How to Make Leaf Rubbing Art

The beauty of falling leaves and their multitude of colors if one of autumn's greatest joys. This fall, capture the essence of the season in leaf rubbings you can enjoy year round.

Things You'll Need

• Fallen leaves
• Paper (unlined and lightweight)
• Crayons in fall colors
• Picture frames

Instructions

1. Take a walk. Admire the falling leaves in their myriad colors. Collect intact leaf specimens to work with, giving thanks to nature for providing you with such beauty.

2. Return to your work space with your leaves. Lay each leaf, in turn, on your work surface and place a sheet of paper on top. Alternately, make a leaf collage. Use several leaves arranged in any pattern that pleases you.

3. Rub lightly with your crayon on its side. Be sure to color all over the leaf. It is fine to color further out than the edge of the leaf. This randomness gives your art its own special character. Repeat with each leaf you collected, in several colors.

4. Frame your creations and hang them for all to enjoy.

Tips & Warnings

• Rub gently with the crayon so that you do not crush your leaf specimen.

• The more lightweight the paper, the better you will be able to see all of the lines and features of the leaf in your artwork.