Fish Tessellation

A tessellation is a collection of shapes that fill a paper with no overlaps and no gaps. I like the combination of math and artistic skills they require, and am happy to say that this design is my very own.1. Start with a card stock square, at least 3" wide. I recommend labeling the four corners as shown in diagram 1. Measure and mark the middle of each side of the square.
2. On the top right corner, draw and cut out a curve, leaving a little flat space that I like to call the “nose”.
3. The top curve piece is flopped and traced to make a symmetrical version below. Cut out the shape.
4. Both curved shapes are aligned and slide to the back of the square as shown. Tape in place. It is VERY important that the numbers read as shown as flopped and rotated shapes will not fit together when complete.
5. Cut one equilateral triangle from the bottom of the shape. It is slid to the top, aligned with the front of the fish and taped in place.
6. Place your fish on at least a 9" x 12" drawing paper, and trace. It’s best to make one row going across the paper first, and then add rows on top, always interlocking the shapes when tracing. Lastly, trace the lines in black marker and color with crayon. See artwork by M.C. Escher to get inspired for more complex tessellations.