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Make with Adam · Nature craft

Leaf Rubbing Art

Reveal leaf shapes and veins with paper and crayons.

  • Ages 5–8
  • Difficulty 1 of 3
  • About 20 minutes
  • Home or school
Leaf Rubbing Art finished craft

You will need

  • fallen leaves approved by a grown-up
  • plain paper
  • crayons with paper wrappers removed by an adult
  • flat table
  • pencil for labels
  • With a grown-up, collect a few fallen leaves from a safe place. Do not pick unknown plants or touch irritating leaves.
  • Look at each leaf's edge, point and veins. Describe one difference.
  • Place a leaf vein-side up under plain paper on a flat table.
  • Rub the side of a crayon gently over the paper while holding the leaf still.
  • Lift the paper and compare the patterns. Label the rubbings by shape or plant name if an adult knows it.
  • Return clean fallen leaves to the garden or dispose of them as an adult advises.