1. Ask an adult to check that the tin you are using has no sharp edges. Peel off the paper and cut a plain background paper to the same size (24.5 x 10.5cms for a standard 400g tin), ensuring that it will wrap around the tin with a small overlap.

 

2. Use old magazines, junk mail or coloured paper to make the shapes you will need. Using a ruler, measure 3cms squares by drawing lines across the paper both vertically (top to bottom) and horizontally (side to side) until you've covered the whole page in a grid of squares.

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3. Use scissors to cut out the squares, then cut each square diagonally in half to create two large triangles. For medium sized triangles, cut each triangle in half again, then in half again for even smaller triangles. For small squares, cut the full size squares in half, then half again, making four smaller squares. 

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4. Experiment with different repeat patterns such as a row of alternating triangles to make a long border strip at the top and bottom. Turn the squares sideways to create a diamond effect which could be surrounded by bordering triangles. Ensure that you leave a small gap between each shape to help emphasise the pattern. See designs opposite and below for some different layout ideas.

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5. Glue your shapes in place using PVA glue if you have it, or a glue stick. Once you have completed your design, wrap it around the tin and glue along the overlap.

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Try using different patterns and colour combinations, on different colour backgrounds.

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