Creating a tessellation is simple with a few basic art supplies.
A tessellation is a repeated pattern of the same shape that fills a whole area, such as a sheet of paper. Making a template using an index card is the easiest way to reliably create a tessellation. This is a great project to do with children, either to explore color and shape or as part of a math unit on tessellations. Tessellations can be left as abstract patterns or turned into figures such as people, flowers or animals by adding lines to the finished tessellation.
Instructions
1. Cut the index card into a square by drawing a line 3 inches from the edge and cutting along it. You can also make a rectangular tessellation by skipping this step.
2. Draw a curved or zigzag line beginning at the bottom left corner of the index card and ending at the bottom right corner.
3. Draw another line from the top left to the bottom right corner of the card. Be careful not to let your lines overlap.
4. Cut carefully along the line you drew on the bottom portion of the card. Without flipping or turning the cut piece, line up the bottom edge of the cut piece with the top edge of the card. Attach with tape.
5. Repeat step four with the piece cut from the left side of the card. Reinforce both edges by putting clear tape on the front and back of the card.
6. Put the tessellation template in the top left corner of the large drawing paper and trace around the outside. Then slide the template along the paper until the left edge of the template lines up with the right edge of the tracing and trace again. Repeat until the page is covered. You can now color your design.
