The joy of a bountiful harvest is unmatched, especially when it’s the ever-versatile potato. From savory dishes to hearty meals, there’s no end to what you can create in the kitchen. But what happens when you’ve got more spuds than you know what to do with?

If you’ve been following along here for a while, you know I love a good craft project, and when I was considering the theme of this month’s issue, potatoes, I got excited about all the ways gardeners could use potatoes outside of the kitchen. (Of course, if you want to cook them here are some delicious potato recipes too!)

Before they sprout those unmistakable eyes and appear like they’re about to walk off, consider diving into some delightful potato crafts with your loved ones!

1. Potato stamps

Unleash your inner artist with a tool you’d least expect: the humble potato! This eco-friendly and budget-conscious project lets you transform regular spuds into personalized stamps perfect for decorating paper or fabric. Whether you’re aiming for simplistic designs, like stars and hearts, or venturing into more intricate patterns, this DIY venture is a delightful way to add a personal touch to your crafts. Plus, with a hint of creativity, you can take your stamping game up a notch–don’t forget to check out the video for wheel print inspirations! Dive into this crafty adventure and let the potato be your canvas.

Materials:

• Potatoes (preferably large and round)
• Knife
• Acrylic paints
• Paper or fabric

Procedure:

1. Cut the potato in half.
2. Carve a design into the flat side of the potato. This could be a simple shape, like a star or a heart, or something more intricate depending on your skills.
3. Dip the carved side into paint.
4. Stamp away on paper or fabric to create unique designs.
5. Note: You can do a lot more with stamps too, like creating a wheel print (see video).

2. Potato-stamped wrapping paper

Elevate your gift-giving game with a touch of bespoke charm! Using the unassuming potato, this project transforms mundane wrapping paper into a work of art, ensuring your gifts are as delightful on the outside as they are within. Choose brown craft paper for a rustic vibe or a plain canvas for a more minimalistic look. The hand-stamped designs, imprinted with love and creativity, give each gift a personal touch that’s bound to impress. Whether you’re wrapping first or stamping first, this project is all about flexibility and fun.

Materials:

• 1 roll of brown craft paper or plain wrapping paper
• Potato stamps (above)
• Acrylic paints

Procedure:

1. Wrap gift as normal, and tie it with a twine bow.
2. Dip the carved side of your potato stamp into paint, but dab first so the paint isn’t too heavy.
3. Stamp away on top of your wrapped gifts.
4. Alternatively, you can do this before wrapping if you have space to roll out flat sheets of gift wrap.

3. Potato-planted roses

Discover the magic of nature with a twist in this intriguing gardening project. By harnessing the nurturing power of a potato, you can give your rose cuttings an enriching start. As the potato breaks down in the soil, it continually hydrates the budding rose’s roots, fostering a healthy growth environment.

Materials:

• A healthy potato
• An 8-inch stem from a healthy rose bush
• Root hormone powder

Procedure:

1. Carve out a small hole in your potato big enough to fit a stem.
2. Cut the stem of your rose bush diagonally.
3. Dip the end of the stem in root hormone powder (cinnamon or honey can work too).
4. Place in the hole of your potato, and bury in the ground. The potato will water the roots until it breaks down.

4. Potato bead necklaces

Add a touch of organic flair to your accessories with these charming potato bead necklaces. While the raw cut might not be a sight to behold initially, a little patience transforms these potato pieces into durable, bead-like gems. Painted in a palette of your choosing, these beads metamorphose into delightful ornaments that make for personalized jewelry or heartfelt gifts.

Materials:

• Potato(es)
• Skewers
• Knife or potato peeler
• Paints
• String or thread

Procedure:

1. Cut potatoes into small shapes and beads, about 1/2 inch to 1 inch large but consistently thick.
2. Pierce a hole through each piece with a skewer and let them dry for a week or two. (They won’t look pretty!)
3. Once dried and hard as a rock, paint them in bright colors.
4. Thread them onto string or thread to make colorful necklaces!

5. Make Idaho playdough

Crafted from actual potatoes, this all-natural playdough offers a unique texture and earthy feel, setting it apart from conventional store-bought options. Beyond being eco-friendly, this mixture is easy to make, ensuring that you can quickly whip up batches for endless hours of sculpting fun. Whether for curious little hands or for artistic adults seeking a different medium, this potato-based playdough is versatile, safe, and, most importantly, a whole lot of fun. Remember to store your creations in the fridge to ensure they remain fresh for your next crafting session.

Materials:

• 6 potatoes
• Flour (3/4 cup per 1 cup mashed potatoes)—microwave or toast before use to eliminate bacteria

Procedure:

• Oil the potatoes and bake them in the oven for an hour. Then let cool and peel off the skins.
• Mash the potatoes in a large measuring bowl and add 3/4 cup of flour per every cup of mashed potatoes.
• Mash and knead the dough until it becomes dough-like. Add bits of flour if it’s too sticky until the consistency is right.
• Use right away. Refrigerate up to 3 days.

The spud-tacular finale!

There you have it, potato gardeners! Who would’ve thought that the humble potato, a staple in many of our meals, could also transform into a canvas for our creative endeavors? From fashioning personalized stamps to whipping up nature-inspired jewelry and even concocting playdough, the possibilities are as vast as a potato field. So, the next time your potato stash seems to be overgrowing its welcome, remember there’s a world of fun, hands-on projects just waiting for you and your family to dig into. And hey, if all else fails, those delicious potato recipes are just a peel away!

What other potato projects do you love?