Baking potatoes turn into custom stamps for fabric paint; to obtain the best results, use shirts made of washable cotton.

1. Slice a potato (we used large russets) in half lengthwise. Place a cookie cutter on the cut side of one half; set aside other potato half to use for another stamp.

2. Push cutter through potato, keeping potato steady on table; break away excess potato. Poke shape out of cutter; blot away any moisture with a paper towel.

3. Using a craft stick, spread a thin layer of fabric paint on a paper plate. Dip potato shape, white side down, into paint a few times, moving it around for an even coat; wipe off any paint on sides of stamp with a paper towel.

4. Slip a piece of cardboard inside a cotton shirt, then stamp the shape onto shirt, pressing down firmly for five seconds. Let paint dry completely before adding any other stamps.

Spud Stamp Basics
Flowers
Each part of a decoration can be made with a separate potato stamp. For this design, we cut a blossom with a flower cookie cutter, leaves with an aspic cutter (normally used for shaping jellied garnishes), and a stem with a knife.

Stars
A large, simple shape like this star is easiest for younger kids.

Letters
Use letter cookie cutters to spell out names. Place cutter on potato half so letter is backward; cut out. Turn stamp over, and dip into paint. The same method works for numbers.

Polka Dots
A fingerling potato makes great dots -- just cut off the tip.