Handmade gifts, especially from kids, really are the best. But we’ve been thinking… why not have your kiddos give their grandparents, teachers, and other important people in their lives something cute *and* functional. Everyone can use another tea towel!

So this idea started when we hand-dyed swaddles over the summer. The potato printed version is so fun and so easy, and the imperfections are part of the charm. And since then we’ve seen potato printing everywhere! Like on the curtains of Rem’s room and on the favor bags at Owen’s 1st birthday.

Then at Crafting Community, Rachel Craven was doing this exact project at her workshop (such a good one!), which had us thinking what great gifts these would make for the holidays. (Rachel’s own hand stamped linens are divine, if you haven’t seen them.)

So we ordered up some paints from Dharma Trading Co., and a few bundles of tea towels from Amazon (though Dharma carries them too), and set up a little craft station for Kristina’s older son.

We stuck with a limited palette and (as you can see) actually used carrots instead of potatoes. Keeping with a uniform shape in different sizes made it easier to end up with a handmade but still, um, cute final product.

Shirts optional for all painting projects, obviously.

There was a bit of a learning curve in terms of stamping each carrot with only one color paint, but once he got it we breezed through 12 tea towels.

Some were slightly more art directed than others. Love how the confetti ones turned out!

Tied up with baker’s twine and little gold gift tag, they’re such sweet gifts. With a few clicks and express shipping, you could have the supplies waiting for you this weekend!

The possibilities are pretty endless here. You could potato print wrapping paper too, onesies, t-shirts, crib sheets, pretty much anything could do with a little bit of geometric color.

And such a perfect example of how the weekend of Crafting Community will stick with you and inspire you throughout the year. If you didn’t get a chance to read Kristina’s recap and you’re interested in attending the next one, you should check it out. Or if you just love their style, click over to their One Kings Lane sale going on through December 9th.

Happy crafting!