Ornamental Mathmatics - Using Math to Make Art

Combine math, art and craft to create something!

This Instructable shows how to use some amazing and fun (math based) apps (iPad or iPhone) and combine them with CNC cutting machine like Silhouette or Cricut.

My experience is with Silhouette Cameo 4 but I'm sure you can do the same with Cricut (I've included SVG files for cutting that can be used with both machine software).

Supplies

iOrnament (app on iPad or iPhone),

iOrnament Crafter (app on iPad or iPhone),

cardstock paper, color printer, computer, glue or glue gun,

scissors or mechanical cutter such as Silhouette or Cricut

Step 1: Play With Patterns

iOrnament is a great app for exploring pattern making.

Use it to create a design that will be used for the sides of your ornament.

Click here for YouTube tutorials for iOrnament

There is also lots of information on the mathematical properties behind different types of patterns, check it out!

science-to-touch

Step 2: Add Design to Shape

From iOrnament, click the camera icon and choose "3D, spirals and more"

Your design will be sent to iCrafter, choose "build a platonic solid" then click the right arrow to how the design looks on different shapes.

Choose the one you like and save it to your photos.

This is the image file that is combined with SVG cutting lines to make a paper print and cut version of the shape.

for tutorials Building ornamental Platonic Solids with iOrnament Crafter

Step 3: Prep File in Cutting Software

In your cutting machine software, open the SVG file that corresponds to the platonic solid you created.

The images show opening the svg file in Silhouette Studio (Designer Edition and higher will allow opening of SVG files).

Bring the image files into your design (Edit:Merge). Size the image to fit the cut lines then.

Print then cut your design.

Click for Silhouette print and cut tutorials.

Click for Cricut tutorials.

Files below are for svg files of shapes and a Silhouette studio file of the project demostrated.

Step 4: Cut, Fold, Glue!

With the cut design, be sure and fold along all crease line prior to gluing.

A glue gun sets fairly quickly, glue one tab at a time.

Regular paper glue works also.

Tada! your shape has gone from technology to reality!

Step 5: Hang It Up

Stringing up your project is a great way to show it off...

Make lots of designs, try the different platonic solids and have fun!

Step 6: Additional Notes

Patterns are fun. Technology is wonderful, Math is interesting...

The svg pages can be printed directly, color them, cut them out with scissors, fold and glue.

Enjoy