Creating Art Using Only Lines and a Circle

Have you ever used a Spirograph? If you have ever been drawn toward the geometric patterns and colors created by this nostalgic toy, then you should try using some of the techniques described here at MathCraft and here at Jill Britton's website. Both of these wonderful sites teach you how to create intriguing works of art using very simple supplies: just a compass and straight edge, or a needle and thread.


Straight lines can be deceptive, as you can see see in the pictures to the side, believe it or not these pictures are made using nothing but straight lines! Notice the circle in the middle of the top picture is made by the outlines of the inside of 6 different colored pentagrams. The heart-shaped cardioid below has the same kind of outline, getting its curves from the perfectly straight lines composing its border. The same principle can be used by weaving a needle and thread through a piece of paper or fabric, as demonstrated on the Jill Britton site.

Take a look and try it out on your own, at the very least youll have something to doodle in class that actually uses math.