This is for all you parents out there who are teaching your kids at home this fall and looking for an inexpensive art project that will keep them occupied for a bit.
I am sure you have seen potato stamps, but have you ever seen lettuce stamps? The stamp looks like a flower—and best of all, they use the part of the lettuce you were probably going to toss anyway. You can use the stamp to “produce” some pretty cool wrapping paper {sorry, I couldn’t help myself}.
You’ll Need:
Romaine Lettuce
Craft Paint
Plastic Container or Paper Plate
Foam Brush {optional}
White Butcher Paper or Brown Kraft Paper
Directions:
Cut about 3-4” of the base of the romaine off. Pour some paint {whatever color floats your boat} into a plastic container or on to a paper plate. Using a foam paint brush, paint the bottom of the romaine {I dipped the bottom of the romaine into the paint, but if you are working with small kids, a foam brush will give them more control and probably be less messy}. Flip it over and use as a stamp on your wrapping paper. You can create a pattern or just go crazy.
Instant DIY wrapping paper and a fun project for the kiddos to show off their mad stamping skills.
~Mavis
jj says
Hey Mavis, You sure can come up with some great ideas. Will use the lettuce stamp this weekend with the grandkids. Thanks so much for you awesome column. Between crafts, gardening and cooking you can sure keep me busy trying new things.
Linda Practical Parsimony says
Great idea. Painting the paint onto the “stamp” also is less messy since only a small amount of paint goes onto the “stamp,” but dipping it leads to messy drips. Ask me how I know. Now, I have to go find some Romaine.
Shannon says
Okay, storing your craft paints upside down so you can see the colors is a genius idea!
VERONICA NORRIS says
I love this idea. Will be using it this year for the kids presents.
Loralee says
Hi Mavis!
Another good pattern is the cut off end of stalk of celery!
Terri says
Ok, I’m super late to the game here. But, this lettuce stamp looks like the Disney rose on fabric that they use to make kids dresses, etc.