Kids Corner: Dazzle’s Leaf Rubbing Creatures
Hi, artists! It’s Dazzle the Zebra.
September is a wonderful time to look closely at the leaves around you. Every leaf has its own
shape, edges and tiny lines. Today, you’ll use those hidden textures to create creatures that
have never existed before!
Gather Your Supplies
A few fallen leaves
Plain paper
Crayons with the wrappers removed
Tape, if needed
Create Your Leaf Creatures
Take a short walk and collect a few fallen leaves. Look for different shapes, sizes and textures.
Place a leaf under your paper with its bumpy vein side facing up. Add a small piece of tape if it moves.
Turn a crayon on its side and gently rub it across the paper. Watch the leaf’s shape and tiny veins appear.
Make several leaf rubbings. Let them touch, overlap or float around the page.
Turn your paper in different directions.
Bonus: Use your crayons to transform the leaf shapes into creatures by adding eyes, legs, wings, tails or other imaginative details.
Questions for Grown-Ups to Ask:
“What did you notice about your leaves?”
“How did you decide what each shape would become?”
“Which part of your creature surprised you?”
“Where do you imagine your creature lives?”