Tater prints

Stamps made from potatoes are a fun way to create decorations that can be adapted to any holiday or special event and used on any surface. Help your child follow the instructions below to make his own stamp designs:

1. Cover a work area with newspaper.
2. Pour paint into pie tins (one color per tin).
3. Cut the potatoes in half and use a toothpick to etch a design into one of the halves.
4. Use a paring knife to cut away the potato that's not part of the shape.
5. Blot the cut surface of the potato dry with a paper towel.
6. Dip the cut edge of the potato half into the paint, then stamp your surface as desired.
7. Roll the corn on the cob into the paint and then roll onto desired surface to create a patterned effect.

When stamping T-shirts, insert the cardboard into the shirt to create a smooth, flat surface. Try experimenting with different fruits and vegetables for other design effects. Sliced lemons (in half or quarters) work well. Sponges are another option for creating shapes.