optional for popping out small cardstock pieces and/or removing adhesive foam backing)
• Tweezers (optional for applying small adhesive foam pieces)
• Ruler (optional for measuring your shadow box)
• Design elements for your mandala (see attached file below)

Projects

First, we're going to use the Weld and Slice features to create a simple mandala design in Cricut Design Space. Then, we're going to use the Offset feature in Design Space to create the rest of our mandala's layers. Next, we're going to create a slightly more complex mandala design from start to finish using Inkscape. Finally, we're going to make a more challenging mandala design from start to finish in Adobe Illustrator.



While these projects are not the primary focus of this workshop, some of you might like to know how I made them and what supplies I used. So I will demonstrate how to make them using the supplies listed above.

Do you need more mandala inspiration? Check out these projects from my library:

• Floral Heart Mandala - https://jennifermaker.com/floral-heart-svg/ #470
• Easy Cricut Mandalas - https://jennifermaker.com/cricut-mandalas/ #424
• Shadow Box Frames - https://jennifermaker.com/diy-shadow-box-frames/ #423 
• Layered Cardinal Shadow Box - https://jennifermaker.com/cardinal-svg/ #401
• Layered Heart Design - https://jennifermaker.com/heart-layered-svg/ #372
• Layered Sea Animals - https://jennifermaker.com/layered-sea-animals-svgs/ #316
• Layered Butterfly Mandala - https://jennifermaker.com/3d-butterfly-wall-art/ #309
• Layered Mandala Rose - https://jennifermaker.com/layered-mandala-rose-3d/ #302
• Layered Heart Mandala - https://jennifermaker.com/layered-heart-mandala/ #282
• Layered Mandala Earrings - https://jennifermaker.com/cricut-earrings-layered-mandala/ #238
• Layered Hummingbird - https://jennifermaker.com/hummingbird-svg/ #234
• 3D Layered Paper Cut Star - https://jennifermaker.com/3d-paper-art-star/ #232
• 3D Layered Paper Cut Pinwheel https://jennifermaker.com/3d-layered-paper-art-pinwheel/ #231
• 3D Layered Paper Cut Crystal - https://jennifermaker.com/3d-layered-cut-art-crystal-diamond/ #229
• 3D Layered Paper Cut Flower - https://jennifermaker.com/3d-layered-paper-cut-flower/ #228
• 3D Paper Bunny and Chick - https://jennifermaker.com/paper-bunny-chick/ #207
• 3D Layered Easter Eggs - https://jennifermaker.com/3d-layered-eggs-mandala/ #206
• 3D Paper Animals - https://jennifermaker.com/3d-paper-animals/ #200
• Layered 3D Mandala Wheel - https://jennifermaker.com/layered-3d-mandalas/ #192
• Layered 3D Mandala Flower - https://jennifermaker.com/layered-3d-mandalas/ #191
• Layered Mandal (Sunflower) - https://jennifermaker.com/layered-3d-mandalas/ #190
• 3D Paper Animals - https://jennifermaker.com/3d-paper-animals/ #200

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Jennifer Marx is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.