Sometimes you hear about a craft technique for years without ever feeling any desire to try it out, and then one day you just have to! In my case this was potato stamping. It sounded kind of gross, and I wasn’t convinced it would get me the results I wanted on a DIY project I would actually want to use in my house. Then one day I needed a curtain panel that would compliment the rest of my daughter’s new room decor without competing with it. I wanted something with pattern that was still simple. Something graphic but still whimsical. I wasn’t finding what I wanted in stores and realized I would likely need to take matters into my own hands. Enter the potato stamp.
Supplies:
-cotton curtain panel
-potato of choice
-steak knife (not shown)
-fabric paint
-foam paint brush
-cardboard to place behind your curtain
I knew my potato carving skills were going to limit me to a few simple shapes, so I went with a tried and true triangle and then turned them into a bowtie shape. It feels a little whimsical and girly without being overly so.
To make your own stamp, cut your potato in half at the thickest part. Then cut a triangle with angles that meet at the edge of your potato for the largest size. Then lay it on its side and cut down until you meet your first cut and gently nudge that section off. Repeat on the other two sides. If your triangle isn’t perfect and you want a consistent print, cut a notch near one of the angles to act as a point of reference.
Once you’re happy with your stamp, place your curtain on top of a protected surface and smooth things out.
Use your foam paint brush to layer an even coat of paint onto the potato before you stamp it onto your fabric. Don’t skimp and start stamping twice before adding more paint unless you want the faded effect. Work slowly and pay attention so you don’t drip any paint onto your panel for best results.
I was really pleased with how smoothly my paint transferred from the potato and it wasn’t gross at all. I do suggest letting it sit for about fifteen minutes after cutting it open to have some drying out time. I might be an official potato stamp convert, guys! Have you ever used them to print on fabric? –Rachel
Credits//Author and Photography: Rachel Denbow. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions.
28 Comments
ohh so easy and yet so cute. It bonds the room together so well! thanks rachel!
love from inwhirlofinspiration.com
I remember hearing about potato stamps as a kid, but so great to have step by step instructions now! Happy Friday!
I once made a tee with potato stamps, but curtains are a wonderful idea as well! Thanks for sharing!
https://www.makeandmess.com/
WOW! The result is great! I’ve tried it but I def will!!!
http://soldenochedecocrochet.blogspot.com.ar
That’s such a fun project! I have quite a few ideas I can use this stamping method on actually. Like bed sheets and tablecloths. Thanks so much for showing us how to do it! Totally trying it this weekend!
Julie http://www.xfallenmoon.com/
I study architecture and we used this technique to create patterns! I must say that it worked better than other things I had tried before! Maybe I will try it on curtains next time 🙂 thanks for the idea!
These are so insanely pretty! I’m moving out of my apartment in a week, but if I were staying longer, I’d finally do this for the curtains I never put in my kitchen.
-E
I need to make a curtain for my kitchen window and I just might use this technique! Thank you for sharing.
That’s cool, I love your little metal MCM plant stand!
Hi. So cute. Would you mind sharing the source of your cotton curtains. I’m looking for a pair and can’t quite find them anywhere. I appreciate it!
What a unique place to get crafty! I have never thought of DIY curtains before! love it!
xx ANnie
http://www.somethingswellblog.com/
This so cool! I love it!!
I can’t believe how well this worked out! http://www.hannamarielei.com
This is such a fun DIY, I would love to try this. Looks easy enough! 🙂
xoxo. Holly Erinn
happinessbrand.blogspot.com
Your curtains turned out so cute!! I might need to try this. Also from what I can see, this is one cute bedroom!!! Can we see more of it pretty please?:)
As a weird aside, I’ve noticed that sweet potatoes are less watery than regular ones. This might make them a little harder to carve, but they might interact with the paint a little better (provided they don’t bleed orange pigment… hmmmmm.)
I’ve got to be honest when I read the title, I expected to just keep scrolling. But, I’ve got to say this project turned out super cute! We just bought a new house and I may have to try this!
it looks amazing and so freaking easy!!!! Im gonna try circles on my daughters curtains with pink paint so it looks like polka dots. Fabulous.
I think this would be darling in a kid’s room!
http://www.kelseymarie.co
Wow, this is something I really want to try out. Would probably work wonderfully with some cookie cutter shapes as well.
x // http://eliseandthomas.com
This is such an awesome idea! What an inexpensive way to dress up some white curtains!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
These are so beautiful. My husband and I are moving in March and I’ve been wondering how we can do inexpensive-but-fun window coverings and this is exactly what I’m looking for!
Tiffany,
It’s tricky finding a plain cotton curtain, huh! I usually just buy cotton fabric by the yard and hem the edges to make my own. Good luck in your search, though! Maybe try an IKEA if you have one near you?
Love this! Potato stamps is always fun and it’s a good idea! Last summer I made a tablecloth, we had so much fun!
http://evaettorocoro.com/faisiez-vos-propres-tampons-avec-des-pommes-de-terre/
I give you the link just in case 😉
I have not done potato stamping since elementary school – but what a fun idea! I’ve never thought of stamping curtains before. Thanks for sharing!
This is so awesome! I think I might try some pillow covers using this technique!
great and interesting information, thank you
I love this idea! I want to try to make a (very wide!!) panel for the kitchen slider with a graphic design on the bottom 1/3rd of the panel. Ive never painted on fabric before. Do you have suggestions on what kind of fabric to use? How long does it take the paint to dry? Does it feel soft, or is the painted part stiff?? I have so many questions!!!