By Rachel Parker 

In this post, surface pattern designer Rachel Parker shows us how we can create seamless repeat patterns using a ‘square tile repeat’. This resource will get your students thinking about colours and shapes, and the relationship between these components to create an overall balanced pattern. This activity can be adapted for all age groups and gives a great insight into the creative process of a professional pattern designer.

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AccessArt is a UK Charity and we believe everyone has the right to be creative. AccessArt provides inspiration to help us all reach our creative potential.

What We Like About This Resource…

“This is a great activity for really tuning into colour and shape. The process is ultimately quite a refined one (ie making a pattern balanced and repeated ‘correctly’) – but there’s plenty of scope for exploring pattern in a more experiential way prior to the refinement page. Try one of the recommended resources below to introduce pattern and begin with some open ended activities to build skill and confidence.” – Andrea, AccessArt

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What We Like About This Resource….

Working collaboratively towards a shared aim provides an alternative experience to working on individual projects. Creating together encourages listening, peer feedback and creative problem solving – all of which are hugely valuable in all areas of education” – Rachel, AccessArt

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What We Like About This Resource….

“It’s interesting to hear Theresa describe Printmaking as a social activity, with the shared use of materials and equipment so central to the practice. This could be a positive way of working for lots of children in school, where instead of just working on individual art work, they can collaborate and embrace the creative sharing experience!” – Tobi, AccessArt.

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“These are such beautiful and evocative images – certain to inspire. There is a lot of potential for schools to explore Gabby’s work as a way to inspire pupils to create their own imagery inspired by literature, or inspired by imaginative writing by pupils.

Although etching might not be particularly accessible to many schools, there are low tech ways of approaching the process (see below) which mean pupils can explore similar ways of working in the classroom.” Paula, AccessArt

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See This Resource Used In Schools…

See This Resource Used In Schools…