Mandala Mirror

Mandala Art Mirror: Bringing Precision, Creativity, and Love to Life!

What if you could turn your engineering skills into something beautiful and meaningful? That’s exactly what I did while making a special gift for my wife, a stunning Mandala Art Mirror. By blending engineering precision with artistic flair, and even incorporating 3D printing, I was able to craft something truly unique. With tools like Fusion 360 for 3D modeling, 3D printing for intricate parts, MDF board, mirrors, and colorful Kundan stones, this project brought together modern technology and traditional craftsmanship. The process was fun and rewarding, and the best part is, you can do it too! Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just love hands-on projects, this mirror is a fantastic way to combine creativity and precision.

1. 1x 8mm MDF Board (100x100 cm)
2. 1x Round Mirror (60 cm)
3. 1x Wood Glue
4. 2x Keyhole Hangers
5. 1x Screws Kit (Phillips)
6. 1x Black Paint
7. 1x Acrylic Blue Paint
8. 1x Acrylic White Paint
9. 1x Painting Brush Set
10. Mirror Mounting Clips
11. Evil Eyes Pack
12. Kundan stones, tiny mirror stickers, and other decorative items

You can find similar decorative items or adapt the design based on your personal taste and local availability.

Tools:

Cordless Drill/Driver

3D Printer

Glass Cutter Tool

Jig Saw

Mandala Art is a form of artistic expression that involves creating intricate patterns, often in circular designs. The word "mandala" means "circle" in Sanskrit, and the art form symbolizes unity, balance, and harmony.

Mandalas usually start from a central point and expand outward with repeating shapes, symbols, or colors. They are often used in spiritual and meditation practices to promote mindfulness and focus. Mandala art can be created with various materials, such as paint, pencils, or even sand, and it's enjoyed by people for both its beauty and calming effect.

I began by sketching out a few rough reference designs in Fusion 360. This allowed me to play with different layouts and get a clear sense of the size and proportions for both the mirror and the circular MDF frame. Using 3D modeling gave me the flexibility to visualize how the final piece would come together.

Once I had a basic structure, I refined the design based on the decorative Kundan stones I found at a local market. Each piece had unique dimensions, so I carefully measured them and incorporated these details into the final design to ensure a perfect fit.

For those interested in seeing how the process evolved, I’ve attached images of the initial designs as a reference. These images reflect the early stages of development and how the idea started to take shape.

I began by visiting a local glass workshop to obtain a 60x60 cm mirror. Using a glass cutter tool, I carefully cut the mirror into a 60 cm diameter circle.

Next, I went to a wood workshop where I cut an MDF ring with an outer diameter of 80 cm and an inner diameter of 56 cm, perfectly sized to frame the mirror.

Additionally, I had the edges of both the mirror and MDF ring smoothed for a clean, polished finish.

I took the MDF frame outside and laid down some newspaper. Under the sunlight, I applied a layer of black paint evenly across the entire frame, ensuring it had a smooth, consistent finish.

Using the circular center piece of the MDF ring, I began marking reference circles on the frame. I fixed a stick at the center of the circle with a nail, then carefully marked the positions for each Kundan stone and other decorative elements. By rotating the stick over the frame, I edged the circles.

I recommend completing this step before starting any decorative work, unlike I did, as it simplifies the layout process.

I began the decoration by using small 6mm diameter mirror-finished stickers.

These were carefully applied to the outer edge, inner edge, and along the center circle that had been previously drawn, adding a reflective and intricate detail to the design.

To streamline the process of adding heart shapes, I designed a custom stamp in Fusion 360 and 3D printed it. Using blue paint, I stamped 34 evenly spaced blue hearts onto the frame, ensuring each was carefully positioned with appropriate distance between them for a balanced look.

I started by placing white Kundan stones along the reference lines, using wood glue to secure them in place.

Next, I added sky blue and blue Kundan's, following the reference circles we had drawn earlier.

I exported the heart shapes from my 3D design and 3D printed them using blue filament, as these specific shapes weren’t available in the market.

I then placed each of the 34 hearts on top of the larger stamped hearts, securing them with wood glue.

I purchased a pack of 100 evil eye embellishments from Amazon.

I carefully placed 34 of these in the center of the 3D printed hearts, using the same wood glue to secure them in place, adding a protective and decorative touch to the mirror.

I used white paint, a painting brush, and a pen to create round white dots of varying sizes.

First, I used the bottom of the pen to apply larger dots on top of each heart.

Then, using the other end of the brush, I added smaller, ascending-sized dots.

After practicing this technique, I carefully applied the dots on each heart, adding the signature touch of Mandala art to the design.

Additionally, I included a few more decorative elements to fill the inner spaces, enhancing the overall detail of the frame.

I purchased PVC mirror mount clips from a local shop (you can find the Amazon link in the supplies section).

I used six of these clips to securely attach the mirror to the frame, ensuring it was centered, and fastened them with 12 mm screws for added stability.

To ensure proper mounting, I used two MDF pieces to raise the height of the frame.

I then attached two keyhole hanger mounts, securing them with 12 mm screws and wood glue for added strength and stability.

And that’s it! Our Mandala Art Mirror is finished.

Creating the Mandala Art Mirror has been a rewarding that beautifully blends my engineering skills with artistic expression. From designing and cutting to decorating and assembling, each step allowed me to infuse personal meaning and creativity into the piece. The meticulous attention to detail, from the placement of Kundan stones to the carefully drawn mandala dots, ensured that the final product is not only visually striking but also a heartfelt gift for my wife. This project not only enhanced my crafting abilities but also deepened my appreciation for the art of creation, reminding me of the joy that comes from transforming ideas into tangible works of art.

If you enjoyed this project, don't forget to hit the like button and leave a comment below. And if you've created your own, be sure to share your experience in the "I Made It" section below.

Thank you! See you next time! ;)