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Nature · Fall · Toddlers

Crayon leaf rubbings

Leaf shapes that appear like magic when your toddler scribbles over a leaf hiding under the paper.

Crayon leaf rubbings
LevelBeginner
AgesAges 2 to 3
Time15 minutes
Cost$0 to $3
FallLow messOutdoors

What you'll need

Materials

Tick them off as you find them.

Tools

How to make it

Safety

Chunky crayons only. Small broken bits can be a choking risk, so toss them.

  1. Step 1: Pick bumpy leaves
    1

    Pick bumpy leaves

    Choose leaves with veins you can feel. Fresh leaves work better than crunchy ones.

  2. Step 2: Tape them down
    2

    Tape them down

    Lay the leaves on the table, bumpy side up. Tape the paper over the top.

  3. Step 3: Show the side scribble
    3

    Show the side scribble

    Lay a crayon on its side and rub it back and forth.

  4. Step 4: Let them rub
    4

    Let them rub

    Hand over the crayon. Watch their face when the leaf pops up.

  5. Step 5: Swap colors
    5

    Swap colors

    Try a second crayon on top for a two-tone leaf.

Edie's tip

Peel the crayon paper off ahead of time. The side of the crayon does all the work.

Written by the DIY Project team. How we check · Report a mistake

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