How to Craft Apple Stamps

This tutorial explains how to use the humble apple to make apple stamps that can be applied to a range of items from lunch bags to carry totes. It's a great way to use up excess apples, especially any that are past their prime. Here is how to craft your own apple stamps.

1. Select suitable apples. Keep the best apples for eating, and use the bruised or older ones to make some apple stamps.
   
   
2. Put on an apron or a smock to protect your clothes. Prepare your workspace by laying down newspaper to protect all surfaces.
   
   
3. Prepare the paint. Pour the paint onto the paper plates, using a separate plate for each color.
   
   
   • You can use any color paint, but red and green – the colors of apples – are most popular.
   • Use paint that is suitable for application to whatever surface you're using, whether it's paper, fabric, etc. Make sure it's non-toxic paint too, so that the kids can do this.
4. Cut the apple in half with a sharp knife. Let the apples dry for an hour after cutting and before dipping.
   
   
5. Dip the apple into one of the paints, cut side down.
   
   
   • Use a paintbrush to spread the color evenly across the apple half.
     
     
6. Press the paint-covered apple half onto the construction paper or paper lunch sack.
   
   
   • Dip the apple in the paint or brush the paint on again for each subsequent stamp, and have paper towels on hand to blot excess paint.
     
     
7. Create a design. Create a pretty design in the other half of the apple by cutting a heart, star, or other shape into the center of the cut side of the apple before applying paint.
   
   
   • Use a paintbrush to apply paint separately to the design you've cut out.
     
     
8. Make an apple tote. Use fabric paint and the apple stamps to create a cute fabric tote bag or grocery bag.
   
   
   • Allow to dry before using or wrapping as a gift.
     
     

• To dispose of the apples in the compost, slice off the painted portion for normal disposal and compost the remaining parts.
• Check craft stores or search the internet for food grade paints if you want to use the finished product for food products.

• All cutting of the apple should be performed under adult supervision.
• Do not eat the apple that has been used to stamp. The paint may be toxic.

• Smock or apron
• Newspaper
• Acrylic paint
• Paper plates
• Fresh apple
• Kitchen knife
• Paintbrushes
• Construction paper or a paper lunch sack (bag)
• Paper towels
• Fabric paint
• Fabric tote bag