Cross-Stitch Mandalas: 20 Unique Projects Celebrating Color Stories from Around the World

Crafting meets New Age mysticism in Vautier’s unsatisfying debut. The vibrant cross-stitch projects feature circular geometric designs inspired by Buddhist, Hindu, and Jainist mandalas. Each takes cues from a different locale; for example, the violets and pinks in the “Osaka” mandala pay tribute to Japanese cherry blossoms, and the blues and whites found in the “Delft” design reflect the color scheme of the distinctive pottery style that shares its name with the Dutch town. Unfortunately, other projects have only arbitrary connections to their namesakes, as when Vautier suggests that Botswana and the orange and black arrangement that bears its name have in common “some indefinable je ne sais quoi.” Superfluous sidebars accompanying each project list the supposed healing powers of crystals whose colors match those of the given mandala. For instance, Vautier pairs black obsidian with the black-accented “Romania” design and asserts that the stone “fortifies the body” and “brings calm and balance.” Additionally, the color charts are supplemented by only the briefest of written instructions, and there are disappointingly few tips on preferred materials and how to make various stitches. The intricate designs are pleasant enough, but there’s too little instruction and too much extraneous spiritual material. This comes up short. (Apr.)