Crayon Resist Leaf Rubbings

We have a giant mulberry tree in our front yard and as well as enjoying the berries when they are in season, Immy and I also like to look for interesting things to do or create from the leaves. When we noticed some nice big leaves on the tree recently we decided to experimenting with crayon rubbing and watercolour resist techniques. The process was rather satisfying and the results pretty fabulous.

You will need:

• Leaves
• Drawing paper
• Good quality crayons or oil pastels with paper wrapping removed
• Watercolour paint palette
• Paintbrush
• Water in a cup

To create:

1. Place your leaves, bumpy vein side up, under your paper.

2. Rub the side of the crayon firmly over the paper to reveal the veins and shape of the leaves underneath. Younger children may need some assistance holding the page still in order to apply sufficient pressure or you could tape the paper into place on the tabletop.

3. Paint over your leaf rubbings with watercolour paint. For children who are not familiar with using a block watercolour palette, you can find my simple tutorial for teaching them to use watercolurs here.

As we worked we talked about warm colours and cool colours, the colours of the seasons and even symmetry – looking to see if our leaf imprints were symmetrical.

Have you tried leaf rubbing?