Bark and Leaf Rubbings

Bark and leaf rubbings can be an simple way to collect the many interesting patterns. Try this easy outdoor activity for kids on a dry day, because wet tree bark can make your paper tear.

What You’ll Need:

  • Large crayon or colored chalk
  • Thin paper
  • Trees
  • Hair spray
  • Craft glue
  • Notebook
  • Pen

Step 1: Peel the paper from a large crayon, or use a thick piece of sidewalk chalk.

Step 2: Press a sheet of thin paper up against the bark of a tree.

Step 3: Gently rub the side of the crayon or chalk on the paper until the pattern of the bark shows.

Step 4: Compare rubbings from different trees. Which bark patterns make the nicest rubbings? Can you tell which rubbing came from which kind of tree?

Step 5: Glue your rubbings in a scrapbook to make a “Bark Book.” Include some interesting facts about the trees.
Leaf Rubbings

Step 1: Collect interesting leaves, and lay them flat on a hard, smooth surface.

Step 2: Cover the leaves with paper, and rub the side of the crayon or chalk on the paper.

Step 3: Ask an adult to spray the pictures with hair spray to keep the chalk from smearing.