Elementary

How can balance be created using repeated shapes and patterns?

Students will explore quilt design by creating a nine-square flower quilt block. They will use repeated shapes and color patterns to create a balanced composition.

• 11 x 11" (28 x 28 cm) white paper with a photocopied 9" (23 cm) square divided into nine 3" (7.5 cm) squares
• crayons
• books
• reproductions
• images of quilts and flowers

Step 1
Show students books, reproductions, and images of quilts. Discuss how quilt artists use repeated shapes and colors to create patterns and balance.

Step 2
Show students images of flowers. Discuss the shapes found in flowers (e.g., petals, leaves) and how color can create visual interest.

Step 3
Using black crayon, students draw a flower in each 3" square. Students can repeat the same flower in each square or alternate between two flower designs.

Step 4
Students color their quilt block using a repeating color pattern, alternating colors in every other square to create balance.

Did students create a repeating flower design? Did students use color in a repeating pattern to create balance?

Wendy Libby is an art teacher for the Bangor School Department in Bangor, Maine.