Mandala Magic: Pattern Building with Tiny Stamps – A Relaxing Cardmaking & Journaling Technique
Are you hoarding tiny stamps and unsure how to use them beyond the obvious — like background fillers or small embellishments? Let me show you how to transform them into bold, eye-catching mandala-inspired patterns that take centre stage ..
Whether you’re journaling, cardmaking, or just looking for a creative escape, this technique is simple, relaxing, and will make you see your smaller stamps in a whole new light.
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A bit of background:
I’m using one of my Shady Design stamp sets called “A Bit On The Side.” When I designed this A5 set, I wanted every element to do more than it looks like it should.
The larger elements are perfect for making tags or focal panels. The smaller stamps can add extra detail, build backgrounds — or help with one of my favourite things: pattern building!
Here’s a look at the small accessory stamps I used and how they were combined into larger mandala-style designs:
To be able to share some of my pattern building ideas, I decided to create a YouTube video showing how each pattern came together.
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🎥 What You’ll Learn in This Video:
- How to build balanced mandala patterns without any colouring
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Easy repeat techniques using tiny accessory stamps
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2 completely different mandala-inspired designs — using the same stamp set
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How to turn your patterns into cards or art journal pages
🎥 Watch the full tutorial here:
Here’s a peek at the finished designs you’ll see come together in the video:
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Why It Works:
Tiny stamps often get overlooked, but they can add so much structure, rhythm, and movement when used thoughtfully. Instead of focusing on colouring or layering images, this technique is all about placement, contrast, and repetition.
🖼️ Finished Ideas You Can Try:
In the video I create a larger mandala inspired pattern and after fully colouring the pattern, I cut it out, This gave me lots of diferent way to use the pattern in my art journal. Sometimes it is easier to do that because our journals can be tricky to stamp in once we start filling the pages:
🔹 Idea #1 – Art Journal Left & Corners Layout
I cut the large mandala pattern in half. One half went on the left-hand side of the page, and the other was trimmed down to form two corners. A few splats and a sentiment finished the page.
🔹 Idea #2 – Soft Watercolour Layering
The same mandala design was trimmed and layered over a soft watercolour background in coordinating colours. This creates a blended look, almost like the pattern is melting into the page.
🔹 Idea #3 – Circular Card Front
📝 Tips for Success:
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Stick to a consistent stamp style (organic shapes or florals work well).
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Use a light pencil guide or centre dot to help with symmetry.
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Rotate your paper instead of your stamp block — it's easier!
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Leave areas intentionally unfinished for modern, airy balance.
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Try stamping in coloured inks for a whole new vibe.
Did you notice something ...?
Yep — I used purple! After the art journal page disaster (see HERE), I decided to give purple another try. This time, I stuck to a blue-based tone, and surprisingly... it worked!
I hope this gives you a new way to look at the stamps you already have — especially the little ones we often overlook. Sometimes, slowing down and repeating simple shapes can unlock something really satisfying. Whether you build something bold or something more delicate, there’s no right or wrong way to play with pattern. If you try this, I’d love to see what you come up with.
Until next time, take care,
xxx
PS: I think that might be enough purple for a while… 😂
P.P.S. If you’d like to try these techniques for yourself, there’s currently 10% off all Shady Designs stamps — including this set. Quote 10SD at checkout. Might be the perfect excuse to play. 😉
👉 https://www.dollydimplescrafts.co.uk/shady-designs-collections
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