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Printable Pattern Block Activities

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My post the other day about snowflake math activities included a couple of things using pattern blocks, which are great manipulatives to have on hand for kids to play with in quiet times at home or in the classroom. There are tons of printables you can use to challenge kids to build different things or inspire them to come up with their own creations.

123 Homeschool 4 Me has a great free collection of printable pattern block challenges, which shows what shapes to use and then asks kids to count how many of each shape they used. This is a good general collection that includes things like a giraffe, elephant, bicycle and bus. (Scroll all the way down on the page to find the link to the download.)

The printables from Preschool Mom help kids practice symmetry as they complete the image printed on half of the page. They also have some cute pattern block printables kids can use to make a single design or a repeating pattern.

If you’re looking for more winter themed projects, grab these mats from Ms. Moran’s Kindergarten, which include a hat, mitten, penguin and more.

Life Over C’s has a collection of ocean animal pattern block pages including a fish, octopus, whale and stingray. Each page also includes a place for kids to mark which image of the animal is different, and to mark out which shapes they used to make the animal.

You can find more animal mats in a free sampler from Pocket of Preschool’s Teachers Pay Teachers page. This one focuses on zoo animals and includes things like a gorilla, lion and elephant.

If you want to collect information from any pattern block sheet you might use, grab the download from This Reading Mama. It has pages for kids to chart how many of each kind of piece they use in a project, and to compare the use of different shapes across different mats.

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King Sophie’s World – Where Photography Meets Embroidery in a Stunning Art Evolution

In the world of modern art, creative boundaries are constantly being pushed, and one artist who is leading the charge in an innovative and inspiring way is Sophie, the mastermind behind King Sophie’s World. Sophie is redefining what it means to blend traditional needlework with contemporary art by combining her stunning photography with embroidery. If you haven’t heard of her yet, you’re in for a treat. Let’s take a closer look at how Sophie’s work is pushing the boundaries of art, one embroidered print at a time.

Sophie’s artistic journey is a fusion of two worlds: photography and embroidery. As an artist, she captures beautiful, thought-provoking photographs that evoke emotion and capture life’s fleeting moments. But Sophie doesn’t stop there. She then takes those images to the next level by adding her signature embroidery to everyday objects, creating a piece of art that is both striking and meaningful. These embroidered prints aren’t just photographs—they are a  intricate interpretation of her vision, 

This evolution of art, where photography and embroidery meet, is not just innovative; it’s a testament to the evolving ways in which artists are reimagining the classics and experimenting with new techniques. Sophie’s ability to seamlessly blend these two mediums shows just how far the art world has come—and it’s exciting to think about where it’s headed next.

Among the many stunning pieces in Sophie’s collection, her embroidered rose prints stand out as personal favorites. There’s something so striking about the combination of delicate flowers and bold, empowering words. The roses themselves are beautifully photographed, with intricate stitches capturing the softness and elegance of each petal. But it’s the juxtaposition of these gentle flowers with words that encourage strength and confidence that makes them so powerful.

Her rose embroidery prints feature sayings that resonate with many of us—quotes that inspire, uplift, and make us reflect on the importance of self-worth and empowerment. These aren’t just pretty flowers; they’re symbols of resilience, independence, and beauty, much like the women they represent. Every time I look at one of her pieces, it’s like a visual reminder of how we all need to embrace our inner strength and beauty.

What Sophie is doing with her embroidered prints is so cool because it’s a perfect example of how artists are adapting to and evolving with the times. She takes the age-old art of embroidery—something traditionally viewed as delicate and reserved for traditional or vintage works—and reinvents it. By combining it with photography, she breathes new life into both mediums.

Sophie’s work is proof that art doesn’t need to stay stagnant. It’s an ever-changing, ever-growing process that can take on new forms and new meanings. Through her embroidered prints, Sophie is showing the world how art can evolve and how we, as viewers, can continue to be surprised and inspired by these innovations.