Creating A Structured Tessellation Using Microsoft Paint

Follow the procedure below. Use the links to see the " how to's", view any work samples or for more information.

Step 1

Open Microsoft Paint.

Where can I find Microsoft Paint?

How to use Microsoft Paint.

Step 2

Draw a right angled isosceles triangle using the polygon tool. Remember to hold down the shift key as you drag the shape.

How to use the Polygon Tool.

structuredtessellation1.gif (12637 bytes)

(Click on diagram to enlarge)

 

Step 3

Use the Zoom tool to the Eraser tool to remove any excess.

 

How to use the Magnifier Tool.

How to use the eraser tool.

 

 

structuredtessellation2.gif (11727 bytes)structuredtessellation3.gif (12755 bytes)structuredtessellation4.gif (15133 bytes)

(Click on diagrams to enlarge)

 

Step 4

Select and copy your triangle. Use the paste function to make three copies so that you have four identical triangle on your page.

How to use the Select Tool.

structuredtessellation5.gif (15037 bytes)

(Click on diagram to enlarge)

 

Step 5

Select each shape one at a time and rotate them to face inwards as shown below.

How to use the Select Tool.

How to flip, rotate, stretch or skew a shape.

structuredtessellation6.gif (14902 bytes)

(Click on diagram to enlarge)

 

Step 6

Move the triangles together to make a seamless square design as shown below.

Hint: Use the magnifier tool to get a closer look.

How to use the Select Tool.

How to use the Magnifier Tool.

structuredtessellation7.gif (15301 bytes)

(Click on diagram to enlarge)

 

Step 7

Fill your shape with the colours shown below.

How to fill a shape with a colour in Microsoft Paint.

Check to make sure that only the rectangle is opaque!

How to use the Opaquness Choice Box.

 

structuredtessellation8.gif (12714 bytes)

(Click on diagram to enlarge)

 

Step 8

Select your shape then copy and paste it.

How to use the Select Tool.

structuredtessellation9.gif (13337 bytes)

(Click on diagram to enlarge)

 

Step 9

Move the copied shape so that it lines up with the original shape to form a tessellation.

How to use the Select Tool.

structuredtessellation10.gif (13337 bytes)

(Click on diagram to enlarge)

 

Step 10

Repeat this procedure to create your tessellating pattern.

(Click on diagram to enlarge)

View other examples of tessellations

Do you have other ideas for tessellating shapes?

 

Links

Creating tessellations using Microsoft Paint

View some further examples of tessellations

 

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