Tessellation Art Project for Kids
Learn how to make a tessellation drawing with this step-by-step art project for kids. Create your own template and repeat the shape to make a colorful design inspired by M.C. Escher.
Print Tutorial
Equipment
- Scissors
- Tape
Supplies
- 1 3" x 3" Post-it note or square note card
- Pencil
- Drawing paper
- Markers colored pencils, or crayons
- Optional: Permanent marker or pen
Instructions
- BEFORE YOU BEGIN: Cut note cards into 3" x 3" squares if you are not using square Post-it notes. Have drawing paper and other materials ready. Consider showing students examples of M.C. Escher's tessellations before starting.
- DRAW A LINE ON THE LEFT SIDE: Draw a simple curved or angular line that starts and ends on the same left edge of your Post-it note. Make sure the line does not cross over itself.
- CUT OUT THE SHAPE: Carefully cut along your line in one continuous cut. Keep the piece you remove.
- TAPE TO THE OPPOSITE SIDE: Move the cut-out piece directly to the right side without rotating or flipping it. Line up the original left edge of the cut-out with the right edge of your square and tape it securely.
- REPEAT ON THE TOP AND BOTTOM: Draw another simple line that starts and ends on the top edge. Cut along the line and move that piece directly to the bottom without rotating or flipping it. Line up the edges and tape it in place.
- TRACE THE SHAPE: Place your finished template near the middle of your drawing paper. You can tilt it slightly before tracing. Carefully trace around the entire shape with a pencil.
- LINE UP AND TRACE AGAIN: Slide your template next to the first tracing so the edges fit together like puzzle pieces. Keep it facing the same direction and trace the remaining three sides.
- FILL THE PAPER: Continue moving and tracing the template until the whole paper is covered with repeating shapes. Some shapes will go off the edges of the paper.
- ADD CREATIVE DETAILS: Turn your shape into a recognizable object or abstract design. Practice on your template or scrap paper first. Repeat one design or alternate between two different designs.
- OUTLINE YOUR DRAWING: Carefully trace over your pencil lines and details with a permanent marker or pen. Let the ink dry before erasing extra pencil marks.
- COLOR IN A PATTERN: Use markers, colored pencils, or crayons to color your tessellation. Repeat colors or alternate between different color combinations.
Encourage kids to keep their lines simple. Complicated lines can make the shapes difficult to cut and trace. I recommend this tessellation project for fourth grade and older because of the precision needed to create the repeating pattern.
Notes
- Use sturdy paper or lightweight cardstock to make a template that holds up to repeated tracing.
- Keep the template facing the same direction as you move it around the paper.
- Hold the template firmly and line up the edges carefully before tracing.
- Practice tracing the template on scrap paper before starting your final drawing.
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Cost: under $5