Mindfulness Through Creative Play with the tickit Gem Cube and Circle Mirror Trays
Creativity and artistic exploration can be much more than paint on paper. One of the most engaging ways for children to explore artistic concepts is through colourful, tactile materials such as the tickit Gem Cube and tickit Gem Circle Mirror Trays. These resources offer an accessible way to combine art, mindfulness and imaginative play.
Working with tactile objects encourages free expression without rigid rules or fixed outcomes, providing a calming, rewarding experience. As children engage with shapes, patterns and colour, they naturally focus on the present moment, supporting stress reduction and emotional regulation.
The mirror base adds an additional mindful dimension. It provides a defined space for creativity while reflections offer visual depth, symmetry and new perspectives to explore.
How Primary Schools Are Using These Resources to Explore Mindfulness Through Creativity
“The Gem Cube Mirror Tray lends itself to sculptural exploration while also experimenting with colour combinations. Sculpture is notoriously difficult in the early years and Key Stage 1, where clay can be too challenging for fine motor skills. The geometric properties of the Gem Cubes enable children to create abstract yet meaningful sculptures with less focus on dexterity and more freedom to be creative.”
“In addition, the mirrored base supports open-ended learning linked to symmetry, angles, reflection, pattern and perspective, spanning the art and design curriculum from EYFS into Key Stage 2.”
— Rachel Comfort, Primary School Teacher, Skinners Primary School, Kent, UK
Designed with Purpose and Sustainability
At tickit we are committed to creating resources that capture the imagination, support open-ended learning and are made responsibly. Our Gem Cube and Gem Circle Mirror Trays embody this philosophy. Crafted from FSC-certified wood, these durable resources support education through years of hands-on, mindful play across classrooms and homes.
Eight Ways to Explore Art, Design and Mindfulness with the tickit Gem Mirror Trays
1. Colour Breathing Mandalas
Children select gem colours and create circular mandalas while matching their breath to each placement. This slows the creative process and supports mindfulness, symmetry awareness and colour relationships.
2. Mirror Reflections
By building only half of a design, children can observe the mirror doubling the pattern into a perfectly symmetrical artwork, strengthening spatial awareness, balance and focused attention.
3. Calm Colour Gradients
Sorting gems to form gentle gradients teaches colour theory while encouraging patience, attention to detail and mindful slowing down.
4. Light Meditation Art
Using sunlight, a lamp or a tickit Light Panel casts gem reflections across the mirror tray. Children can observe, trace or recreate the colours, merging art with sensory awareness.
5. Emotion Palette
Assigning colours to feelings allows children to create a visual mood expression. This builds emotional literacy while encouraging creative mindfulness.
6. Nature and Reflection
Adding natural elements such as leaves or petals transforms the tray into a reflective nature collage. Children become more aware of textures, shapes and colours while observing how reflections change their designs.
7. Gentle Pattern Flow and Abstract Art
Children build abstract patterns or stack gems to create 3D structures. The reflective base amplifies colour and symmetry, shifting focus toward the creative process rather than the final result.
8. Letting Go
After creating a design, children photograph or draw their design before scattering the gems to begin again. This simple exercise teaches non-attachment and the joy of the creative process.
Why the tickit Gem Circle Mirror Tray Supports Mindfulness
These smooth colourful, tactile pieces encourage experimentation with symmetry, light, balance and three-dimensional structures. These activities help build emotional awareness, concentration and calmness. Whether used by educators, therapists or parents, they fit seamlessly into art lessons, sensory sessions or mindful crafting activities.
Incorporating mindfulness into arts and crafts does not need to be complicated. With simple tools like the tickit Gem Circle and Cube Mirror Trays, children can slow down, focus and explore reflective, creative play while developing a sense of awareness and calm, and all through the art of open-ended play!