BEADING Articles 3 min read

Make Beaded Mandala Jewelry Projects

beaded mandala jewelry projects
Join us at Maker Festivals Colorado, the ultimate crafting extravaganza in Loveland from April 10-13, 2024, where the beloved Yarn Fest evolves with an exciting addition of beads and jewelry artists!

Mandalas are ancient, sacred symbols that have found their way into modern culture through beaded jewelry, textile motifs, yoga fashion (affiliate link), and more. According to mandalaproject.org, a mandala is a “cosmic diagram that reminds us of our relation to the infinite, the world that extends both beyond and within our bodies and minds.” A beaded mandala jewelry project might be the perfect remedy for a stressful day.

Loosely translated, the word “mandala” means circle. Mandalas represent the wholeness of the universe in many traditions and they’re often used as tools for meditation. In general, a mandala has a center that radiates outward in concentric circles or a concentric design. Many people believe that this pattern has a transformative quality – that the mandala can lead to deep calm and facilitate new insight, both through making and observing the symbol.

Making Beaded Mandala Jewelry

Mandala artwork has been made through the ages. Making a beaded mandala is a meaningful way to tap into the same spirit. The radiating pattern is a universally sacred and absorbing symbol, whether you’re making one or wearing it. Mandalas can provide a sense of calmness and clarity and a feeling of connection to the universe.

Here are a few projects to inspire you to make your own beaded mandalas.

Modern Mandalas Necklace by Beth A. Moser - beaded mandala jewelry
Modern Mandalas Necklace by Beth A. Moser

Modern Mandalas Necklace

The Modern Mandalas Necklace by Beth A. Moser uses metal filigree components as the foundation for each mandala. Use bead embroidery, three sizes of seed beads, and embroidery floss to create little works of art, then link them together. The edges of each mandala are embellished with brick stitch for a radiant effect. I love the mixture of colors, but you could certainly adjust them if you prefer a symmetrical look. Once you learn the techniques, you can use them to create earrings.

Tucson Vista Necklace by Shanna Steele
Tucson Vista Necklace by Shanna Steele

Tucson Vista Necklace

This gorgeous Tucson Vista Necklace by Shanna Steele evokes the sweeping views of the desert. Make it with a dramatic palette of SuperDuos and sparkly crystal rivolis worked in peyote stitch. As you weave the concentric circles, the effect is like making a mandala. The straps on each side of the necklace are simple to weave and create the look of a thick, woven chain. The mandalas at the center of the necklace reflect the energy of the sun.

Mandala Dreams Set by Barbara Falkowitz
Mandala Dreams Set by Barbara Falkowitz

Mandala Dreams Pendant

Barbara Falkowitz’s easy Mandala Dreams Pendant uses right-angle weave and circular netting. The pattern extends out from the center, resembling a mandala. Use MiniDuos and Silky two-hole shaped beads with seed beads to stitch these eye-catching beaded components. This pretty color palette is earthy and autumnal – switch it up with shades of turquoise/blue for a different look.

Heliotrope Earrings by Reem Iverson
Heliotrope Earrings by Reem Iverson

Heliotrope Earrings

The Heliotrope Earrings by Reem Iverson use three different stitches to create a radiating effect that’s inspired by the sun. Use tubular right-angle weave, tubular peyote stitch, and circular herringbone stitch with monochromatic beads for a vintage look. They work up quickly and you’ll probably find yourself wearing them with everything. These beaded mandalas can be used as pendants, multiple focal elements on a necklace, or stitched together to make a bracelet.

Royal Medallions by Kelli Burns
Royal Medallions by Kelli Burns

Royal Medallions

Kelli Burns gives rivolis the royal treatment in this Royal Medallions bead-embroidered and brick-stitched bracelet. Creating a bezel for each of these 12mm rivolis is quick and easy and is a good opportunity to get into the flow. The first round of seed beads is worked into a foundation using bead embroidery, making it easy to follow with rounds of peyote stitch. You’ll use brick stitch and picots to finish the edges of the beaded mandalas. This project is a lovely example of combining straight-up bling with traditional seed beads for a beautiful, wearable bracelet.

beaded mandala jewelry: Mandala Magic Set by Maggie Roschyk
Mandala Magic Set by Maggie Roschyk

Mandala Magic

Use brick stitch to create this Mandala Magic Set by Maggie Roschyk. You can make a bracelet, necklace, and earrings, or choose to make one now and save the rest for later. The earrings are especially clever – the beadwork is connected to loops on the earring hoop. The colorful stripes are reminiscent of a Tibetan sand mandala. Making mandalas can be a meditative endeavor and wearing them can be a good reminder to find your Zen.

Beadwork Presents: 8 DIY Patterns for Bohemian Jewelry
Beadwork Presents: 8 DIY Patterns for Bohemian Jewelry

8 DIY Patterns for Bohemian Jewelry

Beadwork Presents: 8 DIY Patterns for Bohemian Jewelry offers a variety of bohemian-inspired projects in a wide range of techniques and skill levels. The cover project and some of the projects inside are inspired by mandalas. Inside this eBook, you’ll find four bracelets created primarily with seed beads, two trendy and stylish dangle earring patterns, and two necklace designs that incorporate unique techniques.

Make Your Own Mandalas

Making your own mandala is satisfying on a variety of levels. The techniques are meditative and the resulting beaded jewelry is beautiful. Tamara Honaman shares insights and tips in her article Bead Weaving, Meditation, Mandalas and Malas. There’s also a great deal of information in Debbie Blair’s article How to Make and Use Malas for Stress-Free Living. There are so many ways to make your own colorful mandala.

If you’re intrigued by mandalas and you also enjoy crochet, then be sure to read We Love Mandalas! for more ideas. In addition to beaded mandala jewelry, you can make mandalas to decorate your surroundings.

Happy beading,
Katie Hacker
Interim Managing Editor of Beadwork


Make beaded mandala jewelry with these inspiring projects.

  • Tucson Vista Necklace Pattern Download

    $7.99

  • Sale!

    Beadwork Presents: 8 DIY Patterns for Bohemian Jewelry eBook

    $19.99 $10.00

  • Mandala Dreams Pendant Pattern Download

    $7.99

  • Modern Mandalas Necklace Pattern Download

    $7.99

  • Heliotrope Earrings Pattern Download

    $7.99

  • Royal Medallions Pattern Download

    $7.99

  • Mandala Magic Set Pattern Download

    $7.99

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Bead & Jewelry

Annual Charter Membership ​

(Limited Time Offer)​

$78.00 $24.95/year

  • 250+ Projects – Fresh for Each Season ($2,000 value)​
  • 100 Member Exclusive Projects ($800+​ value)​​​
  • 10,000+ Pieces of Expert Advice (Priceless)​​​
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The membership you’d like to join​

Interweave Knits

Annual Charter Membership ​

(Limited Time Offer)​

$78.00 $24.95/year

  • 250+ Projects – Fresh for Each Season ($1,400 value)​
  • 100 Member Exclusive Projects ($500 value)​​​
  • 10,000+ Pieces of Expert Advice (Priceless)​​​
  • To View All Benefits Click Here for Bead+Jewelry or here Interweave Knits