Leaf Rubbings
Place leaves under paper and rub crayons over them for beautiful botanical prints. Easy nature art.
What You'll Need
- 1Leaves
- 2Paper
- 3Crayons with wrapper removed
What You'll Need
Fresh leaves with visible veins
Thin paper (printer paper works)
Crayons with the wrappers removed
How to Do It
Collect leaves of different shapes and sizes.
Place a leaf under the paper, vein-side up.
Rub the side of a crayon over the paper.
Watch the leaf pattern appear!
Try different leaves, colors, and overlapping patterns.
Tips
Fall leaves work best — bigger veins, more drama.
Layer multiple colors for an artistic effect.
Label the leaves if you can identify them.
Frame it — these make genuinely beautiful art.
Age Adaptation Tips
Preschoolers can follow multi-step instructions. Ask open-ended questions and encourage them to predict what will happen next.
School-age kids can take more ownership. Let them lead the activity, experiment with variations, and explain what they learned.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 15 min, with 5 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: leaves, paper, crayons with wrapper removed.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 3-5 years, 5-8 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
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