Who knew a spud could be so stylish?
Here’s a fun project that kids will love to help out with. While you might need to manage the stamp-making part, little hands can take it from there. The shape of the potato makes it easy for even young kids to get in on the fun. And it’s fair to hope that a kid who’s designed their own pillowcase will be more excited to lay their head down on it come bedtime. Engaging them in the creative process for all of their bedroom design can make them more interested in spending time in their bedrooms – and maybe more invested in keeping their creations clean! Happy stamping!
What you’ll need:
- Washed, ironed pillowcase
- Potato(es)
- Cookie cutters in different shapes, like a moon or star; you can use two per potato
- Paring knife
- Paint (that can be used on fabric)
- Paintbrush
How to create a potato stamped pillowcase:
Step one: Prep your work space by gathering your supplies and lining a flat painting area with a paper bag, old towel, or even a shower curtain liner to catch any paint that bleeds through the fabric, then lay your pillowcase out on the flat surface.
Step two: Cut your potato in half. You can use a white or sweet potato — whatever you have that’s past its prime, so it's slightly easier to carve. Push a cookie cutter into the freshly cut surface of the potato. The adult on hand should use a paring knife to carve around the cookie cutter, then remove the cookie cutter. Older kids can try using a metal spoon to do the carving. There should be a clear delineation between the cut shape and the rest of the potato’s surface. Dry the surface of the potato stamp to remove any extra juices.
Step three: Use a paint brush to apply paint to the potato stamp’s surface. You want the paint to be thick but not gloppy. Make sure every piece of the shape is covered with paint.
Step four: Firmly press the potato stamp onto the pillowcase and repeat until you’ve got your desired design. Switch paint colors paint colors, too. You can use the same stamp for a new color, just rinse off the potato’s surface.
Step five: Let the paint dry completely before placing onto a pillow!
