About This Video

In this craft activity, Risa and Amanda show participants how to make cardboard spinners.

The video begins by choosing thin cardboard, such as a clean pizza box, shipping box, or other lightweight recycled cardboard. Participants trace a circle using a round object, cut out the cardboard disc, and find the center using folded paper.

Risa and Amanda then decorate the spinner with paper and markers. They show how different designs can look different while spinning, including circular patterns, spiral designs, color wheel sections, lines, and bold color areas. Participants can color directly on the cardboard or glue decorated paper onto each side.

After decorating, participants poke two holes near the center, thread yarn or string through the holes, and tie the ends together. Risa explains that adding a little glue to the end of the yarn can make it stiffer and easier to thread. Participants then learn how to twist the string and pull gently so the spinner turns and blends the colors.

This video gives participants a hands-on craft activity focused on recycled materials, tracing, cutting, coloring, gluing, threading, knotting, color patterns, trial and error, and making something that moves.

Supplies Needed

• Thin cardboard, such as a clean pizza box or shipping box

• Round object for tracing, such as a lid, cup, or container top

• Blank paper, optional for decorating or finding the center

• Pencil or pen

• Scissors

• Markers, crayons, colored pencils, or Sharpies

• Glue

• Yarn or string

• Optional: table covering to protect the work surface

Good For

• Adults with IDD who enjoy crafts, color, recycled materials, movement, spinning toys, patterns, cutting, threading, or making something by hand.

• Caregivers looking for a hands-on craft activity with simple materials, flexible designs, and room for trial and error.

• Adult day programs, home routines, or group activities about crafts, color, recycled materials, motion, patterns, fine motor skills, creative expression, and problem solving.

• Participants who benefit from visual modeling, repeated steps, color choices, flexible pacing, and encouragement to try their own way.

How to Use This Video

Use this video as a guided craft activity for a home routine, day program, small group, or supported craft session.

Caregivers can help participants gather thin cardboard, paper, scissors, markers, glue, and yarn or string. Participants can trace and cut a circle, decorate one or both sides, make two center holes, thread the string through, and tie the ends together.

This video can be paused often while participants trace, cut, color, glue, wait for glue to dry, poke holes, thread yarn, tie knots, test the spinner, and adjust the string if needed.

This activity can be adjusted in many ways. Participants can use larger circles, pre-cut cardboard, simpler color blocks, spiral designs, caregiver help with threading, or knots on each side of the spinner to help keep it centered.

Because this activity involves scissors, cardboard, pens or poking tools, glue, yarn, knots, and repeated hand movement, caregivers should provide support with setup, cutting safety, hole-making, threading, knotting, pacing, cleanup, and any needed visual or hands-on assistance.

At the end, participants can test the spinner, notice how the colors change while it moves, compare different designs, or make another spinner with a new color pattern.