Vegetable stamping: How to make simple, modern prints with produce

A woman uses a radish to create prints on a white piece of paper; the radish still has its leaves attached and has been cut on its horizontal axis, the interesting polka dot shapes it has left on the paper are a result of the red paint the vegetable was coated with before stamping.

There are so many reasons to try fruit and vegetable stamping: It’s surprisingly creative. It’s easy. It uses stuff you have on hand. Kids can play, too. And making simple prints with fruits, veggies and acrylic paint is a chance to explore creating textures and patterns.  

So gather some friends and/or the kids and raid the produce section, then try these vegetable stamping techniques for yourself—it’s a perfect summer project!

Inspired? Create and share by tagging @HallmarkStores.

A cob of corn and quarters of an onion have been coated with paint and rolled across pieces of paper to create interesting textures and shapes; the onion was painted with turquoise paint and has left half-moon shapes with arcs inside, like a rainbow, while the corn has been coated in red and black paint and left a pattern that looks like closely spaced polka dots.

More on why you should try vegetable stamping  

We’ve got a whole garden full of reasons we love this craft (minus the dirt and bugs 😊):  

  • It gives you the most fun incentive ever to stock up on fruits and vegetables. Brussels sprouts might not be the typical highlight of your week, but knowing you’ve got a creative craft to do with them could change that, especially if little ones are involved.  
  • Speaking of little ones, this is the perfect way to get them excited about fruits and vegetables. Not only is this craft easy enough for them to help, but it might make unfamiliar veggies seem less scary and less likely to be given the stink eye at the dinner table.  
  • It’s an inexpensive way to explore your crafty side. Creative hobbies can be costly, especially when you’re not sure how much time and money you want to invest in a new endeavor long-term. That’s why we love crafts like this one; the materials are easy to find and you get to explore your inner artist.  
  • Versatile is an understatement. We focused on some of our favorite summer produce this time, but you can do this activity in any weather or season. See link in the gray box below!
  • It’s a creative rut antidote. If you already do consider yourself quite creative, this is a fun way to switch it up from your usual craft and get inspired by something unconventional.  
  • You can make DIY home decor. Use the patterns you stamp to create fun, colorful seasonal art at a fraction of the cost versus what you’d find at local stores. 
  • It’s a way to get really cool textures and patterns that you can’t achieve with a brush or sponge. If you’re working on a project and don’t have the time or money to grab new materials, you might already have what you need in the fridge!

 

cob of corn and quarters of an onion have been coated with paint and rolled across pieces of paper to create interesting textures and shapes; the onion was painted with turquoise paint and has left half-moon shapes with arcs inside, like a rainbow, while the corn has been coated in red and black paint and left a pattern that looks like closely spaced polka dots.

Supplies for vegetable stamping 

  • Cutting board 
  • Very, very sharp knife (a dull knife will make your details mushy; keep it out of kid reach!) 
  • Vegetables (try radishes, artichokes, carrots, onions, celery, mushrooms, peppers, okra, lettuce, corn, kale) 
  • Fruit (apples, oranges, melons, kiwi) 
  • Plant clippings 
  • Acrylic paint 
  • Tray, acetate sheet, or paper 
  • Ink brayer, glass or plexiglass (a brayer helps you get an even coat on the surface of large items) 
  • Ink pad (for covering small items with ink, instead of using a brayer) 
  • Paint brush (for adding paint to the surface of items, instead of using a brayer) 
  • Paper for prints  

Pro tip: You can also use fabric paint and stamp T-shirts, tote bags or tea towels. Cuuuuute! 

A woman uses a radish to create prints on a white piece of paper; the radish still has its leaves attached and has been cut on its horizontal axis, the interesting polka dot shapes it has left on the paper are a result of the red paint the vegetable was coated with before stamping.

How to make fruit and vegetable prints   

Step 1: Prep the fruits and veggies. 

Cut your fruits and vegetables into pieces. Try cutting at different angles to get different details. Use the whole thing, inside and out, including leaves. We’re serious about the sharp knife, too—it’ll give you the best details. 

Step 2: Cover the veggies with paint. 

Add a bit of paint to a tray, acetate sheet, or paper, then roll the brayer in paint to cover it. Next, roll the brayer across the surface of your fruit or vegetable. 

Step 3: Stamp your designs.  

Press the paint-covered fruit or veg onto your paper and repeat. That’s it! 

If you’re wanting to create a more intentional design, here are some fun ideas to try:

  • Try a single color on one or two shapes and stamp in a grid.  
  • To create a pattern, simply stamp, then turn your shape 180 degrees and stamp again. 
  • Try a single big, simple shape in the center of a piece of paper, like a big kale leaf. 
  • Layer shapes and colors to make abstract images. 
  • Play with the ways you add paint to the fruits or vegetables—roll it on, paint it on—and how much paint you add. 
  • Cut simple designs into the surfaces of potatoes, turnips or carrots. 

A vegetable stamping print hangs on a wall, secured by a piece of blue washi tape; the print is on a white piece of paper and consists of half moon shapes that are lime green in color, facing one another.

 

We hope you’re ready to start experimenting with your own fruit and vegetable stamping fun—or at the very least, that you have a newfound appreciation for how cool fruits and vegetables are. 😂 

Hungry for even more arts, crafts & DIYs? Check these out: