Leaf Rubbings

What you need

• Thin printer paper or a journal page
• Crayons or colored pencils with the paper wrapper removed
• A flat, hard surface (a book, a clipboard, or the picnic table)
• Fresh leaves with visible veins — maple, oak, and fern work best

How to play

1. 1.Collect 4–6 leaves of different shapes and sizes. Leaves still slightly flexible (not fully dried) give the best detail.
2. 2.Place a leaf vein-side up on the flat surface. Lay a sheet of paper on top.
3. 3.Hold the paper still with one hand. With the other, rub a crayon lengthwise across the paper over the leaf. Press firmly and evenly.
4. 4.Lift the paper to reveal the leaf print. Label it with the tree name if you know it.
5. 5.Fill a page with several rubbings. Compare the vein patterns.

Variations

• ID challenge: look up the tree name for each rubbing using a field guide or app.
• Layered art: overlap three rubbings in different colors on the same page.
• Postcard: address the finished page to someone at home and mail it.

Safety notes

• Wash hands after handling unknown plants — some leaves cause skin irritation.
• Do not pull leaves from protected or rare plants. Collect from the ground if possible.