Leaf rubbing is always a popular activity for kids, and now you can turn a classic activity into a leaf art project! A great way for preschoolers and elementary kids to make colorful art from nature. Find out how to make leaf rubbings with our easy instructions. All you need is aluminum foil, colorful markers, and a handful of real leaves to get started!
HOW TO DO LEAF RUBBINGS
TEXTURE RUBBINGS
Texture rubbings are made by carefully pressing paper onto a textured surface so that the paper forms to the pattern of the item underneath. They are considered one of the oldest form of printmaking.
Rubbings date back to 2nd century China where they were used to transfer Confucian texts from large stone carvings. In the United States, they were often used to transfer information from grave stones onto paper.
Make your own texture rubbings with our leaf rubbing craft below. Instead of the traditional paper, here we use aluminum foil as a fun alternative.
Also check out our leaf rubbings with crayon resist art!
WHY DO ART WITH KIDS?
Children are naturally curious. They observe, explore, and imitate, trying to figure out how things work and how to control themselves and their environments. This freedom of exploration helps children form connections in their brain, it helps them learn—and it’s also fun!
Art is a natural activity to support this essential interaction with the world. Kids need the freedom to explore and experiment creatively.
Art allows children to practice a wide range of skills that are useful not only for life but also for learning. These include the aesthetic, scientific, interpersonal, and practical interactions that can be discovered through the senses, intellect, and emotions.
Making and appreciating art involves emotional and mental faculties!
Art, whether making it, learning about it, or simply looking at it – offers a wide range of important experiences.
In other words, it’s good for them!
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR FREE LEAF TEMPLATE ART PROJECT!
LEAF RUBBING ACTIVITY
SUPPLIES:
- Various leaves
- Glue
- Card stock
- Aluminum foil
- Tape
- Markers
- Cotton swab
INSTRUCTIONS:
STEP 1: Collect several leaves of various shapes and sizes.
STEP 2: Glue them to your card stock.
STEP 3: Wrap the card stock and leaves in a sheet of aluminum foil, shiny side down. Tape in the back.
STEP 4: Rub the cotton swab on top of the foil, over the leaves. Rub gently but firmly until you see the
leaf designs begin to appear.
STEP 5: Once you have revealed all of the leaf designs, you can use markers to add color to your leaves. Gently rub the markers over the patterns.
MORE FUN LEAF ART
Printable Fall Art Project Pack
Everything you need is included in this Fall Art Project Pack. Just add art supplies! Perfect for kids of all ages to enjoy with a variety of techniques. Whether in the classroom, at home, or with groups, there is a fantastic variety of art activities to try!
Find all the instructions and templates necessary for over 40 art projects this Fall.
Apples, pumpkins, leaves, Halloween, and Thanksgiving!
Explore process art, STEAM, and even famous artists with these very doable art activities that won’t break the budget or the time you have available!
