How to Make a Bark Rubbing

Last Updated: July 1, 2019

Bark rubbings are a simple way to appreciate the patterns of tree bark, or can easily be turned into a work of art using different colors, or used to make a collage. You can make a bark rubbing anytime of year, and bark rubbings reveal the texture and all the pits and bumps of the bark. Once you are done with your bark rubbing, it can be used in tandem with a field guide to identify the tree it came from.

Steps

1
Find a tree. This can be anywhere, any type, any time of year.
2
Assemble the items from 'Things You'll Need'.

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3
Take out your white sheet of paper and press it against the bark of the tree.
4
Take your charcoal of pencil and rub it against the paper, applying gentle pressure.
5
Once an image of the tree bark has formed, take it off, unless you want a darker rubbing.
6
Now that you know the basic skills, you can create rubbings in different colors, off of different trees, and use your rubbings to make collages and art works.

Community Q&A

Question

Should I use thin or thick paper?

Community Answer

Thick paper is the best choice because thin paper is very fragile and can tear easily.
Question

Can I tree rub with a military bowl?

T. Chinsen

Top Answerer

As long as there is pigment to provide the contrast for the rubbing, any tool can be used to apply pressure to obtain the texture of the bark. Without pigment, the texture will be difficult to see on any paper.