Most of the time I end up being lenient on my Bad Crafts for one reason or another. But not when it comes to potato stamps. I feel that potato stamps deserve the full tirade.
What's wrong with potato stamps? What ISN'T wrong with potato stamps.
First of all, this is a craft which is aimed mainly at children. But it starts by carving a tuber with a very sharp knife. What kind of children's craft is this, exactly?
Obviously most potato stamp craft instructions start by instructing kids to have their parents carve the stamp for them. So how is that a kid's craft? If I knit a scarf for you and you wear it, you can't go around saying that you knit a scarf! This is a kid's craft where parents have to do 95% of the work. How absurd is that?
Next, let's talk about the potato. I realize that there is a wonderful heartbreaking beauty in fleeting crafts. Ice sculptures, sand castles, and decorated cakes all come to mind. Their temporary nature is part of the concept. But when it comes to potato stamps, the fact that your "stamp" rots within 24 hours and becomes useless is NOT a bonus.
And finally, the quality of the stamp. IT'S TERRIBLE. Have you ever tried to stamp something with a potato stamp? It's wet, the potato is literally oozing potato juice, which is literally the exact opposite of what you want from a stamp. It creates a smeary, blotchy mess. It drips down your wrist. It drips potato water on your construction paper. And it ends in frustration and tears.
If you want to carve your own stamp, try using erasers. They are only a little more difficult to carve, but they don't rot, and they don't ooze liquid when you're trying to ink and stamp with them.
I'll say it again, DEATH TO POTATO STAMPS.
Image courtesy Flickr/Svadlifari
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