How to Make Mandala Patterns with Tiny Stamps

Are you hoarding tiny stamps and wondering how to use them beyond simple backgrounds or embellishments? Tiny stamps are often overlooked, but they can be transformed into bold, mandala-inspired patterns that make stunning focal points in cardmaking, journaling, and other paper crafts.

In this tutorial, I’ll show you step by step how to build balanced mandala patterns with your small stamps — no colouring required. It’s a simple, relaxing technique that helps you see your stash in a whole new way.

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Stamp Set Used: A Bit on the Side:

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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🎥 Mandala Stamping Tutorial: What You’ll Learn:

• How to build balanced mandala patterns without any colouring

• Easy repeat techniques using tiny accessory stamps

• 2 completely different mandala-inspired designs — using the same stamp set

• 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 Tiny Stamps Work for Mandala Patterns:

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.

Mandala Stamping Project Ideas:

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

The smaller mandala design felt perfect for a circular card. But you could also cut this down into pieces, just like above, to build out more layered designs in a journal or on tags.

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Stamping Tips for Perfect Mandala Patterns:

• Stick to a consistent stamp style (organic shapes or florals work well).

• Use a light pencil guide or centre dot to help with symmetry.

• Rotate your paper instead of your stamp block — it's easier!

• Leave areas intentionally unfinished for modern, airy balance.

• Try stamping in coloured inks for a whole new vibe.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Mandala Stamping with Tiny Stamps

Q: Can I use clear stamps to make mandala patterns?
Absolutely! Clear photopolymer or acrylic stamps work perfectly for mandala stamping. Their transparency makes it easier to line up your designs and keep the pattern balanced.

Q: What ink is best for mandala stamping?
It depends on the look you want. Dye inks are great for crisp, clean impressions and layering multiple colours. Pigment inks give you a slower drying time, which is useful if you want to heat-emboss your mandala for extra dimension.

Q: Do I need a stamping platform to build mandala patterns?
No — you can create mandala patterns with just an acrylic block and a little patience. A stamping platform does make repeat stamping quicker, but rotating your paper instead of the stamp block is often the easiest trick for keeping symmetry.

Q: How can I use mandala stamped designs once they’re finished?
The beauty of mandala stamping is its versatility. You can keep the full design as a journal page or card front, or cut it into sections to make tags, corners, or layered backgrounds. It’s an easy way to get multiple projects from one stamped pattern.

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A Personal Twist: Making Purple Work in Mandalas

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.

If you’d like to save this tutorial for later, don’t forget to pin it to your craft inspiration board on Pinterest. That way, you’ll always have the mandala stamping ideas handy when you’re ready to play with your tiny stamps. 💙

Until next time, take care,

Lou
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, you can find the Shady Designs stamp set I used — along with the full collection — over at Dolly Dimples Crafts. It’s one of my favourites for pattern building and mandala stamping, and a great way to get more out of those tiny accessory stamps. 😉