Last Updated on 12 December 2023 by Colette
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It has been quite a while since I first came across the idea of potato print penguins on Pinterest but I was determined we were going to do them this Christmas!
Initially I had planned for them to be the illustration on a traditional homemade Christmas card but part way through the activity I decided that we’d make them into Christmas tree decorations and write our festive messages on the back . . .
I have to admit this was one of those pinterest activities that looks a lot easier that it was but I’m still really pleased with the results – about half way through I really wasn’t sure they were going to work but stick with it, as you work your way through the instructions they really do start to take shape!
After speaking to a couple of friends we chose to use acrylic paint rather than poster paint as it gives a much shinier finish – be aware that it is harder to get off hands and clothes than poster paint and also takes longer to dry – but the effect is worth it in my opinion!
How to make potato print penguins
1. Cut your potato in half length ways – leave it to dry out for a bit so it doesn’t soak up all the paint (I put it face down on some kitchen roll to try and absorb some of the moisture)
2. Paint the potato with black acrylic paint (you get a better coverage with a paint brush than dipping it)
3. Carefully press the potato down on the paper
4. Leave the print to dry (we ended up leaving it over night)
5. Cut a smaller potato and repeat the process with white acrylic paint to make the penguin’s tummy
6. Leave it to dry again
7. Add an orange fingerprint beak and some feet
8. Finish with a googly eye
To make them into tree decorations they just need cutting out and a loop of ribbon gluing or taping to the back.
For more Christmas craft ideas, check our our ultimate guide to Christmas next!
I absolutley LOVE thes, and will be attempting them with my little ones this weekend!
Can't wait to see how you get on Kate!
Great idea!!! Potatoes come in handy don't they!! x
The funny thing was I asked Dave to buy me a potato that was 'penguin' sized 😀
These penguins are so cute, I can't wait to do these types of crafts with my baby boy when he's older.
Thanks for reading Fiona 🙂 I'll be sure to have a read of you blog later x
These look really cute!
xXx
Love these. There is a similar design in my Christmas crafts book which we used to make wrapping paper with last year and gift tags.
Thanks for the reminder must find that book
You know I'd forgotten I had Christmas craft books too lol.
Very sweet idea!
These are so clever! I remember doing potato prints when I was little and this post brought back some nostalgia xx
Fabulous
Love these! I now know what we're doing on Sunday! 🙂
Oh lovely – you will love looking back at these in 20 years time! My mum still has a robin I made when I was 2 x
I was so disappointed the year my Mum threw out my toilet roll Father Christmas – I've never forgiven her!
what a cute idea!! and love them hanging on the Christmas tree! x
These are great! It will be fab when you open your Christmas box next year and you see what you made – we have done this year. a bit emotional thinking back ! x
These are so cute. I'd love to do these with Little O!
I love it when lots of craft posts come out at Christmas time, penguins are my husband favourite so we will be doing these at some point.
Cute. Whilst could be sentimental given the fact Christmas message written on them. Nice idea.
Rachel Craig
Aww these are cute. Believe it or not I am rubbish at crafting (I know – really difficult to get your head around!) I just don't make the time, and I should. In fact making Christmas decorations is something that I should try and make the time for with the kids, they would love it. xxx