Symmetrical Art

What is Symmetry?

Symmetry is when an object or drawing looks the same on one side as the other, like a mirror image or repeat pattern. It can be found in nature, on butterflies for example, that have the same opposite patterns on both wings.

You will need:

Paper
Pencil
Felt tip pens
Scissors

Method

Symmetrical Name Art

1. Fold a sheet of paper diagonally in half, and cut off the remaining rectangle to form a square, (see pictures opposite).

2. Fold the square paper in half diagonally, then in half again to make 4 triangles. (For a more complex version, fold the paper diagonally in half again to create 8 small triangles).

3. Position the triangular shape so that the long edge is at the bottom. Using a pencil, sketch your name across the triangle, filling the whole space. This could be done in any style, such as bubble writing, block capitals or joined up writing.

4. Once you are happy with the design, use a dark coloured felt tip pen or marker to go over the outlines.

5. Open out the paper and fold in half diagonally, so that the name is in the bottom left hand side of the triangle. Turn over the paper and hold it up to a window and trace through the design, (the traced name will look like a mirror image).

6. Open out the paper, fold in half again and continue to trace the names in each section of the paper, refolding and tracing until all 4 (or 8 triangles), are complete.

7. Colour in the name, repeating the same colours on each letter of the name, to add to the symmetrical effect. Colour the background one colour, or leave white.

Try using the names of family members or friends, in different writing styles and colours.

Paper Cut Outs

1. Fold a sheet of paper in half, then fold each half in half again.

2. Use a pencil to draw a simple person, animal, flower or other shape. Ensure that the design has an area of at least the width of a finger where it reaches both edges of the folded paper (see red lines on photo opposite).

3. Carefully cut out, ensuring that you do not cut along the folded edges (where I have drawn the red lines).

4. Open out the paper to reveal the symmetrical design.

5. Decorate the cut out with pens, pencils or recycled materials.

Try making a concertina of family members or friends. Join several cut outs for a longer chain, or use larger sheets of paper such as the double page of newspaper or a magazine.