🍁 Leaf Rubbing Art

A magical way to explore nature through texture and color

Leaves come in so many shapes, sizes, and patterns, and this craft lets kids discover them up close! When you place a leaf under paper and rub a crayon across the surface, the leaf’s veins and edges appear like magic. It’s easy, quiet, calming, and perfect for kids of all ages.

🧺 Materials

• A variety of leaves (fresh or dry)
• Plain white paper
• Crayons (peel the paper off for easier rubbing)
• Flat surface like a table or clipboard

Optional extras:

• Colored pencils or markers for outlining designs
• Tape to hold leaves in place
• Glitter pens or watercolor paint to enhance the artwork

🧭 Instructions

1. Go on a leaf hunt!
   Explore the yard, park, or neighborhood to collect leaves of different shapes and textures.
2. Choose a leaf and place it underneath your paper.
   Smooth side down works best, but try both — each gives a different effect.
3. Hold the paper still (or tape it down).
   This keeps the leaf from sliding while you color.
4. Use the side of your crayon to gently rub across the paper.
   As you move the crayon, the leaf’s lines, edges, and veins will appear.
5. Try different leaves and crayon colors.
   Watch how each one makes a unique pattern — like nature’s fingerprint!
6. Display your artwork proudly — Hazel would!
   Hang it up, turn it into a card, or frame it on the fridge.

🌿 Learning Moments

This craft teaches children:

Skill	What Kids Learn
Observation	Noticing details in nature (ridges, veins, shapes)
Science	Leaves help trees collect sunlight for food
Fine motor skills	Coloring movements build hand control
Creativity	Kids can make patterns, scenes, or full forest pictures

⭐ Try These Fun Variations!

• Make a rainbow leaf collage
• Use multiple leaves and overlap colors
• Create leaf rubbings for each season and compare
• Add your own drawings of Hazel and Scamp exploring the forest
• Turn rubbings into gift wrap, bookmarks, or postcards