Texture Rubbing Plates Art Activity
Place textured objects under paper and rub crayons over the top to reveal hidden patterns — a satisfying intersection of art and tactile exploration.
What You'll Need
- 1Leaves, coins, sandpaper, corrugated cardboard, lace, textured plates
- 2White paper
- 3Crayons (with paper wrapping removed)
- 4Tape
What You'll Need
Flat textured objects: leaves, coins, sandpaper, corrugated cardboard, lace
White paper
Crayons with paper wrapping removed
Tape (to hold paper in place)
How to Play
Gather flat objects with distinct textures — leaves, coins, sandpaper, cardboard, lace.
Place one object on the table and lay paper on top. Tape corners to prevent sliding.
Show your child how to hold a crayon flat on its side and rub back and forth.
Watch the hidden pattern emerge — the texture appears like a magic reveal.
Try each object with a different colored crayon.
Arrange all the rubbings together for a texture gallery.
Feel the original objects and match them to their rubbings.
Tips
Remove the crayon paper wrapping so the entire side of the crayon contacts the paper.
The reveal moment — when the texture appears — is genuinely exciting. Kids gasp every time.
Thin paper works better than thick paper. Regular copy paper is perfect.
Take this activity outdoors and rub tree bark, sidewalk cracks, and brick walls.
Holding the crayon sideways uses a different grip than normal drawing, which is great for hand flexibility and developing a mature pencil grip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 20 min, with 5 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: leaves, coins, sandpaper, corrugated cardboard, lace, textured plates, white paper, crayons (with paper wrapping removed), tape.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 4-6 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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