Leaf Rubbings

We've been getting back into the artsy spirit around here as Audrey has begun to take longer naps at a stretch. It's much easier to complete a craft when the baby is sound asleep, and it feels really good to get in the groove again! The past week we've done at least one craft or art project each day. The one I want to share with you combines nature, texture, cutting, and drawing; it was all-around fun and successful!

First, I sent Max outside to collect a handful of leaves of his choice. He brought them back in and we taped them on the table, veins up. We placed a white piece of paper over the leaves and rubbed it with the broad side of peeled crayons (which were left over from our crayon "snow" globe). The leaves left beautiful imprints on the paper in all different colors! Then Max got a new white paper and drew a tree trunk on it. He cut out his rubbed leaves and taped them onto the trunk to finish the tree. He was so proud of his finished product, and it now holds a place of honor taped to our window. I think the greatest part was that he did the entire project by himself... I just told him the steps and helped make tape rolls. The rest was up to him!