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How to Make a Tessellation Out of a Photo

A tessellation is a series of shapes or patterns repeated over and over to cover a surface without any gaps or overlays, according to Linda Pearce at California State University, Northridge. Tessellations are also called "tilings," and can be seen everywhere from kitchen floors to expensive art galleries. The artist M.C. Escher is famous for his intricate tessellations, but beginning artists can easily create simple tessellations from a photograph or drawing.

Things You'll Need

  • Photocopier or scanner
  • Scissors
  • Poster board
  • Glue stick
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Instructions

    • 1

      Photocopy or scan and print a photograph. Make at least 20 copies. The total number needed will vary depending on the size of the final product.

    • 2

      Trim the edges of the copies with scissors to remove any excess paper. Cut straight, clean lines so that each copy is the same size.

    • 3

      Lay all of the copies on a piece of poster board. Place them flush against each other. Look for any white space between the copies. White space signifies that a cut isn't straight, so the pieces don't fit together properly. Remove those copies and replace them with new ones.

    • 4

      Remove the copies and place them within easy reach. Take one copy and coat the back lightly with glue from a glue stick. Pay extra attention to the edges and corners.

    • 5

      Affix a copy to one corner of the poster board. Line up the corner of the copy so it is flush with the corner of the poster board. Press down on the corner of the copy with the palm of your hand, then slide your hand towards the opposite corner to prevent any wrinkles.

    • 6

      Affix the next copy to the poster board directly above or beside the first. Position it so the edges of the two copies are flush and no white space is visible between them. Press down with the palm of your hand and smooth away from the first copy. Repeat this until all of the copies are in place.

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