I've been wanting to try out potato printing for awhile. I have actually made a few attempts recently, but I wasn't able to create something that I really loved--until I started using colors that, well, I really loved. Oh, and until I simplified my design. I was going all out with cutting excessively detailed designs into my potatoes, without much success.
Excessive complication is my nemesis.
This project is extraordinarily simple; over-complication will be its ruin, I promise. To make polka dots, I sliced off the small end of a russet potato--but I've heard that slicing fingerling potatoes in half works well. Obviously you can carve more intricate designs into your potatoes, and I promise, I'll be there shortly (I hope). I happen to love these imperfect circles, I find their wonkiness charming. Don't get too perfectionistic with this project, because regardless of how many factors you account for, it won't come out perfect.
If you want perfect towels, go to Target. If you want perfectly handmade towels, with just a touch of whimsy, make these.
Flour sack towels (mine came from Target)
Fabric paint
Potato
A very sharp knife
Directions
- Slice a potato in half, cut your desired design into the cut edge of the potato. You can use small cookie cutters to make precise shapes; I opted to use the shape of the potato itself. Make sure that you are using a very sharp knife--using a dull knife makes you more likely to cut yourself.
- Apply paint to the stamp surface of your potato with a paintbrush. Stamp design onto towel surface. Repeat as desired*. Allow to dry fully before using.
*if you're feeling OCD you can use a ruler to grid out your pattern. I did this on my first attempt at potato pattern printing, but ultimately found it unnecessary.
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