Artsy Ummi blogs

For centuries Muslim artists have been using tessellations to create beautiful art designs. Geometric patterns have always been dominant in Islamic design. The use of shapes rather than real life images allows the artist to conform to the religion without stepping out of its boundaries.

A tessellation is a mathematical design sequence that covers a plane surface with geometric shapes in a symmetrical way, without overlapping or leaving gaps. The result is a gorgeous geometric pattern such as this one found on a structure in Morocco…

The best way to introduce tessellations to your child is to make a connection to nature or find patterns around your house…

Then try making some patterns yourself with this free online tool called the Tessellation Creator. Click here.

Another site that my child adores is this one. It is something I can leave her on when I have to get things done around my house, and she can sit there for hours playing with the snowflake maker or the Kaleidodraw!

You need to purchase the full software to be able to get more options like print….but there’s still a lot you can do without having do so!