8. Boho Mandala Stencil Painted Tray
What This Idea Means
Mandala designs are recognized for their delicate, intricate geometric symmetry. Using a mandala stencil on a wooden tray creates a spiritual, relaxing bohemian aesthetic ideal for holding candles, crystals, or tea sets.
Supplies Needed
- Wooden tray
- Circular mandala stencil
- Painter’s tape
- Chalk paint or acrylic paint (white, cream, or gold)
- Stencil sponge or dabbing brush
- Clear coat spray
How to Make It
- Paint your tray in a solid, contrasting base color like deep plum, teal, or warm dark stain.
- Center the mandala stencil on the tray floor and secure all four sides firmly with painter’s tape.
- Lightly dip your stencil sponge in white or metallic gold paint, dabbing off almost all excess paint on a paper towel.
- Gently tap the sponge vertically over the stencil cutouts.
- Carefully lift the stencil straight up while the paint is still slightly damp.
- Allow the design to dry and seal with clear spray varnish.
Tips and Variations
- Tip: Less paint on your brush prevents paint from bleeding under the stencil edges.
- Variation: Paint four mini quarter-mandalas in each of the four corners of the tray instead of one large center medallion.