Tessellations - How I create them
I have been asked many times how I create tessellations, so I try to keep one blog post as up-to-date as possible. I hope you find this post helpful.
Step 1: Create a shape that tessellates
There are many ways to find this shape, including manually, but here are some of my favorites:
SHODOR - you just need a browser for this one. You start with a triangle, rectangle, or hexagon and then manipulate the lines or corners. It is pretty easy and you can get a feel for what it is like to create a tessellation shape.
Manipulate the shape
and see the result when
you click “Tessellate”
TesselManiac – this is software you can buy for your desktop. Although you can create details in the software itself, I just use it for getting a shape that tessellates.
iOrnament App - you can create all kinds of continuous patterns and mandalas with this app. This is not specifically for tessellations, but after a while you can figure out how to use it that way.
Step 2: Keep manipulating the shape until you see something you like
Think of it like seeing images and shapes in the clouds; once you have it, stop. Depending on the method you are using, you may want to add just a couple of details so you don’t forget what you saw.
Like adding an eye to the dolphin while playing around in TesselManiac
Step 3: Save the Tessellation
I would suggest saving both the tessellation and the shape itself especially if you are using Shodor or TesselManiac.
On Shodor take a screenshot of both (like I did above) as it is safer than printing. Sometimes when printing your shape gets skewed.
On TesselManiac you can save the tessellation (like the dolphins above) and the shape like this:
If you are working with iOrnament, I would suggest saving the shape as a tile. You can then put a couple of the tiles together to extract your shape.
The saved tile is on the left, and my extracted shape on the right.
Step 4: Print the shape
You need to be careful when printing since you want to make sure the shape does not get skewed. If the shape gets a bit skewed, it will not tessellate (ask me how I know!).
If you carve stamps like I do, it is at this point that I decide on the size of the stamp based on the carving complexity or the surface I want to cover with it. The point is that if you make it too large, you may only be able to print it a few times before your paper is full. By the same token, if you make it too small, it may take you quite a while to cover the surface you usually print it on.
Step 5: Draw inside your tessellating shape
Using tracing paper, go over the outline of the shape. You want to be as accurate as possible with this step so the shapes will fit perfectly in the end. Come back and trace over the printed shape every time you need a new shape for drawing. I often make several drawings before I am happy with it.
Step 6: Design the inside of your shape
This is what is going to make your tessellation completely unique. Use your imagination and creativity and have fun with it! Sometimes I draw it once and I’m done, but more often than not, I will repeat steps 5 and 6 over and over until I’m happy.
If you feel uninspired, you can always use the shape as a continuous pattern. See below how I used the same shape for a bird and a doodle pattern.
Step 7: Transfer the completed design to the carving material
I just turn the tracing paper over the carving material and rub with my finger or with a bone folder.
Step 8: Carve the block / stamp
I always start with the edges, as that is the most important part of the carving for a tessellation. If I mess up, there is no point in going further - it will not tessellate. So I try to do the edges as slowly and accurately as possible.
Step 9: Print your awesome tessellation
You can always refer back to your full pattern if you have trouble seeing how the pieces fit together. To me, this is the most fun step of the whole process: it is like magic when you first see it come together. ENJOY!!
You can also take a look at the process on my About page where I go through some of these steps with images. Please let me know if something is not clear and I will try to respond or update the posting.
