No! In fact, all you need is a couple bottles of quality acrylic paint, some cardstock, and various round-shaped items you probably have around the house!

You can use the end of an unsharpened pencil, a tube of lip balm, an old tube of lipstick, the end of a paintbrush, the handle of a cotton swab with the cotton removed, a toothpick — even an inexpensive set of drill bits! I started out with a set of crochet needles that had different sized ends that were flat!

Like any hobby, there are a ton of tools that can make the job easier, but none are NECESSARY to get started. Check out my list of Favorite Things for some suggestions!

The consistency of your paint is more important than the brand of paint. My experience is that DecoArt paints tend to be a very good consistency right out of the bottle. What you want is paint that will create a mound when you stir it and remove the stick. The mound should level out slowly. If you get more of a peak that doesn’t go down on its own, that is too thick. If the paint does not form any mound and looks like water, then it is too thin.

Not at all! Many dot artists have little to no art background – there are lots of videos on YouTube and patterns geared for complete beginners to help you get started. It will probably take some practice to develop your sense for spacing and symmetry, but you will see big improvements in a very short time if you stick with it!

It depends on what you will be doing with your painting. Most of the mandalas that I have hanging in my home have not been sealed at all and they don’t look any different 5+ years later! If I plan to place a stone outside in the weather, I have used an aerosol spray sealant. If I paint a plate or a tray that I want to be food-safe, I use resin!

No, please direct friends who are interested in painting my designs to my webpage to purchase the pattern.

Absolutely! I would love to give you tips, feedback, and even just to say hello – you can reach me at shalene@dottingwithfriends.com