An old favorite that everyone has probably heard of. This is a fun, unique way to get your child excited about paint and stamps.

Here is what you need:

Regular sized Potatoes
Construction Paper
Non-toxic Finger Paint (Tempera Paint or Poster Paints are fine, too)
Disposable/reusable bowls
Old Newspapers
Small sharp knife (to be used by an adult!)

This is what you do:

 

  • Grab a potato and cut it in half – depending on which way you cut it in half, either to get a long stamp or a small one.
  • With the help of an adult, cut down into the center of the exposed part of the potato and create a simple shape … like a circle. Be sure to cut down at least half an inch deep and not cut it out, though.
  • Then, about half an inch down, cut sideways into the potato to remove the excess that is around the shape you made, thus leaving you a stamp.
  • If you do the opposite on the other half of the potato, you will have a reverse stamp of your shape … cutting out the shape instead of leaving it attached. (You can also get more creative with the use of metal cookie cutters.)
  • Spread out the old news papers all over the area you will be working.
  • Set out your construction paper.
  • Put desired color of paint in bowls.
  • Dip your newly made stamp in paint.
  • Get stamping!
  • You can set your masterpieces on the counters to dry or set up a makeshift clothesline in the kitchen with simple string and hang them with clothespins or tape to dry.

This article was originally published in May 2025.