How to Make Greeting Cards With Potato Stencils

Everyone knows potatoes are good to eat, but did you know they also make good stencils? After a bit of carving, you can make your own greeting cards and other art.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Poster Paints
• 1 Kitchen Utility Knives
• 2-4 Bowls
• Markers
• Paper Towels
• Sheets Of Colored Card Stock
• Paper Towels
• Paper towels
• Markers
• 2-4 potatoes

1. 

   Cut two to four potatoes in half.

2. Dab away excess moisture with a paper towel.

3. 

   Carve out various shapes into the cut halves of the potatoes. Try stars and hearts, for example.

4. 

   Pour paint into bowls.

5. Fold a thin piece of colored cardboard or card stock in half.

6. Dip potatoes in paint.

7. 

   Wipe off excess paint.

8. 

   Press firmly onto surface of cardboard on the front side.

9. Let dry 1 to 2 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Glue white paper on the inside of the card to give it a finished look.
• Use caution when cutting the potatoes. Adults should be in charge of this part of the project.

[thebeaddoodler]

on 11/25/2008 I had forgotten all about potato stamping. We used to do that when I was much, much younger. Thanks for reminding me.

on 1/4/2006 A stencil has the design cut out and you lay it down and use paint to fill in the hole. When the stencil is removed, the design is left. A stamp, like potato stamps, is when you put paint or ink on something and press it onto a surface like paper and leave behind a mark.

on 11/22/2005 If you have small cookie cutters, press them into the potato a quarter inch or so and then trim around the outside edge to make a raised pattern. It makes a very clean-cut pattern.

on 11/22/2005 Try an assortment of vegetables to add variety to your designs. Okra cut in half, an onion slit lengthwise are just two such examples.