Project #209

Time: 2-3 Class Periods
Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced
Cleanup: Soap & Water

Materials:

Block Print Material or Carving Blocks

Tracing Paper

Pencil

Cardstock

Scissors

Tape

Block Printing Ink

Block Printing Paper

Linoleum Cutters or Linozips

Ink Tray

Brayer

Step 1
Divide a 2-1/2" square of cardstock into four equal quarters. In the top left section, draw a line, starting at the center and finishing at the top. Rotate the square 90 degrees and draw the same line. Repeat this two more times so all four sections are the same. Number the sections 1 through 4 in the outermost corners and cut apart on the lines you drew.
Step 2
Arrange the sections so all the numbers are in the center, swapping the positions of sections 1 and 4, then sections 2 and 3. Tape the finished shape together and design a pattern inside. Using a pencil and transfer paper, transfer the shape and pattern onto both sides of a 2-1/2 x 2-1/2" square of Soft-Kut block printing material, making sure to align the shape on both sides.
Step 3
Cut out the shape and pattern on the top side of the block, then the shape on the bottom side. Trim away the sides on both top and bottom so only the shape and pattern remains.
Step 4
Roll out your choice of ink with a brayer. Prepare a second ink color with a different brayer as well. Ink the pattern side of the block with the first color.
Step 5
Stamp the first color in the center of your paper. Clean the stamp, then apply the second color and stamp around the first color, being careful to rotate the stamp so the pattern tessellates. Repeat this process again as many times as you want, alternating ink colors.
Tip
Here are some other tessellation designs to try - or come up with your own!