This activity is suitable for a wide range of ages, though younger children will need help cutting the potato shapes. Once they’ve mastered the cookie cutter method, older children may want to try designing their own stamp freehand. This takes a lot more concentration and care but will be very rewarding. It’ll also promote hand-eye coordination.
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Potatoes
Knife (Must have adult supervision)
Metal cookie cutters
Kitchen Roll/Absorbent Paper
Paint
Paintbrush
Sponge
Paper
With adult supervision, cut a large potato in half. Press your cookie cutter into the flat edge of the potato. Using the knife, slice into the potato about 5 mm (3/16 inch) from the flat edge, around the edge of the cookie cutter. Remove the outer layer of potato, leaving your shape intact in the centre of the potato. Remove the cookie cutter.
Use a paper towel to remove excess moisture from the potato shape. You’ll want to remove as much moisture as you can, so that paint sticks to the potato. But don’t let the potatoes dry out too much as your shapes may warp. Repeat Step 1 to create a variety of shapes, letters or pattern element
Simply dip your potato stamp directly into the paint, or for a more even distribution, use a paintbrush or sponge. Use your print on a scrap of paper first to remove excess paint, then you’re good to go.
Make patterns by placing prints end-to-end or create pictures with the same shape at different angles in bright colours. Try to use a different potato for each colour, so that they don’t mix. The potatoes will absorb a little paint, making it hard to get them completely clean.
