Harvest Prints

Make your own harvest print to celebrate the onset of autumn and the harvest bounty. We recommend using local produce to support small farms and local farmers and to learn more about where our food comes from. Use a piece of each produce item for printing and cook the rest to make a delicious meal!

Materials

• Variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, and/or leaves from your neighborhood
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Large washable ink pad or nontoxic paint (see below for homemade paint instructions)
• Plates for paint dipping
• Paper, preferably heavyweight
• Optional Materials: Paintbrush or brayer (roller) to create an inverse print

Directions

1. Find a good working space where you can make a bit of a mess. Gather your materials.
2. Cut your vegetables and fruits either lengthwise or crosswise, being sure to make the cut as flat as possible to ensure an even printing surface.
3. Pour your paint into a plate to create a dipping surface.
4. Dip your cut vegetables, fruits, or leaves into the paint and then place flat on the paper and press down lightly. You can also trace along the outside of the object with paint using your finger for a more impressionistic look.
5. For an inverse print, try placing slices of your vegetables, fruits, and/or leaves onto the paper and then rolling or brushing the paint over them. Peel off the plant matter to reveal your print.
6. Let it dry completely and then hang up to enjoy. 

Bonus Activity: Homemade Paint

Materials

• ¾ cup flour
• 1 cup warm water
• Food coloring in various colors
• Medium mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowls, one per color

Directions

1. In a medium mixing bowl, mix ¾ cup flour with 1 cup warm water until smooth.
2. Divide mixture into small mixing bowls, depending on how many colors you want to make.
3. Stir in desired amount of food coloring into each bowl (the more food coloring you add the darker the color will be).
4. Use your finger, brush, or dip your plant stamp directly into the paint to create your artwork.