You may already know that I love tangrams.
It’s probably because they are one part puzzle and one part art. What’s not to love about that?
I decided it would be fun to make a tangram into changeable art for our living room. Art we could rearrange and “play” with.
The process is very simple and the project is quick.
You need:
1 – 5×7 piece of galvanized steel (Lowe’s sells packs of 10 for $2 – make sure it’s galvanized)
1 5×7 frame (mine is the $2 frame from IKEA)
hot glue gun and glue
magnetic paper
color printer
mod podge or gel medium
scissors
craft foam brush
* A note about magnetic paper. The kind sold in office supply stores that are specifically designed for printers are very pricey. Depending on what kind of printer you have, you may be able to get away with this brand (pictured) that I found at Michael’s for about $4 before coupon (? it’s been a while since I bought it).
First, glue one steel piece onto the frame backing. Discard the glass and mat it comes with.
Second, print out your tangram image.Â
You can get a copy of the sized tangram image I created HERE.
If you do not have magnetic paper, you can print it out on regular paper and then mod podge it to a refrigerator advertisement magnet that likely comes with your phone book. See this post  for more information.
You can also make your own to match your living room, using my blank tangram file HERE.
You can see that I encountered issues with my first couple attempts at printing. My sized tangram file has the tangram formatted to print correctly though. If you decide to create your own. Keep these things in mind:
– Remember that the tangram may look small in square form but if you try to create other shapes with it, it expands in size. Use my sized tangram file as a guide to ensure it will fit within the 5×7 frame.
– The colors will look different printed than they do on the screen. You may want to do a few test prints to make sure you get the colors you desire. Â My teal and yellow version looks bright blue and garish yellow on screen, but just right in print.
– How you add color is up to you. I created and colored my tangrams in a combination of Photoshop Elements 8 and Word.
You could also hand paint the different pieces as another alternative.
Third, cut out your tangram square and apply a top coat layer of mod podge or gel medium. Once it’s dry, cut the tangram pieces out.
Now, display and enjoy!
It becomes interactive art that almost the whole family can enjoy!
I hope you have a lovely day!
If you try this or any other tutorials, I would love to see them! Upload them to my flickr pool (I’ll feature my favorites on Facebook a couple times per month).
And if you want an easy way to buy the materials for this project through Amazon. com go here:
Adela Steinberg says
Printable, magnetic paper? What sorcery is this?!
This is so great. I love everything you do, Delia!
Ann says
What a great idea! I don’t have printable, magnetic paper, but I do have glue and a million pizza advertisement magnets that arrive at our door for no reason. Hmmm.
Sew Much Ado says
You are so smart Delia! I love this idea!
Charity says
That is a really fun idea! Printable magnet paper is genius. =)
Rhiannon says
such a cute idea! perfect in an older kids’ room too. ps love that shot of you and your husband! so sweet.
kristin says
Ooo fun idea! Wouldn’t this be cool really huge as living room art too?
Jackie says
What a great idea!
kirstin @ kojodesigns says
LOVE this! I bet your kids/you can’t walk by without rearranging. 🙂 I wouldn’t be able to.
And I love Kristin’s idea about making a really big one!
Jess@craftiness is not optional says
You are such a brilliant lady, my friend! I love love love this!
Celeste says
I just saw this blog post on Pinterest today: http://www.estefimachado.com.br/2012/10/vitral-de-celofane-no-bastidor-de.html (it’s not in English, but it’s pretty self explanatory through the photos)-
such fun things to do with shapes.
Delia says
Adela – haha. I know! It’s fun stuff. The “real” magnetic printer paper is around $15 for four sheets. This alternative from Michaels is much cheaper but it’s slightly smaller than printer paper and you need a printer that will work with it.
Ann – I save those all the time. They work great! You just have to peel the advertisement off first before applying your tangram image and expect some peeling over time with use. Mod podge helps but isn’t fail proof.
Thanks Abby, Charity, Rhiannon!
Kristin – That seriously rocks my world!!
Jackie and Jess – thanks! 🙂
Kristin – It’s really fun. I know…so brilliant to make a huge one!
Celeste – what a beautiful idea! So lovely. Thanks for sharing!
The Miller Five says
That is so cute and very clever!
Lindsay says
Oh, I love this! You have such wonderful ideas. It’s great that it’s interactive.
Dama K says
oh sweet! love the idea!!