You can cut the paper using scissors, but the edges may end up crooked. If the paper is longer than 11 to 12 inches (28 to 30 cm), cut it shorter.

When you are done, you should have 4 strips of paper, 2 of each color.

Do this step twice, once for each set of strips. Make sure that you are gluing 2 different colors together. For example, if you have 2 yellow and 2 orange strips, glue the yellow and orange strips together.

The hot glue should be on the side of the marker, right against the bottom edge. Don’t put it at the very tip. The hot glue will keep the paper in place as you weave it. You can also wrap a strip of double-sided tape around the marker instead. Pay attention to the color that’s facing you. For example, if you used yellow and orange for your paper, and the yellow strip is facing you–remember that!

Make sure that both sets of strips are aligned. If you look at the marker from the front and back, you should still see the arrow shape. Make sure that the same color is facing you. For example, if the yellow was facing you on the first set of strips, the yellow should be facing you on this set of strips.

This section is a little bit like weaving a basket or rug. If you get lost at any point, just remember to weave the strips over and under each other.

You are weaving with the old back-right strip, not the new one you just wove into the back.

You should already start seeing the woven pattern taking place.

This step completes the first set of weaves. Your strips should form an X on the front and on the back of the marker.

There are lots of ways to weave the strips, and you may invent a method that works for you. The goal is to weave both sets of strips around the marker.

You don’t have to glue or tape the ends of the paper down after this. You may have to push the marker through the finger trap a few times in order to make room for weaving. How much you push the marker up by does not really matter. As long as you have enough room to keep weaving the paper, you’re all set!

Once again, you can use hot glue, liquid school glue, or a glue stick.

For example, if you have an orange strip sticking out from under a yellow strip, trim it down until it is flush with the yellow strip.

Be careful not to flatten the finger trap. If the paper strips develop creases, they won’t slide past each other, and the trap won’t work as well.