Fall Crayon Leaf Rubbing Project

I thought it would be fun to show you how to make a crayon leaf rubbing thank you cards.

This project is very simple and easy to do.

I use natural leaves falling from surrounding trees.

I found that many sizes give pretty cards and are really fun to make.

I found that using many different sizes leaves makes it more creative looking.

Last fall I introduced this leaf rubbing activity to families at my art events and they loved it!

I have my students go outdoors and collect our leaves.

My students love this part and get so excited when they return with many different shapes for leaf rubbings.

You can give them out at Thanksgiving to guest or family, they can become Gratitude cards, or a simple activity for your guest.

As a tradition since my kids were little, I would send them outside while I was cooking Thanksgiving dinner to scout and hunt leaves for our table place cards and decorations.

Leaf Rubbing Supplies

Its simple just collect a few items and your set to make these beautiful thank you cards.

Paper or Blank Note Cards

Crayons – we use our own handcrafted Colour Blocks –  Crayons Grassy Green, Fire Red, Summer Sunset and Harvest Brown

Any crayon will also work!

Leaves – Leafs picked off the ground from local trees. Pick different sizes if you can.

Pens, Pencils or Color Pencils– to write your personalized messages in the cards.

We use basic white copy paper size 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 and folded down to make a greeting card. You can use already made blank greeting cards.

We use many color crayon choices while making these leaf rubbings.

Leaf rubbing tips:

When you place your leaf on the paper be sure it’s faced down, you want vein side facing up. You will get a better impression of leaf marks. Also keep a firm grip so your leaf does not move around. Try make several leaf rubbings, it takes a few to get the hang of it and perfect it. Some little kids might need assistance so the leaf stays in place while they make coloring marks.

Step 1. Place leaf facing down, vein side up

Step 2. Place paper on top of leaf

Step 3. Hold paper and leaf firmly so they don’t move

Step 4. Take crayon and start rubbing where you think the leaf area is

Step 5. Leaf Rubbing impression should show up!

This project was easy to show both adults and kids how to make these beautiful cards. One demonstration was all it took!

With that simple activity, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

This year I’m so grateful for lot of things, and happy you’re being creative with me!

Spramani Elaun

Spramani is an American art teacher and the author of several art teaching books.

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