About This Video

In this art activity video, Kate and Nicole introduce participants to paper weaving.

The video begins by explaining that weaving is an old tradition used in many cultures. Kate and Nicole talk about woven baskets, woven paper, and a Danish woven heart ornament as examples of how weaving can make materials stronger and create useful or decorative objects.

Participants then learn two paper weaving techniques. Nicole demonstrates a beginner-friendly method using a folded piece of paper as the base. She folds the paper, marks a stopping line, cuts evenly from the folded side toward the line, and then weaves paper strips through the base using an over-under pattern.

Kate demonstrates a second technique using loose strips of paper taped to the table as a starting point. She shows how to weave new strips through the base strips, alternate the pattern, shimmy the paper into place, and finish the edges with tape or glue so the piece holds together.

Throughout the video, participants are encouraged to think about color, pattern, contrast, warm and cool colors, scale, and what they might want to do with their finished paper weaving. This video gives participants a hands-on art activity focused on weaving, pattern, color, cutting, fine motor practice, planning, and creative choice.

Supplies Needed

• Colored paper, such as construction paper or cardstock

• Scissors

• Pencil

• Tape

• Glue stick

• Table or flat work surface

• Optional: packing tape for laminating

• Optional: markers, crayons, or paint for decorating the finished piece

Good For

• Adults with IDD who enjoy art, paper crafts, color, pattern, cutting, weaving, or making something by hand.

• Caregivers looking for a guided art activity with clear demonstrations, flexible difficulty levels, and room for creative choice.

• Adult day programs, home routines, or group activities about art, weaving, pattern, color, fine motor skills, planning, and self-expression.

• Participants who benefit from visual modeling, step-by-step support, repeated over-under patterns, color choices, and permission to experiment.

How to Use This Video

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

Caregivers can help participants gather paper, scissors, tape, glue, a pencil, and a flat work surface. Participants can choose a beginner-friendly folded-paper base or try the looser strip method if they are ready for more challenge.

This video can be paused often while participants fold paper, make cutting lines, cut strips, weave over and under, adjust the paper, and secure the edges. Caregivers can support color choice, hand positioning, scissor safety, cutting accuracy, taping, gluing, and frustration tolerance as needed.

The finished weaving can become a card, placemat, framed artwork, decorated paper, or the starting point for another art project. Participants can also use the activity to explore color combinations, warm and cool colors, contrast, checkerboard patterns, and scale.

Because this activity involves scissors, tape, glue, small paper strips, and step-by-step handwork, caregivers should provide support with setup, safety, pacing, cleanup, and any needed visual or hands-on assistance.

At the end, participants can name the colors they used, describe their pattern, decide what to do with the finished weaving, or try another version with different colors and strip sizes.