- A5 plain paperÌý
- ScissorsÌý
- Plain flourÌý
- Table saltÌý
- Mixing bowlÌý
- Baking paperÌý
- Rolling pinÌý
- RulerÌýÌý
- Plastic knifeÌý
- Wooden kebab skewer and/or pencilÌý
- Baking tray
Create a Geometric Tile Inspired by Islamic Patterns
The Islamic metalwork designs in TheÌýÄ¢¹½ÊÓƵÌýCollection date from between 1300 and 1550. These precious objects are mostlyÌýmade of brass and include plates, candle stands, bowls and incense burners. We have pieces that were produced in Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Syria and Turkey by people united by the Islamic faith. Despite the distances involved, the designs have characteristics in common:ÌýÌý
- A focus on 2D surface decoration (largely unconcerned with depth and shading)Ìý
- Delight in patterns with infinite possibilities (they will keep going!)Ìý
- Use of Geometry (a type of maths concerned with shapes and their properties)Ìý
- Avoidance of figurative imagery (people and animals)Ìý
Materials
A Closer Look
- In what type of building might an object like this have been displayed?Ìý
- How do you think the artist might have made these patterns? (Clue: brass is quite a soft metal).Ìý
- What might have been stored in the box originally?Ìý
- What is the main shape that makes up the design on the lid?Ìý
Amazing fact:Ìýthis intricate pattern was designed around 600 years ago using just a ruler and a compass!Ìý
Step 1: Create a geometric template
Fold over one corner of the A5 paper to make a right-angled triangle. Cut off the excess rectangle below the folded right-angled triangle.ÌýFold the right-angled triangle in half along its line of symmetry. And then fold that triangle in half along its line of symmetry. Try to be as neat as possible, matching up the edges and corners.Ìý
Cut geometric shapes out of this small triangle. You don’t want these to be too small or it will make the next stage more challenging. We cut five shapes from our triangle. Open up your triangle to see your square template.Ìý
Step 2: Create a salt dough tile
Mix: 1 mug of plain flour, 1/2 mug of table salt, 1/3 mug of cold water in a bowl to form a soft dough.ÌýRoll out the dough on a sheet of baking paper to make a rough square that is 1cm thick. If you don’t have a rolling pin, you could always use a drinks bottle.Ìý
Step 3: Stencil
Lay your paper template on top of the salt dough and cut around the edges with a plastic knife so that your dough is the same size square – put any extra dough aside.ÌýÌý
Use the template as a stencil to transfer the geometric design onto the salt dough square. A wooden kebab skewer or a pencil works well. Dip this in water to make the lines smoother.Ìý
Step 4: Decorate
You can either leave you tile with the delicate line design or you can make the shapes three-dimensional by cutting out extra details from the spare salt dough. Score the underside of the shapes and add a little water to help them stick.
Step 5: Bake
Ask an adult to bake the tile in oven at the lowest temperature setting for 3 hours. Have them check after 2 ½ hours just in case it bakes a bit quicker. (It can also be left to air dry). Once the tile has fully cooled down, you could paint it, or simply keep it plain and enjoy the patterns.Ìý
Important note:ÌýYour tile may look tasty, but it is not edible! Store in an airtight container.
We’d love to see your Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Collection inspired tiles. Please share your photographs with us (and let us know your name and age)
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