How to Make an Autumn Paper Mat

Easy Craft for Not-So-Crafty Moms)

If you’ve ever wanted to make something cute and seasonal with your kids, but the thought of messy paints and 50 different supplies made you want to run and hide, this one’s for you.

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This autumn paper mat is a super easy, mess-free craft that uses only coloured paper and scissors. It’s perfect for fall, and it doubles as a learning activity that sneaks in fine motor skills without the kids even noticing.

Why You’ll Love This Craft

Mess-free: No glue or paint involved.
Budget-friendly: You only need paper and scissors.
Autumn season: Warm fall colours make it the perfect, seasonal craft for a cosy afternoon.
Motor skills boost: Kids practice cutting, weaving, and pattern-making.

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What You’ll Need

1 sheet of white A4 or construction paper (for the mat base)
Strips of construction paper in autumn colours (red, orange, yellow, green, brown)
Scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Base

Take your white paper and fold it in half lengthwise. Starting from the folded edge, cut straight lines up toward the open edge, stopping about an inch from the top. These slits will be where your autumn strips weave through.

2. Cut Your Strips

Get your autumn-coloured paper and cut long strips, about 1–1.5 cm wide. You can mix and match colours if you’d like.

3. Start Weaving

Take one strip and weave it over and under the slits in your white paper. For the next strip, start under and then go over so you create a checkerboard effect. Keep alternating the pattern for each new strip.

Want more autumn crafts? You’ll love my 7 Easy Fall Crafts for Preschoolers.

4. Display It!

Hang it on the wall or frame it as a seasonal piece of art.

Tips for Not-So-Crafty Moms

Pre-cut the strips for younger kids to keep it stress-free.
Stick to 2–3 colours if you don’t want it looking too busy.
Make it a “calm time” activity. Trust me, it’s great for winding down in the afternoon.

Why This Craft Works for Fall

The weaving, the warm colours, and the handmade texture are why it works for fall. Plus, you can easily adapt it for other seasons, red and green for Christmas. Trust me, once you make one, your kids will be asking to make more for every holiday. And the awesome part is that it’s simple, and mess-free, even if you don’t consider yourself “crafty.”

If you’re looking for more easy, low-prep projects, check out my Mess-Free Monday Crafts. And over on Instagram, I run a Mess-Free Monday series, every Monday, I share a quick, no-stress craft you can set up in minutes. Come pop in, take a peek, and say hi @3craftmama, I’d be so happy to have you there!