printmaking with… potatoes? yes! this lesson plan is designed to walk you through how to create your own stamps out of potatoes. make shapes, numbers, alphabet letters, funny faces or any other image you have in mind. this simple printing method will provide endless entertainment + discovery for all ages.

all ages with adult supervision

supplies

• potatoes

• knife

• cutting board

• cookie cutters (optional)

• paper

• paint (tempera or acrylic)

• paint brush or roller

• paper towels

step 1

prepare your potatoes.

any type of potato will work, including sweet potato if you want larger prints.

wash them well + pat them dry.

step 2

cut your potatoes in half lengthwise for a large stamp, or widthwise for a smaller stamp.

pat the ends dry with a paper towel.

step 3

create your stamp!

CAUTION: this step includes the use of sharp objects. adult supervision or help is advised.

1. method 1 - cookie cutter

   • press your cookie cutter into the potato as far as you can. 

   • make sure the imprint portion of the cutter goes into the potato. 

   • if it doesn’t, flip the potato over + push down hard over top the potato.

   • now carefully cut around the edge of the cookie cutter (adults only) to leave a portion of  potato sticking out where the cookie cutter was.

   • peel away this excess portion of the potato.

2. method 2 - hand carved

   • carefully carve out your desired shape on the potato’s flat, cut side.

   • carve out additional details if you’d like.

   • make sure the carving is at least ½ inch deep.

3. method 3 - completely carved

   • carefully cut the potato into 1 inch thick cross sections. 

   • carve the entire cross section into the desired shape.

step 4

prepare your printing station + surface.

step 5

gently add paint to your stamp with a paint brush or roller.

you can also spread a thin layer of paint on a glass cutting board or dinner plate + cover your potato pattern by simply pressing onto the paint.

don’t add too much paint or else small details in the stamp will not show on your paper.

step 6

print!

hold the stamp on the paper for a few seconds to get the best effect.

if you want to keep your potato stamps, wrap them well + store in the fridge. they’ll be fine to keep for two to three days – although they may go brown, this won’t affect their stamping ability!

be sure to share your potato stamps by using the hashtag #dcfromhome