DIY paint stamps are a fun and easy way for little artists to explore patterns, textures, and colours. Stamping is simple to do, mess-friendly, and great way to kill time over the holidays or after school. Best of all, you can make your own stamps using everyday items and a few basic art supplies.
Here are 6 easy stamp techniques that encourage creativity and hands-on play.
1. Potato stamp
Potato stamps are a classic and super affordable way to create bold, simple prints. Kids love watching a vegetable turn into an art tool – it’s like magic!
You’ll need:
- Potatoes
- Craft Knife (adult use only)
- Paper
How to do it:
- Cut a potato in half and draw a simple shape on the flat side (like a star or heart)
- Carefully cut around the shape to make it stand out – adults help with this step!
- Dip the carved stamp into paint or brush it on
- Press the potato onto paper, fabric, or a card to print your shape
This technique is awesome for DIY greeting cards or decorating your own wrapping paper. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce kiddos to new shapes and get excited about veggies!
2. Foam stamp DIY
Our Creative Clay is foamy, soft, and easy to mould, making it ideal for creating custom stamps that can be reused.
You’ll need:
- Cardboard or wooden blocks
- Paper
- Glue
How to do it:
- Mould Creative Clay into simple shapes or patterns (like leaves, flowers, or animals)
- Flatten the shape and glue it onto a piece of cardboard or a wooden block as backing
- Let the clay dry and harden
- Brush a thin layer of paint onto the stamp and press it onto paper
These stamps are lightweight and easy for small hands to use. Plus, you can wipe away the paint straight after stamping to re-use it! Why not make a whole set with different shapes?
3. Eraser stamp
Got a spare eraser lying around? Turn it into a mini stamp for dotting patterns or tiny shapes!
You’ll need:
- Erasers
- Craft Knife (adult use only)
- Paper
How to do it:
- Carefully carve a simple shape (like a star or heart) into the eraser
- Dip the eraser into paint or brush it on
- Press the eraser onto paper to make repeating patterns
- Wipe clean so you can re-use again and again!
This technique is great for creating polka dots, small patterns, or accent details on cards and drawings.
4. DIY sponge stamps
Sponges are fantastic for making soft, textured stamps that are easy to grip. Plus, they soak up just the right amount of paint!
You’ll need:
- Sponges (kitchen or craft)
- Paper
- Scissors
How to do it:
- Cut sponges into shapes (like circles, squares, or animal silhouettes)
- Dip the sponge into paint
- Press the sponge onto the paper to create prints – simple!
Sponge stamps are a great tactile tool for making abstract art, big colourful backgrounds, or layered patterns! You can try adding a little water to learn about colour vibrancy and create different stamping effects.
5. Stamping toilet roll
Leftover cardboard rolls from paper towels or toilet paper are awesome for making circular prints or squished shapes.
You’ll need:
- Cardboard rolls
- Paper
- Shallow dish
How to do it:
- Dip one end of the roll into paint
- Stamp it onto paper to make circles
- Try squishing the roll into different shapes (like hearts or ovals) for variety!
This technique is super easy for making flower patterns (5 circles for the petals), bubble effects, or geometric prints. Not to mention if gives waste a second life.
6. Stamping leaves
Take creativity outdoors! Collect fallen leaves, flowers, sticks, and other textured materials to make natural stamps.
You’ll need:
- Leaves, flowers, or textured plants
- Paper
How to do it:
- Lightly coat the textured side of the leaf or flower with paint
- Press the painted side onto the paper and lift carefully
- Repeat with different plants for a textured nature collage
This technique is great excuse to get outdoors and go foraging. Try making prints throughout the year to capture the different shapes and textures of each season!
Stamping is a super simple way for little creators to explore shapes, patterns, colour, and textures in a hands-on way. Whether they’re making potato prints, moulding clay, or using natural finds from the garden, each technique encourages imagination and tactile play.
Stock up on some Kids Paint, Creative Clay, and Paper to see where your little artist’s creativity takes them! 🎨✨
