Folding Maths into Art: A Symmetry Workshop with Chinese Paper Cutting - Hina Asif Alam
From scissors to symmetry: our CPD workshop turned paper into patterns – and maths into magic.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of being part of the Maths Scholarships is the opportunity to attend CPD events that bring mathematics to life in unexpected ways. Recently, I had the chance to take part in a workshop titled “Symmetry in Art: Exploring Mathematics in Traditional Chinese Paper Cutting.” It was a super fun, hands-on session where everyone participated enthusiastically, and I came away not only with some beautiful designs but also with a much deeper appreciation for the connections between art, culture, and mathematics.
Setting the Scene
Our facilitator, Vanessa, began by giving us a brief introduction to the history of Chinese
paper cutting (known as Jianzhi). This art form dates back more than 1,500 years and
has been used for decoration, celebration, and storytelling. Traditionally, the designs include flowers, animals, and patterns that symbolise luck, happiness, and prosperity. What struck me immediately was how mathematical many of the designs looked – with repeating motifs, rotational symmetry, and intricate tessellations.
From Scissors to Symmetry
We were each given sheets of coloured paper and a pair of scissors and invited to start folding and cutting. The simple act of folding the paper before cutting meant that whatever shape we cut out would be mirrored, sometimes multiple times. With just a few snips, a plain square of paper could transform into a snowflake-like design bursting with symmetrical beauty. As we experimented, we talked about the different kinds of symmetry that appeared. Vanessa encouraged us to connect the hands-on cutting with the formal mathematical language. It was a great reminder that symmetry isn’t just something abstract in a textbook – it’s everywhere, and it’s beautiful.
Creativity Meets Mathematics
What made the session so engaging was the way it balanced creativity with mathematical precision. On one hand, we were free to experiment with shapes, folds, and cuts. On the other, we were constantly encouraged to notice the geometry. For example, when I unfolded one of my designs, I noticed that a heart shape I had cut out had repeated eight times in a circular pattern. It was a wonderful illustration of how mathematics gives us the language to describe patterns, while art gives us the freedom to explore them.
Laughter, Surprise, and Shared Learning
One of my favourite parts of the workshop was the sheer joy in the room. Every time someone unfolded their paper after cutting, there were gasps, smiles, and laughter. No matter how simple or complex the cuts, the results were always surprising and beautiful.
What was especially nice was that there were no “wrong answers.” Even if a cut didn’t turn out quite as planned, the design still had its own charm. This atmosphere of low-stakes experimentation encouraged everyone to participate fully, without fear of getting it wrong.
We also learned from each other. As people tried different folds – triangles, rectangles, or even more creative arrangements – the resulting symmetries changed. By the end, we had a table full of unique designs, each one telling a slightly different mathematical story.
Cultural Connections
The workshop wasn’t just about mathematics – it was also about appreciating the cultural roots of Chinese paper cutting. We talked about how these designs are often used in festivals and how certain patterns carry symbolic meaning.
This added another dimension to the session: it reminded us that mathematics is a universal language, but it also interacts with culture in fascinating ways. Art forms from around the world are full of geometry, symmetry, and pattern, and exploring them can make mathematics feel richer and more relevant to students.
Classroom Reflections
As a Maths Scholar, one of the most valuable aspects of the workshop was thinking about how to bring this experience into the classroom. Here are some key takeaways I noted:
1. Hands-on exploration works – Giving students scissors and paper might sound messy, but the engagement and excitement are worth it. It’s a practical way to let them see and feel symmetry.
2. Use mathematical vocabulary naturally – Encourage students to describe their designs using terms like reflectional symmetry, rotational symmetry, congruence, and order. Because they’re proud of their creations, they’ll want to talk about them.
3. Connect maths with culture – Bringing in an art form like Chinese paper cutting not only enriches students’ mathematical understanding but also broadens their cultural awareness.
4. Celebrate creativity and variety – Just as in our workshop, no two designs will ever be the same. This makes the activity inclusive and confidence-building.
Why CPD Events Like This Matter
This workshop was a perfect example of what makes Maths Scholars CPD events so worthwhile. They’re not just about improving subject knowledge or brushing up on pedagogy – though those are important too. They’re also about reminding us why we love mathematics in the first place.
By stepping outside the classroom and experiencing mathematics in unexpected contexts, we gain new perspectives that we can take back to our students. We also get to share ideas, enthusiasm, and laughter with fellow scholars, which strengthens our community.
Final Thoughts
Looking back on the session, I feel grateful for the opportunity to explore mathematics in such a joyful and creative way. I came away with some beautiful paper cuttings (which I proudly showed my family later), but more importantly, I left with a renewed sense of excitement about symmetry, congruence, and the artistry of mathematics.
For future Maths Scholars: if you see a CPD workshop like this on the calendar, go for it! You’ll not only learn something new but also have a lot of fun in
the process. For current Maths Scholars who couldn’t make it this time, I hope this summary gives you a taste of what we experienced.
Mathematics is often thought of as precise, logical, and structured – and it is. But it’s also playful, creative, and full of surprises. This workshop reminded me of that, and I can’t wait to bring that spirit into my own teaching.
In short: We folded, we cut, we laughed, we learned. And through it all, we found the beauty of symmetry in art – and the joy of being part of a community of Maths Scholars.
By Hina Asif Alam
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hina-asif-alam-9513291a/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hinaasifalam
Images Supplied by Author
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