How To Make Mandala Stones EASY Hand Form Directions | How To Paint Dot Mandalas with Lydia May

In this tutorial I show you step by step instruction on how to hand form your own round stones for dot mandala painting.
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Supplies used: MATS USED: amzn.to/2FQmU9J
Quickrete cement: amzn.to/2CLkjuH
Drydex pink stuff: amzn.to/2MlnNrS
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[@LydiaMay]

For dotting tools, beginners kits, mandala stencils, stone molds, and ALL of your dot art needs, please visit the one-stop-shop, my website at www.DotArtDepot.com Great deals and a 10% off coupon! Restocking items daily.

[@beckykukoski8678]

You are awesome. I had to subscribe.

[@emmaport8377]

Do you ship to the UK ? 🙏

[@alleycat5061]

Do you ship to Canada?

[@RS-mf8iq]

Great tutorial going to try

[@robertapearson3507]

Wow - Lydia - what a great resource for those who can’t get stones !!! Wonderful tutorial on all the steps and tips on using the quickset concrete. The bottom of the stone you made actually looked like a natural stone. It would have fooled me for sure. Thank you for sharing your art with all of us. God bless you. 👵🏻💕🐾

[@jnordfors]

This is an excellent idea. In National Parks and State Parks visitors are asked not to remove rocks from the beaches and river beds as they are important for the local ecology/drainage/seawall/etc. I avoid taking anything from public lands. I spent a lot of money for river rocks from Mexico for a group to paint. Felt guilty about that too, taking from other areas. Making my own, from now on. Thanks for the video.

[@occipitalneuralgia2339]

Janet Nordfors yes, rocks actually also supply much needed minerals to native plants, and the wildlife. Do not take rocks, or other materials from natural areas? In Chicago region, you can get a $250.00 fine for taking anything out it the forest preserves.

[@IrishRebel88]

It's just rocks. The earth has literally billions and billions and billions of them. Of course, if we all took rocks from the same river ( or even the same wild areas ) it would be a problem, but that's not likely to happen. We humans think we have much more impact on nature than we actually do, at least when we're talking about picking up rocks or picking a flower, etc.

[@deanablythe9394]

Wow! Lydia, that was great, never thought I could make my own stones and you made it look so easy. Thanks for sharing this knowledge with us, you are a star

[@LydiaMay]

XOXOXO

[@user-rh2lz1wp1t]

This is amazing Can't wait to try it. Thank you darling. Lovely watching you again. Full of positive energy!!!

[@debbiejeanmalunjao20]

Natalia Noden wow nice or amazing

[@melaniegee]

Whoaaaaaa!!!! I’m so excited!!! You’ve been holding out on me woman!! This is great! Thank you so much!! Love ya! Mean it! 😘❤️❤️

[@LydiaMay]

I love you! I'm texting you now!

[@livingcreatively1]

Thank you Lydia. I didnt know what to look for to make my own stones.

[@axerxes3981]

Lydia... way cool!! So simple and so effective. Thanks for sharing..... you do incredible work!! Ax

[@anniehowes338]

What a great idea.. thanks Lydia x

[@raebruce4377]

Thank you so much. This is exactly what I have been looking for.

[@mariadow11]

Wow, great tutorial, thank you for showing us a great way to make stones xo

[@LiveLaughSmile]

I loved it! Thank you!

[@charsbabushka]

Brilliant! I have to give this a try. Thank you.

[@shandaturman9974]

Ooooo wonderfulL. My next purchase will be this stuff. I was hoping for a video on making my own stones. This is awesome! Thank you so very much!!!

[@brendasmyth3196]

Thank u for showing Ur video I can't wait to try it👍💖

[@susanherbstreit6421]

Thanks Lydia!!

[@simonevarey6857]

What a great alternative to rocks. Thanks.

[@MidlifePrices]

That’s cool! Can’t even tell the difference. 👌🏻

[@SandDollar60]

Beautiful and SMART! 😃

[@Sainaparween-7869]

Superb idea. Thank you

[@olgamarchenko6576]

WOW !!! Super!

[@Ana.Arte7]

Great idea!!!! Thanks 💟🌹☺

[@virginiaholliday6952]

Thank you. I finally found this video.

[@checkyourhead9]

AWESOME I FOUND THE ANSWERS TO THE ANNOYING QUESTIONS THAT I LEFT ON ANOTHER VIDEO OF YOURS!! 🔮💃💜😀🎨

[@AE-yp8ty]

after struggling with some homemade molds, i tried this method and immediately chucked those crappy molds. i don't need them! this method makes the perfect size and shape and i have complete control over the process. thanks so much for sharing.

[@tanyastille5536]

I absolutely love this idea. Where I live all the rocks are jagged. This is a great idea!!!

[@LydiaMay]

Great, I'm glad to help!

[@kaymoon7424]

Very cool Lydia! A friend gave me a bag of that stuff, I'm like you, I can get nice natural stones, but what the heck, I'll give it a try! Thanks for sharing!!

[@LydiaMay]

Absolutely Kay! XOXO

[@DeeptaR]

Awesome! 😍

[@loriagarcia8114]

This is awesome!! Thanks for sharing!!💖

[@LydiaMay]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching! XOXO

[@Skittl1321]

That's really clever

[@calamityjane7665]

Great video! I made six rocks within about an hour. I couldn't quite get the surface smooth enough so had to spackle and sand a bit to smooth them out.

[@helenhorne8479]

What a wonderful idea, I am off to the hardware store today :-) :-) Clever Girl !!!!!!!!

[@LydiaMay]

Awesome, Helen! XOXO

[@Sallyhomesteader]

Very nice! I’ll try this for sure!

[@LydiaMay]

Have fun!

[@sanetredgard8886]

Thank you Lydia. I battle to get these stones and will now makes them myself.

[@LydiaMay]

Awesome! I am so glad to help! XOXO

[@texasgemtree]

I made my first handmade stone today! It turned out perfect! Thank you so much!

[@pamtheado5325]

Love it. Thanks.

[@minniem820]

Hi Lydia!! What a wonderful idea!!!! :D Thanks for sharing! :)

[@cacevedo07]

Great idea, thanks for sharing it!

[@LydiaMay]

Thank you!

[@JEHomestead]

Lydia, Thank you for this tutorial! I have a place to get rocks, but will definitely try this. Pretty cool! Hugs, Judy

[@LydiaMay]

My pleasure! Enjoy! XOXO

[@artcapsule4411]

Awesome idea!! Its clever😍😍 keep it up👍

[@marthacano6143]

Fabulosa idea gracias!!!!

[@sanditubia5061]

I have been searching for a good recipe to make my own stones. Gypsum powder left my stones too fragile. But good for Christmas tree ornaments, because it's light weight. I've mixed plaster of Paris of Paris, Mortar and Gypsum and that's a bit stronger. I pour them into molds. BUT.... I am loving this hand made method! I will be buying this Quick Crete today and trying my hand at this. I want the durability, this looks to have. Thank you so much for sharing your secret!

[@terrydiamond4571]

Perfect,can't find any molds in my area so I will be using that. Thanks sooo much

[@donnacapuano4585]

Hi Lydia. Thank you for this tutorial. I was looking for a substitute for Gypsum powder since it's so expensive. Can I use this mix with stone mold?

[@sadiaafrinsnaha]

Thank you so so so much Lynda....I can never find perfect stone in my area....this is gonna help me so much....thanks for sharing this idea....❤❤❤❤thanks again...💗💗

[@cherylburkitt9722]

Good job.. thankyou

[@anneharb3540]

hi and thanks for the video! how long after making the stone can you start to paint it?

[@mwalburn5936]

I will let you know when I used quikkrette for the next stone. I was not in a hurry to release the stone since I failed two times. I let it set over night. I don't think it needed that much time. I will get back to you when I make another......thank you again for all you do.

[@alleycat5061]

I can’t wait to try this! Could you pour this product into your tea light mold and use it that way too?

[@anitaelghandor5489]

Thank you so much!!!

[@LydiaMay]

My pleasure!! XOXO

[@theoriginalkaro]

Love your video! I bought the same Quickcrete you have and made several stones following your video. However, mine have cracks in them 😕 What did I do wrong? I came back and watched your video again, but don't see anything I did different except I made mine a tiny bit larger. I did notice that my Quickcrete did not seem to get warm as I was working with it. I will keep trying!

[@tangotangoh]

Thanks for this. Been wondering how to make round stones, just like making patties! Just bought Crayola Air-Dry Clay to make stones as cement is not safe to use (advice from DIY store). Will also try with plaster of Paris.

[@caligurl56xoxo]

I see cabinet door knobs all dot painted in the making!

[@LydiaMay]

I'd dot that! LOL

[@TheLadybughug]

awesome! not only that you sell them, but you offer the alternative. I was actually wondering the other day if anyone thought of selling rocks on etsy or ebay lol! you are beautiful inside and out and I thank you so much for this. a friend shared this with me and I am beyond grateful. i live in northern ontario... in mining country, but where the small stones are sharp and not paintable. the large are often perfect and boulder size! anyways! merci!

[@LydiaMay]

It makes me happy that I was a help. Have fun! XOXO

[@fabulousfriend3616]

M addicted to ur channel. Lots of love from Pakistan

[@LydiaMay]

Thank you!

[@ArtJournalJunkie]

Thanks so much for the tutorial! Just subscribed to your channel (came across here from your FaceBook group). As Indont live in an area where we get natural stone like you do, this method will become a great way for me to start dotting!

[@LydiaMay]

Awesome! Thank you! Let me know how it goes. XOXO

[@bikiferron2147]

jejejejeje, muy listaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, graciasssssssssssssssss

[@anamariahurtado6972]

If in my country I can’t find that quick concret, or cement, can I use a regular cement, please aswer me than you 👍❤️

[@cathybelk-cb3ei]

Thank you so much l can't afford purchasing stones. I needed your help

[@mazmain9248]

Thanks so much for sharing this idea, being disabled I can't go looking for rock and I love to paint them.

[@creatrixcorvusarts876]

I love playing with concrete!

[@sandrarivera4161]

Hola Lydia, me parece muy bien éste tutorial. Es cemento común o es alguno en especial? Saludos desde Guadalajara, Jalisco. México

[@Akshay-pe4fp]

It's so beautiful Here from india

[@LastGrlStanding]

Thank you sooooo much for this! And for your other tutorials. When it comes to art I can follow instructions but I lack the creativity (or confidence) to do it myself so your tutorials are perfect. Thanks to you I look at my rocks and think “I did that!?!” I’ve been putting little notes on the back and leaving them in random places for people to find. Thank you so much for sharing!!! Oh! I do have one question... do you always use the water stop mortar quikrete or will other quikrete products work? Your rocks are so much darker and smoother than mine (I’m using the concrete mix) Also, how long do you let the rocks dry before painting them? I’m so excited to paint my homemade rocks but the color is still changing so I’m thinking they need to dry more?

[@LydiaMay]

I love that! So, looking at the video to see what you mean, The first hand formed stone I held up was in the raw and the ones on my table are already painted black. I noticed they seemed to get lighter as they cured. In this tutorial, I only used Quickrete but now I do like using gypsum as it seems much stronger. Some in my group mix the two and are happy with the combo. For more info, you can join my Facebook group. Just Google @howtopaintdotmandalas and look for Lydia May's Dot Mandala Sharing group. XOXO

[@ippasrishailireddy4135]

Thanku so much for this video 😍😍 This a better idea 😣🥺😘😘

[@LydiaMay]

My pleasure 😊

[@ippasrishailireddy4135]

Same iam tryed it

[@azurepink5737]

Great tutorial. I'd want to be putting some cement powder in that bowl after you've made your rock then put your formed rock back in the bowl and swirl it around and around to get it symmetrical. I don't know if it would work tho. Worth a try.

[@nancy9704]

I love this idea! They look real to me! I'm thinking I might go to your shop soon to get me some of the ones you sell!! :)

[@JanaMayDreamHoes]

Thank you so much! How long do I have to wait before I can paint the rock? I am new to the art of Mandala and 💗 LOVE 💗 your tutorials.

[@LydiaMay]

I would say to wait at least 2 days. Even longer if you can.

[@JessicaNiles]

@@LydiaMay ooh! Glad I read this question/answer!!!

[@annkastura1849]

For those who have physical disabilities, and cannot search for “natural” stones, THANK YOU for sharing this technique to make them. I have viewed this video and seen the finished product. My questions are: (1) Did the concrete stone dry that dark, or had it already had a coat of black paint❓ (2) Specifically, what paint would you suggest to paint the surface of the “woman”-made-stone❓

[@LydiaMay]

XOXO It does dry that color. Any brand craft paint seems to work fine. I used DecoArt and Apple Barrel brands with no problems.

[@nasimshareghi2900]

Hi dear Lydia good wirk as always these days I was a little busy, I couldn't come and say hi Wish u luck💓💋

[@bikiferron2147]

me ha encantado tambien tu pagina de la tienda, muy interesante!!!!. Te he dejado un pequeño mensaje

[@LydiaMay]

I got it! LOL XOXOXO ;)

[@My3Katz]

Thank you for making this tutorial. I searched for Portland cement mix to make pots & other garden ornaments. I'm 86 so I'm not about to your an 80# bag of cement. The smaller bags were expensive...& still pretty heavy. Your video showed there is a cement option in a weight I can handle & at a price I'm willing to pay. I never find nice round stones & I'm not willing to pay the price. I've made polymer clay discs for Mandalay. It's okay, but I prefer stones. I picked up my 10# this morning @ Home Depot. Can't wait to get started. Again, thank you!

[@LydiaMay]

Thank you for your comment, Hazel. I am so glad to have been of assistance. I would love to see what you create! Also, I LOVE your profile pic!

[@LydiaMay]

If you're on Social Media, you should share with me in my Facebook group: Lydia May's Mandala Sharing. Or on my Instagram. You can tag me in a photo @lydiamay.dottymandolly XOXO

[@jalprajapati4352]

We'll done

[@deborahtawadros567]

Would plaster work for this?

[@olgarosenblum5471]

Visual is great, sound comes in and out

[@nancycampbell7792]

Actually I love your video right @ the beginning ---- YOUR HI ALWAYS MAKES ME WISH I KNEW YOU...!!!! I LOVE YOUR TEACHINGS AND CONTINUE TO FOLLOW FROM CANADA! BE SAFE

[@janetgernand9123]

Can you place Quikcrete in a silicone mold?

[@kimberlyfendt8282]

Thank you so much for this video tutorial! I live in Hawaii and it is impossible to find stones other then lava. As many know, first painting on lava doesn't work well and secondly, it is said to bring bad luck to take them off the island. The Volcano National Park receives hundreds of rocks that people return claiming to be cursed. Strange but true. Anyway, thanks again and I can't wait to make some.

[@LydiaMay]

Understandable! I am so glad to help! Let me know how it goes. XOXO

[@tinak.3022]

Hi Lydia! Thanks for showing us how to make our own stones. I can’t believe the money you have saved us. I’m extremely new to this craft and I adore your videos. Also, I am a new subscriber to your channel. I do have a question for you though. When you mess up and say the dots touch sometimes, what do you suggest be done? I get so frustrated when that happens and feel like I have to start all over again. Help please 🙏🏻🥺

[@sinhaa3110]

Did u use cement to make this??? Will Plaster of paris be accessable for this craft?

[@beckykukoski8678]

How long does it take to dry before you can paint on the rock?

[@Hissage]

Can you use silicon molds ?

[@wildroseranch1]

Can you use Portland cement

[@fludrbywest3886]

You Rock Miranda❣️😆 literally and the other ways too ❣️ excellent idea , thank you for sharing ❣️🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼👍🏻🤣

[@LydiaMay]

Hahahah! I am LYDIA but I will let Miranda know you said so.

[@riabruijsschaart1447]

Wauw

[@denisedejesus8031]

What did you use to do the stones I could figure out how. What kind of mixture did you use. Thanks for sharing and for your help I'm a beginner...

[@LydiaMay]

Hi there. I show the product itself in the video. It is called Quickrete water-stop cement. You just add a little water and mix and form. :) Best of luck!

[@denisedejesus8031]

Lydia May thank you for answer my request I'm so glad so know I'm going to start doing this beautiful project. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR SHARING THIS INFORMATION...

[@susanwolf2930]

Hi, I'm having trouble getting the stone smooth. What am I doing wrong?

[@brendasnider7130]

That's so awesome what a great idea. What kind of regular stone's do you use? Are they called river rocks? Or something else? I saw river rocks at the hardware store but they were pretty small only had a couple medium size ones didn't think they were worth the price could get enough to use why I thought maybe there was some other kind but walked around everything else was more like big gravel only have been to Home depot try to go somewhere else whenever I can start on dotting unfortunately can't do much with my arms yet just hurts too bad to even type on my phone. Been a mess that's for sure can't get anything done yet have to have back surgery end of this month get healed from that first unfortunately be awhile longer. 😔 5 hour back surgery said 2 month's recovery at least. Well awesome job on them might try making them if can't find any in Indiana but going to keep looking if I can find them. Would you please let me know what they are called pretty please. Thanks hon.❤❤❤❤❤❤ Love you Love watching your videos have saved every single one so whenever I can start dotting can follow along and do it like yours. Can't wait till I can.😃

[@marionward5958]

Brilliant. Once I get to the builders supplies and find the UK equivalent, I will no longer be buying from amazon!!!😊

[@sueahmad8680]

Please coukd you tell me what you are using in the UK?

[@Caninecancersucksrocks]

I’m really lucky, lol, there’s a river not more than a km from our farm, plus we’re forever picking stones from our fields. (My hubby was delighted that I finally found a use for those dreaded things! 😂). But I can see how many people can’t just toddle down to the river or field to grab some, especially in cities, so this stuff would be VERY handy!! I know my husband would look at me like I’d lost my mind if I made some, lol, but this is going on the “to try” list as it would save me a lot of work using the Dremel tool on the sharp edges of some stones. Finding naturally round stones is almost impossible, and with this you know exactly what you’re getting and can decide the shape. Thank you so much for ALL of your videos Lydia, you’ve really helped me get back into dot mandalas again after too many years away from it! ❤️

[@suzbrh]

Have you ever used the Qwikrete in the Dotting Company molds? Very informative video. Thanks!

[@LydiaMay]

I do not use their molds but in my own molds I have tried both Quickrete and gypsum and I find gypsum to be much stronger.

[@suzbrh]

Lydia May thank you so much!

[@RT-yc3tk]

do you have to basecoat with gesso before painting?

[@LydiaMay]

Nope.

[@sherrykthompson]

Wow, new concept. How long does it take from start to finish?

[@LydiaMay]

This is almost real time, I only sped up a few points of the mixing part. It is all done in about 5 minutes. Be sure to mix one stone at a time. Best of luck!

[@glendacrosbywilkins4246]

Could you use air dry clay for making stones?

[@LydiaMay]

I don't see why not. Good looking out! I have never tried the air dry clay for stones but have seen the bake kind and it works out beautifully.

[@jabl7459]

I live in the desert and cant find round stones. So I am going to make some of these. Thanks. I've been using heavy cardboard!

[@LydiaMay]

My pleasure. Best of luck!

[@carolwalsh7834]

I have tried these. They turned okay but no where a smooth as Lydia’s looks. Do you have a ratio of power to water.

[@TheDianeBrewer]

The rough bottom makes it look more real.

[@Sainaparween-7869]

Which powder are you using plz plz tell me

[@roguewolf7053]

💕💕💕THANK YOU SO MUCH for making this video💕💕💕 The CLOSEST place in my area that allows customers to just go in and pick out SMALL amounts of natural stone in the sizes perfect for painting is almost 1.5 HOURS AWAY (one way) from my house.😕Meaning 3 hours of JUST DRIVING TIME!! I’m disabled and long car rides, especially if I’m driving, cause me a LOT of pain. So making that trip is really difficult and takes a major toll on my body. Typically such a trip leaves me bed/couch/recliner bound for AT LEAST 1 full day. But because of the amount of bending over and lifting required while trying to find the best stone possible in those huge bins & piles of stones...ONE TRIP can ended up causing me to be laid up for 1-3 FULL DAYS.😕😕 Which CAN be worth it OCCASIONALLY IF I plan on making pieces for gifts or to sell. BUT for just trying new designs or for just practice...the pain really isn’t worth it. I’ve been SEARCHING for a way to CREATE my OWN hand formed/mold formed rocks to paint!! And THIS is the absolute BEST method & instructional video I’ve found thus far. Also...between the cost of the natural stones themselves & the cost of gas to travel THAT FAR...THIS method is going to be a LOT cheaper!! Again...THANK YOU for sharing this!!💕💕💕💕

[@LydiaMay]

I am so glad to help! XOXO

[@randomperson7670]

would I be able to use a silicon mold