This is a simple and classic introductory printmaking tutorial from craftsman Laura Prietto, which allows you to create frame-worthy wrapping paper, cards or artwork from mini prints. Even better, you probably already have everything you need to get started.
Material:
- Potatoes (mini potatoes, russet potatoes, or sweet potatoes)
- Paper: white or brown kraft paper for gift wrapping
- Pencil
- Toothpick
- Paper towel
- Paring knife or x-acto blade
- Washable paint
- Paintbrushes or paper plates
Instructions:
1. Cut the potatoes in half. This part should be done by adults.
2. Draw a pattern on a piece of paper smaller than a sliced potato.
3. To transfer the pattern, place it on the cut surface and poke small holes along the outline of the pattern. Remove the paper. If you want to make a polka dot pattern, you can skip this part and just print with the half-cut potatoes.
4. Start carving! Use a knife to carve out the parts of the pattern you don’t want to draw. Again, this part should be done by adults.
5. Dry the pattern with a paper towel to make it easier to pick up the paint.
6. Use a paintbrush to paint on the chopped potato pattern. For younger children, you can also apply the paint to a paper plate and have them gently apply the potatoes to the paint, but the pattern will be softer and less clear.
7. Make a stamp. Press the pattern firmly against the surface. Recreate patterns or designs. Have fun! Try using patterns that alternate stamps, stamp orientations, or different colors of paint.