This Toddler Rubbing Plates Instructable is by iLoveToCreate blogger Jennifer Perkins of Naughty Secretary Club!

Since it has been too hot to go outside most days this summer my toddler and I have been making a lot of crafts. Just this week we have painted shells, made a dolphin mask, decorated doughnuts and done a slew or paint with water pictures. On a recent internet search for some new and exciting crafty fun I stumbled upon rubbing plates. Remember Fashion Plates from when we were kids? These are kind of the same thing except for much younger kids. Rubbing Plates are pieces of hard plastic with raised images that you run your crayon over. I started to buy Tallulah a new set for $12, but then had a thought about trying to make my own. With just a handful of supplies a new indoor summertime activity was created.

Step 1: Supplies

Placemat
Pen
Aleene’s Quick Dry Glue
Scissors
Crayon
Paper

Step 2: Trace and Cut Placemat

The first thing I did was to cut my placemat into 4 small squares. I used a board book as my size guide.

Step 3: Freehand or Trace a Design

If you are a great artist you could free hand an image onto your place mat squares, but alas I am not. I traced some very basic images from a vintage coloring book.

Step 4: Go Over Your Image With Glue

The next step is to go over your image with glue. I opted for Aleene’s Quick Dry. I also did two coats to make sure my image was nice and raised. This will be important for the rubbing part.

Step 5: Let Dry

Allow your glue to dry completely.

Step 6: Cover Your Plate With a Sheet of Paper and Rub

Using your new rubbing plates is the fun part. Lay your plate on a flat surface. Cover your plate with a sheet of paper. Using a crayon with the paper removed, rub.

Step 7: Presto!

Presto! Your image appears on the paper and your toddler is entertained in the air conditioning!

This Toddler Rubbing Plates Instructable is by iLoveToCreate blogger Jennifer Perkins of Naughty Secretary Club!

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