Create a composition on a 8.5" x 11" piece of construction paper. Using a contrasting color cut shapes that are interesting and mirror them down the middle of the paper (length wise). 

Check out Examples here.

Materials Needed:

-2 Sheets of construction paper (contrasting colors)

-Scissors

-Glue Stick

"Notan" is the term used by tghe Japanese to express "light - dark" as an element of design.

In our class we refer to this as positive and negative space or contrast. Notan designs have all three components.

To create a design like this you need a square sheet of paper (8.5" x 8.5"). Divide the paper into quarters and create shapes in each quarter. Try not to cross the middle. Cut the shapes out and mirror them on the edge that you cut them. Look at the example to the right. You can make your design as complex or simple as you see fit.  Check out these examples for inspiration. 

Materials Needed:

-Contrasting Construction Paper cut into squares

-Scissors

-Glue Stick

Make a composition using positive and negative space that does not follow the rules of mirrored symmetry as before. The design can be a pattern or random. 

Check out the examples for context. 

Materials needed:

-Contrasting Construction Paper cut into squares

-Scissors

-Glue Stick