By Spramani Elaun

Potato Stamping

This project shows how easy it is to paint with potatoes.

Potato Stamping can be easy for small kids and complex for the older kids if you desire.

I introduce this project regularly to my young students because it’s a simple process and a good tactile activity for the little ones.

Potatoes can be custom cut into any shape, like circles and even alphabet letters.

A stump handle can be carved for small kids to make it easy to hold and stamp.

You can pre-cut shapes ahead of time so kids can jump right into painting.

This project is very messy, I rate this as one 10 on the messy scale!

My young students love when we paint with potatoes!

Supplies you need to make potato stamps

Potatoes – russet large ones work best, organic potatoes are even better because they have no pesticides sprayed on them.

Knife -medium size pairing knife, think about safety while working around small kids, maybe cut them before kids arrive to the work station.

Newsprint -Newsprint to lay down and keep your work area tidy.

Paint Brushes -Paint brushes, craft sponges, or popsicle sticks can work for spreading paint on stampers.

Paints – Tempera, acrylic, watercolor and natural veggie dye will work.

Color– For valentines I usually put out warm colors like, red, pink, purple, white and teal blue looks nice.

Paper or Card Stock – card stock, news print, construction paper, copy paper or any type of stationary cards.

Napkins – napkins or rags

Water Jar – or cleaning paint bushes in between colors.

4 step how-to DIY Potato Stamp

1. Cut or carve out shapes or desired shape.

2. Pat dry each potato stamp with napkin or rag before stamping. Potatoes are a root veggie that holds and releases a lot of water when you cut open. When potatoes pat dry they work much better at stamping.

3. Paint on the flat impression side of the potato the stamping side.

4. Practice a couple of times until the paint is thin and you can see your desired shape.  It takes some practice then potatoes start absorbing paint and they leave a better impressions. I always tell kids to practice on a side paper before making impression on nice paper or cards.

Get creative!

Moms Say…

I’ve  had moms email me later and tell me great stories how they made quick cards, banners and gift wrap!

I have gotten pretty creative over the years with potato stamping and love it!

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