Materials
• Watercolor paper
• Water soluble colored pencils (These can be found in most craft/art stores)
• Paint Brush
• Water
• Black writing pens (or color pens for more complicated patterning)
Directions
1. With a bowl (or circle template) trace your mandala circle in the center of your paper. Then with the watercolor pencils lightly color in your areas. (We like to use no more than 3 or 4 colors.)
2. After you are satisfied with the coloring, take your brush (dipped in water) and paint over your drawing. It's like magic — the colored pencils turn into watercolor!! The younger kids really love this part.
3. Once your painting is completely dry, you can begin your likhita japa. Have them work from the outside of the circle inwards — finishing with a beautiful, silent OM.
Here are a couple of samples we share with the children to emphasize
the importance of neat and steady handwriting.
