3D Rainbow Layered Mandala Paper Craft

Supplies for Rainbow Mandalas

Supplies for the rainbow mandala with your Cricut are very straightforward. Once you’ve gathered your supplies click play on the video above or scroll down for a quick bullet point instructional guide.

• Rainbow mandala template
• Cardstock in rainbow colors.
• Light grip and/or standard grip Cricut mat
• Foam taps (both large and small)
• Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore machine
• Tombow liquid glue

Mandala Quick Guide Instructions

For full details be sure to watch the rainbow mandala video above! Here is a quick guide with written instructions.

Step 1: Cut out your mandalas on your cutting machine. I use a Cricut, but any machine that is SVG compatible will work! 

• Make sure to use the corresponding setting for your material. For example, 65-pound cardstock is considered medium weight in Design Space. Likewise, if you are using glitter cardstock or light cardstock, be sure to change your pressure accordingly in the Custom settings of Cricut Design space. 

Note on Machine Settings

Note: If your cardstock is tearing, try Cardstock for Intricate Cuts setting. However, if your cardstock is not cutting all the way through, try selecting MORE pressure on the cut screen. 

Step 2: After you cut all the rainbow mandala pieces, it’s time for assembly. To prep, start by laying all your parts in the correct order. If they did not cut out in the order they are meant to be layered; you can quickly check by returning to your Canvas and viewing your Layer’s Panel to the right. Starting at the bottom of the Layer’s Panel and working up will be the exact way you should assemble any mandala. 

Step 4: Each rainbow color has a background piece and a delicate intricate piece. Use the Tombow glue to add the delicate piece to each corresponding background piece.

Step 5: Add the foam tabs on the back of each color layer and the clouds. The foam tabs will act as spacers and create a lovely 3D effect. To remove those pesky backs of the tabs try using a weeding tool!

Step 6: Layer each of the rainbow colors in sequential order, starting with the solid rainbow base layer. To line, everything up, use the clouds as your guide.

Step 7: Once you have completed layering the colors of the rainbow mandala, finish the craft by adding your cloud details, and then you are finished!

Ideas for Paper Mandalas

Mandalas have many creative and fun purposes by which to show off your creation, such as on cards, signs, in bouquets, tops of gifts, canvases, and more! Check out my canvas mandala art here as well as my seasonal wood sign.

You may also love my poinsettia mandala Christmas card tutorial!