Craft time!

June 1, 2020 – This project is based on the early method of woodblock printing that can be dated back to before 220 C.E. Woodblock printing is considered one of the oldest forms of art. It involves creating a stamp and using the stamp to press ink onto paper, cloth or another material. Early prints were stamped in one color, black, for many years. As time progressed, more colors were available, but every time a new color was added, a new block had to be created. One of the world’s most well-known pieces of art, The Great Wave off Kanagawa, was created by woodblock printing.

For this activity, we will be substituting paint for ink and potatoes for woodblocks.

This craft involves some cutting; so we recommend parent supervision/help.

Instructions:

Step 1) Carefully cut your potato in half.

Step 2) Draw a design onto the surface of the potato using a marker, pen or toothpick.

Step 3) Cut around the design, leaving it raised on the potato’s surface.

Step 4) Pour your paint into a plate or saucer, and dab the potato in the paint to coat the raised portion evenly. You can even wash your potato afterwards to be used again with a different color.

Step 5) Let the paper dry and hang up your art!