Learn how to make leaf-rubbing art, one of the most fun art projects you can do with your kids in the fall. Gather all kinds of leaves when you and your kids are taking a walk outside and use them to create a colorful fall-inspired art piece.
This project is suitable for all ages, and it is an easy and fun one.
More art with leaf for your kids to explore:
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We’re sure you did this project as a kid, if not with leaves, then with coins for sure. This is one of those projects that many generations have enjoyed making.
How to Make the Leaf Rubbing Art
What you need:
- crayons
- real leaves
- white paper
Step by Step Tutorial
You will need a sheet of paper, regular paper is best here, craft paper works too if you have larger leaves with harder veins.
It’s time for some art. You can work with fresh or dry leaves (just not to dry so that they would break).
Place the leaf under the paper. You can tape it in place with washi tape or something similar (but it’s not necessary).
Have kids pick their favorite crayon (we used an orange one) and color over the leaf’s shape, pressing as much as necessary for the leaf veins to start showing on the paper.
Watch as its texture appears on the paper. This is almost magical.
Remove the leaf and repeat the process, either with the same leaf or another one.
We continued using the same crayon, but the kids could switch to another one.
You can use one crayon for all leaves or you can use more colors, either fall themed ones or any other selection your kids like.
Move the leaves around, switch up the colors, and rub the crayons over the leaves to create more fun prints. They can overlap too!
You can also trace around the edges of the leaves to make the shapes really pop.
Have the kids add as many leaves as they like.
See how the leaves overlap, we love the look of this.
You could have the kids also add other shapes and paint in the background… The sky is the limit.
Remember, there’s no right or wrong way – it’s all about having fun!
Ta-da! Your unique leaf-rubbing art is complete.
You’ve combined nature and art to create something truly unique and beautiful.
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