Paper Woven Art: How to Create Strip Weaving from Two Artworks

Woven art is a captivating and creative technique that blends two separate artworks into a single masterpiece by cutting and weaving strips of paper. This visually striking method offers a hands-on way to explore contrast, harmony, and the surprise of hidden images—all while producing a unique, tactile piece of art. Whether you’re a craft enthusiast, teacher, or looking for an engaging project for kids or adults, paper weaving is a timeless technique that never loses its charm.

Learn how to create your own woven paper art, using two artworks, photos, or drawings—cut into strips and interlaced to form a mesmerizing and unified design. Find free printable grid template to assist you with cutting equally distanced paper strips for making paper weaving art.

What is Paper Weaving Art?

Paper weaving is the art of interlacing strips of paper—much like fabric weaving—to create patterns or merge images. The unique twist in woven art from two images is that you cut both artworks into strips and weave them together, one horizontally and one vertically, to form a combined, abstracted image. This creates a textural, layered effect that’s both geometric and expressive.

Why Woven Art is Trending

• Visually impactful: It turns simple drawings or photos into dimensional, optical illusion-style pieces.
• Beginner-friendly: No special tools required—just scissors, glue, and creativity.
• Educational value: Great for classrooms to teach patterning, contrast, symmetry, and fine motor skills.
• Popular on Pinterest and Instagram: It’s a scroll-stopper with major visual appeal.
• Eco-conscious: You can reuse old artworks, recycled paper, or failed prints.

Materials

• Two artworks or prints (same size)
• Craft knife or scissors
• Ruler
• Cutting mat (optional but helpful)
• Pencil
• Glue or tape
• Background paper (optional, for mounting)

Tip: Choose contrasting images—like a black-and-white sketch and a colorful painting—for maximum visual drama when woven together.

I had been wanting to give a 3D effect to a stenciled project for a while now.  Previously, I had stenciled a magnetic board to display family pictures and a stencil wooden tray to use as a decorative accent.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Woven Paper Art

1. Prepare Your Artworks

Print or draw two artworks of equal size on paper (ideally cardstock or heavyweight paper such as watercolor paper). Trim them to the same dimensions.

I used a foam brush to paint a leaf stencil on two drawing papers in contrasting colors.

Tip: If you plan to frame your finished artwork, make sure the artwork is according to the frame’e size.

2. Cut One Artwork into Vertical Strips

Using a ruler and pencil, mark equal-width vertical lines (e.g., every 1 cm). Cut along the lines to create evenly sized strips. This will be your “warp.”

3. Cut the Second Artwork into Horizontal Strips

Repeat the process for the second artwork, marking and cutting horizontal strips. This will be your “weft.”

Related: Beginners Knitting: Learn to warp and weft using cardboard loom

4. Weave the Strips

Take one horizontal strip and weave it over and under the vertical strips, alternating as you go. Repeat with the remaining strips, alternating the over-under pattern to form a tight weave.

5. Secure the Weave

Once you’re satisfied with the alignment, glue or tape the ends on the back side of the artwork to hold everything in place. Mount it onto a piece of background paper if desired.

Or simply put the frame’s backing board on your woven art and cut the sides to fit the frame.
You can also tape it to keep it from moving.

The frame I am using is 8×10 and the paper size is A4.

And there you have it! You can give a modern look to any simple art like this. Or like some say turn a painting that went bad into a creative work of art.

Variations and Ideas

• Split-portrait weaving: Use two halves of a self-portrait and an abstract design.
• Photo vs. sketch: Combine a printed photo and a pencil sketch for visual tension.
• Color blending: Use two watercolor pieces with similar palettes for a dreamy effect.
• Word art: Weave a quote into an abstract background to hide/reveal words.
• Seasonal twist: Try winter and summer scenes woven together as a seasonal contrast.

Educational Benefits of Paper Weaving

Teachers love this project because it:

• Teaches patience and precision
• Develops spatial awareness and symmetry
• Encourages art appreciation and contrast analysis
• Provides opportunities for STEAM integration (Math + Art)

Printable Grid Template Guide

To make it easier, we’ve created a free printable guide with grid templates and weaving layout lines you can use to align your cuts perfectly. Ideal for classroom or homeschool use.

Inspirations for paper weaving art:

Watercolor paper weaving art is so cool shared by Cindy Latoski-Longstaff.

Another paper weaving art that is so cool from The Artist

Geometric paper weaving artwork by Pauline Kerleroux

Photo and colorful paper strips by Arlene solum

Woven paper art is more than a craft—it’s a bold, creative statement that merges two visions into one. It’s also a brilliant way to upcycle artwork, explore visual storytelling, or simply lose yourself in a calming, meditative creative process.

So grab some scissors and start weaving a new perspective today!

I would love for you to check out my Gallery Wall reveal.

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Checkout DIY wall art board on pinterest that is updated regularly whenever I find unique ideas.