Puzzle Art

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• 

  Step 1

  First off, you need to make your template.
  Find a sort of thick paper, like cardstock. I used an index card.
  I don't recommend using cardboard, as it might be hard to cut out evenly and use for this, but you can try it if you want to.
  Now cut it into an even square.
  It doesn't matter how big it is, but just remember that the smaller it is, the more work you'll have to do.
  Mine was around 2.5 inches, or about 7cm.

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  Step 2

  Next, draw a sort of wavy design on one side of your card.
  It's important that the line touches both corners of its edge and doesn't stretch out into the middle.
  I don't recommend doing something very intricate, and simple things look nicer with this project anyway.
  Next, draw another line on a different side that is NOT opposite the one you just drew.
  When you're done drawing both lines, there should be an empty side opposite both of them.

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  Step 3

  Carefully now, cut them out.
  Don't cut them in half or anything.
  You will need all 4 parts.

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  Step 4

  Take one piece and tape it to the side opposite the one it was cut out of.
  There should be a cut out side, and the opposite one should be the part that was cut out.
  Make sure it's taped down very well.
  Do the same to the other side.

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  Step 5

  Now that you have one big template, trace it randomly onto a piece of paper.
  IT doesn't matter where, just make sure you trace every single side of it.

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  Step 6

  Now take your template and slide it over so it fits into the other side of what you just traced.
  It'll make sense once you're doing it.
  Trace it again.

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  Step 7

  And again.
  Keep going until you've filled the entire page.
  It's okay if it goes off the sides of it.

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  Step 8

  It should look like this once you've filled it all.

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  Step 9

  Pick a color and color in a random piece.
  Now follow this example and color it in sort of like a checkerboard.
  No two same color sides should touch, but the corners will.
  I recommend using a neutral color and a bright color or pattern, because it might be a bit too loud if it's 2 bright colors.
  I always use white and another color.
  Now you're done with your new work of art.

Comments

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jolle f. · Belgium, Wisconsin, US · 1 project 21st April 2010

I made a thing like that last year at school

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Cadia95 · U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado, US · 1 project 6th April 2010

We had to do the "cut and bump" method for art class except that we had to make ours look like animals. O_0 Not my favorite project.

But I love love love yours. It is much more abstract and seems less... frustrating.

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valeria v. · La Plata, Buenos Aires Province, AR · 1 project 25th February 2010

love it, yes its tesselation projects and M.C Escher has many incredible examples of what you can do with this idea

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Jessica K. · Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US 10th June 2009

oooh a math teacher had us do this in high school! i still have one framed on my bedroom wall but i'd forgotten how to do it!

thanks for the reminder!

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Gelf T. 2nd January 2009

I believe it's called a tesselating pattern.
Love the look of it and love the yellow and white combo!

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Gelf T. 2nd January 2009

I believe it's called a tesselating pattern.
Love the look of it and love the yellow and white combo!

Reply

Frustrated Crafter · 10 projects 2nd September 2008

COOL - Hmmm.... I'm thinking that would be a fabulous technique for a trompe l'oiel backsplash in my tiny and oh-so-boring kitchen!

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DIS.AR.RAY · Las Vegas, Nevada, US · 32 projects 11th August 2008

Thats really cool! It looks crazy funky.

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DIS.AR.RAY · Las Vegas, Nevada, US · 32 projects 11th August 2008

Thats really cool! It looks crazy funky.

Reply