Heart and Flower Likhita Japa

This project was designed for the kindergarten class – "K is for Kindness" and "L is for Love." The painting was done in class and the children's assignment was to take the mandala home and fill in one petal a day with likhita japa, finishing on the last day with the border. We explained to them that because love and kindness helps all things become beautiful, grow and flourish, this daily discipline will produce a most beautiful person ... filled with love and kindness (just like this painting!)

Materials
Watercolor paper
Water soluble colored pencils
Paintbrush
Small bowl of water
Heart and Mandala Template (see below)
Fine point writing pens (black or colors)

Directions
1. Copy the Heart and Mandala Template onto card stock paper. Cut out.

2. Using a water soluble pencil, trace the mandala onto your piece of watercolor paper.

3. Then using the same colored pencil, trace the hearts into a flower shape (inside the mandala) onto the watercolor paper.

4. Once the design is in place, have the child color the entire mandala with the water soluble pencils. It is good to emphasize that you should not apply too much color. The pressure should be light and consistent.

5. After coloring, it's time to bring out the brush! Dip the brush in water. Give it a shake or two to remove the excess water. And then begin painting over your design. Be prepared for lots of "ooohs and aahhhs" — it's a lot of fun to watch the colored pencils turn into paint!!

Click on the template page below and print.

Be sure and adjust your printing size, if necessary.

Mandala colored with pencils

Water brushed on to the colors.

Likhita japa added to the painting