A Funky Floral Mandala Table

How many times have you started out redoing a piece of furniture and mid way through it just completely takes on a mind of its own? Such was the case with this end table, but I know exactly when my creative process changed gears, this one wasn’t a surprise, it was when my wonderful (online) friend Pam from BeColorful, introduced me to the designs of textile artist Susan Sargent. I immediately fell in love with Susan’s bold designs, especially her flower patterns and knew I wanted to incorporate them into the plan.

See, when I had sketched out this piece originally (and I don’t always draw out my pieces first, just sometimes when I’m stuck) I was going for more of a “country” look but then enter Pam and Susan Sargent.

Immediately I incorporated her flower design, (although not exact) onto the side panel (and yes, I actual free handed it!) but in doing so it changed the mood of the entire piece. I couldn’t do the bandana print or the hen; there wasn’t a country feel anymore it had taken on whole different vibe.

The sides looked great, but I was drawing a blank on the top? That’s when the thought of a Mandala came to mind. Recently, I’ve been playing around with Mandalas in my journals. Have you ever heard of a Mandala? I was reintroduced to them through a webpage called Art-Is-Fun where artist Thaneeya McArdle has created fun coloring pages and designs to inspire you (plus, she has a ton of other fantastic stuff too). So, I knew this piece was calling out for a Mandala, not a real busy one, but a simple one, and that's what I decided to draw on the top.

I did this by using tracers. A few months ago while wondering around our local bargain center I picked up this large box of strange sized file folders (really cheap!). I use file folders to make stencils or tracers. I found a small Mandala that I liked in a chunky graphics book I have that I often use for insperation and drew out the design onto a blank folder. I cut them out and then traced them on the table top. I did this to create a somewhat of a uniformed look.

I then colored in the form with the different patterns that I used throughout the sides of the piece, allowing the flowers to become the center focal piece.

I added a swirly handle for extra fun (Hobby Lobby 50% off $1.50) and my piece was finally complete.

I did decide to keep the cow print and the lone star on the back, a whisper of the previous design, plus in some quirky way it worked.

Have you ever tried creating a Mandala? They are so much fun to color! You’ll have to try them out.

Happy Painting,



Mary

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