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Autumnal Art this November

About Blog Post November 11, 2024 Michaela Huss headshot of post author Michaela Huss

Hey Teens, if you’re looking for an art project in the spirit of the season, why not try making a leaf rubbing collage? Leaf Rubbing is a form of printmaking that allows artists to to take a closer look at Nature! 

 

Here’s a quick guide to get started!

 

You’ll Need:

  • Fresh Leaves
  • Unwrapped Wax Crayons
  • Printer Paper (paper should be thin and smooth for the clearest results)

 

  1. Go on a Nature Walk! Autumn is one of the best times of year for this craft, since there are so many fallen leaves! Look for clean, dry leaves that are still a little fresh (not crumbling apart) in all different shapes and sizes! 
  2. Once you’ve gathered your supplies and are ready to craft, select a leaf to begin with - lay it down on a flat workspace so that the top side of the leaf is visible.
  3. Place your paper on top of the leaf where you want it to appear. Lightly hold the paper & leaf in place.
  4. Choose a crayon and hold it horizontally. Push the crayon over the paper where the leaf is underneath, making flat strokes. It helps to start at the leaf-center & work outwards.
  5. You’ll see the texture of the leaf appear before your eyes!
  6. Repeat with other leaves, rotating and shifting them around to make different prints on the page until you’re happy with the design.

 

You can make Leaf Rubbing prints any way you like! Try these ideas for extra inspiration:

  • Make a leaf collage wreath/crown by arranging leaves in a ring!
  • Pick a subject from nature – an ocean wave, a blazing fire, a thick forest, a delicate snowflake, a soaring bird – anything! Then try to make an abstract illustration of it using leaves!
  • Blend analogous colors to make a gradient on your leaf print, like Blue to Green to Yellow or Violet to Red to Orange.
  • Make a leaf rubbing in white crayon on white paper and then paint over it with watercolor to reveal the “invisible” wax print!
  • Try making tree bark rubbing or flower rubbing prints too!

 

You can find all the supplies you need to make your own Leaf Rubbing Prints and more in the TeenHub Makerspace at the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library! Teens (7th-12th grade) can sign in to the Makerspace with their Library Card or ID anytime during Makerspace open hours. 

 

Happy Fall and Happy Crafting!