Repeating Patterns

Let's have fun with patterns! This exercise in design can be used as decorative paper for wrapping gifts, scrapbooking and card making.

Ages 6 and up.

Supplies:

  • Thin cardboard
  • Pencil with eraser
  • Scissors
  • White Paper
  • Colored Pencils

 

Instructions:

1. Using a pencil, draw a random shape on the cardboard and cut it out.
2. Create a repeating pattern on the white paper by tracing around the shape many times. Make the shapes touch each other in the same way in each row.
3. Older students may wish to add another layer of the pattern at a different angle.

4. Use colored pencils to fill in the shapes created. Here are several examples:

  • Gray and white
  • Monochrome violet
  • Violet and Yellow overlap*

* This is for more advanced students. Fill in some shapes solidly and others with overlapping colors. Use light layers of colored pencils for this.

 

© Karine Bauch 2008. All rights reserved.

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