How to do nature weaving

All you need to take part in this fun nature activity are leaves, grasses and sticks and some string. You can try nature weaving in your own space, or outside, maybe while having a picnic or a walk! Afterwards, hang your creation in your garden or in a window.

Foliage like feathers and leaves woven into string

This guide is part of our Sense Arts, Sport & Wellbeing programme. This activity can be done at a time that suits you, either in your own space or in an educational setting.

Who is this for?

This is a crafting activity for people who are deafblind or have complex disabilities.

Why does this make a difference?

This is a creative and sensory activity that helps people learn by engaging with nature and using their senses to connect with their surroundings, exploring touch and different textures while supporting independent choice. 

A random assortment of foliage, feathers, and twigs, with some twine and scissors

How to do this activity

What you’ll need

  • String
  • Four sticks, roughly the same length
  • Scissors
  • A collection of things found in nature which are quite flexible and bendy, like leaves, grasses and feathers  
Binding twigs together at the corners with dark green string

Step 1

Lay your four sticks out in a square shape, with the ends overlapping. Bind them together by wrapping the string diagonally across each corner.
Wrapping green string around the edges of the frame

Step 2

Wrap string across the centre of the frame. First, wrap around the top stick, then take the string down and around the stick opposite, then back up to the top and repeat.
Hands using scissors to snip the ends off the string

Step 3

When you’ve finished creating the web in the middle, secure both ends of the string onto the frame. Then, gently weave the materials you found outdoors horizontally through the string, taking time to explore the way they feel and smell as you go.

Top tips

  • You can make this simpler or more complicated by changing the number of strings you tie
  • If doing this activity whilst out on a walk, you can make things easier by bringing pre-cut lengths of string
  • Use coloured yarn for a different effect
  • Try making the frame a different size or shape, like a triangle