Stamping Potatoes!

 

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.