How to create a notan

Gather supplies.

Cut a shape from one edge of the 4"x4" paper. You might choose to draw the shape first.

Repeat cutting shapes on all 4 sides of the square. Keep track of the shapes and make sure they match the correct space. Try cutting geometric and organic shapes for variety.

When all are cut, lay them in place.

You can cut shapes twice.

Glue down the remainder of your square. Make sure it is centered on the paper.

Glue down the cut shapes so that they create symmetry with the negative space beside them. Negative space is the colored portion, positive space is the white portion.

The negative spaces will be mirror images of the positive.

Continue glueing until complete.

Get creative with your shapes and how they affect the positive and negative space.

This example shows shapes that have been cut and mirrored multiple times.