Leaf rubbing art is a simple and satisfying way for children to explore the natural textures found outdoors. By placing a leaf under paper and rubbing over it with crayons or pencils, kids can reveal beautiful, detailed patterns and learn about leaf shapes and structures.
This activity is perfect for all seasons, especially autumn, when leaves come in all shapes, sizes, and colours. It also supports fine motor skills, sensory awareness, and creative expression—and all you need are a few basic supplies.
Materials Needed
- Assorted leaves (fresh or dry, ideally flat)
- White paper
- Crayons or coloured pencils (peeled crayons work best)
Tools Needed
- None
Steps
- Collect Leaves
Go on a nature walk or explore the garden to find leaves in different shapes and sizes. - Set Up
Place a leaf underside-up on a hard surface. Lay a piece of paper over the top. - Rub Gently
Using the side of a crayon or pencil, rub gently over the paper. The leaf’s texture will appear as a raised pattern. - Experiment
Try overlapping rubbings, using different colours, or making a patterned collage. - Display the Art
Hang your creations on the wall, turn them into greeting cards, or use them for a nature journal.
Variations
- Rainbow Leaves: Use multiple crayon colours on one leaf for a vibrant effect.
- Seasonal Collage: Arrange different leaf rubbings into a seasonal scene or tree shape.
- Leaf ID Activity: Label your rubbings with the tree or plant name, using a guidebook or app.
- Mixed Texture Art: Combine leaf rubbings with bark or flower rubbings for a full nature texture collage.
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