Look, then try.
Choose one leaf and give it your full attention. Look at the tip first: is it pointed like a pencil or rounded like a pebble? Follow the edge with your finger. Hold the leaf up to the light and find the veins: a strong middle line with smaller lines branching away, like a tree in miniature. A magnifying glass helps, but curious eyes are enough. Draw the lines you actually see, not the leaf you imagine. Real leaves are crooked and surprising, and that is what makes them interesting.
An adult helps with scissors when cutting out rubbings. Collect fallen leaves from the ground, or pick with permission, and brush off dirt and insects. Wash hands after handling leaves. Nothing you find outside goes in your mouth.
Use a finger, stylus or mouse in each drawing box. Type below it, or ask a grown-up to write your words. Your work stays in this tab. Save before refreshing or leaving.
Meet my leaf
Draw your leaf big, filling the whole box. Start with the outline, then add the stem.
Follow the veins
Hold the leaf up to the light. Trace the middle vein, then the branches coming off it.
The surprise
Every leaf hides something: a hole, a freckle, a wiggly edge. Draw the surprise you found.
Your ideas belong here. There is no score.
What are we learning?
Leaves have parts with jobs: the stem carries water, veins spread it through the leaf, and the surface catches light. Drawing from real observation trains attention better than copying a picture.
Prefer a worksheet?
Open the individual cartoon activity sheet to print or save. Use portrait orientation and fit to page.
Open worksheet to save ↓Try another leaf activity.
How to Make a Leaf RubbingLay a leaf down, rub gently and watch its pattern appear.
Draw · Type · Save
Compare Two LeavesPut two leaves side by side. What is the same? What is different?
Draw · Type · Save
Make a Leaf CreatureTurn your rubbings into wings, scales, fur or feathers.
Draw · Type · Save
My Leaf Rubbing ArtFinish with one big picture made from every rubbing you have made.
Draw · Type · Save