How to Make Light Saber Rubbings

As the anticipation grows for the new Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens, this is a perfect time to do these light saber rubbings.  Here are the steps for doing the rubbings with your kids or students.

Rubbings are a great way to introduce texture, and how we perceive how an object feels. It is also a great way to get your students to use descriptive words.  Here are the steps:

                                                                You will want large paper, I used 18" by 24" black construction paper.

I cut the paper into 6" by 24" inch strips.

The light sabers will need to be done ahead of time. I cut the light sabers from heavy grey paper, and traced the details with glue. I made a set of these for each of my table groups (each table has between 3-5 students). 

We rubbed the first light saber with red art sticks, or prismacolor sticks, you want color that will show up on the dark paper.

Then, rub your blue light saber.

The next step is to add white to the light saber, just the "blade" part of the saber. This will make it look like it is glowing. (I also added a small amount of yellow)

Once this is done, the next person can start the process. And the person finishing the rubbing can add details to the handle.

 

Now, this doesn't need to be the last step, but students can add a border of color. This is a great thing for kids to do while they are waiting their turn to do the rubbings or when they are finished with the rubbing! Have fun with this, your kids will.