Draw two 2-inch by 2-inch squares on the index card. Cut the squares out.
Cut one of the squares in half to make two rectangles. If cut correctly these rectangles should measure 1 inch by 2 inches.
Cut the other square in half corner to corner to create two identical triangles. If cut correctly, these triangles should have two equal short sides measuring 2 inches.
Trace one of the triangles near the center of the 8 1/2-by-11 piece of paper. Trace triangles on both sides of the first one working your way outward on the paper until you reach the edges. It should start looking like a mountain range. If a triangle does not fit all the way trace as much of it as possible. Keep in mind that there should not be any gaps or overlaps
Trace triangles on the other sides of the mountain range. Arrange them as puzzle pieces so you end up with two straight edges.
Trace rectangles along the straight edge of the triangles. Match the length to create a crisp pattern. Do this on both sides of the triangles
Repeat the process and continue the pattern of tracing triangles and rectangles until the page is covered in shapes, avoiding gaps or overlaps.
Use a black fine-point permanent marker and a ruler to trace over all the lines on the paper. This will help highlight the shapes after they are colored in.
Erase any pencil marks before you start coloring to avoid color bleeds or distortions depending on the medium you are using.
Choose a color scheme for your tessellation. You can create a color pattern or color it randomly.