Watch the Leaves Appear—The Magic of Leaf Rubbings!
Running a crayon sideways over a slightly raised object and watching an image appear is almost magical.
- Collect some leaves that have fallen on the ground.
- Peel the paper from some crayons.
- Cover a leaf with paper. Rub a crayon across the paper and watch the outline of the leaf appear. Use different leaves to make more rubbings.
Here are some design ideas for you and your kids to try:
- Create a repeat pattern by using the same leaf, positioned at different angles, on the same page.
- Create a pattern by alternating rubbings of different types of leaves.
- Vary the color of crayon used in the rubbings.
- Overlap rubbings to provide a layered effect.
- Make a book out of the leaf rubbings.
- Cut out the rubbings to arrange in a collage.
- Label each leaf with the name of its tree.
Other kinds of rubbings:
- Place paper across the tops of cups or jars to make different-sized circles.
- Experiment with rubbings of materials with varied textures, such as sandpaper, serrated cardboard, paper doilies, or mesh netting.
For more craft projects and ideas, check out HighlightsKids.com.