Grumpy Potato Paper Squishy Template

Brown lumpy potato with sprouts, crooked eyes and a sulky downturned mouth

A potato that complains about everything is so silly that kids usually grin just looking at it. It's for anyone who needs a good grumble without upsetting anybody.

✂️ What’s in the Template

The PDF has the lumpy potato in brown with sprouts, crooked eyes and a pouty mouth, front and back. You also get a coloring version and mini potatoes on page 3. About 5 inches long, it sits nicely in your hand.

At a Glance

Group
Stress-Relief Squishies
Size
about 4–5.5 in
Pages
3 × A4
Craft time
20–30 minutes
🧺 What You Need
  • Printer and regular printer paper (US Letter or A4)
  • Scissors
  • Wide clear packing tape (or laminating sheets)
  • Stuffing: cotton balls, yarn or paper scraps
  • Crayons or markers for the coloring version

📝 Step-by-Step Instructions

1
Print at 100% (turn off “fit to page”). Color the B/W version first.
2
Cut out the front and back along the outer line – the white border is the tape edge.
3
Cover both pieces with wide clear tape, overlapping the strips slightly, and smooth them out.
4
Place the front and back together exactly (colored sides out).
5
Tape all around the edge, leaving about 1 inch open where it says “leave open here”.
6
Stuff with cotton, yarn or paper scraps – not too full – and tape the opening shut. Done!

😤 Stress-relief tip: Squeeze, squish, toss gently – for example at the squishy target. More ideas in the guide Squishies for Stress Relief.

💡 Tips

  • The shape is uneven, and that's fine. Wonky edges even look more authentic.
  • Stuff the potato with yarn in clumps to keep it nicely lumpy.
  • Reinforce the sprouts on top with tape so they don't bend over.
  • Dot on little spots with a brown pen for a realistic skin.

🎨 Color Ideas

Earth brown
Light and dark browns give you spots just like a real potato.
Red potato
A reddish skin makes it look even more offended.
Rainbow spud
Why not a purple potato with yellow dots that still grumbles?

🔄 Variations

Potato contest
Who can make the grumpiest potato? Let your family or class vote.
Hot potato
Play hot potato with the squishy and gently pass it around the circle.
Mini harvest
The mini potatoes on page 3 become a whole sack of grumblers.

Safety: Stuffing and tape are not for children under 3. Never use real food or scented oils as stuffing.

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Why families love PureSketchy:

  • Completely free: Every squishy template with no sign-up, no newsletter, no subscription.
  • Color and B/W: Each template comes ready in color and as a coloring version – plus minis.
  • Kid-tested: Printed, cut out, taped shut and stuffed with yarn – it works.
  • Regular printer paper: No cardstock, no special paper, no laminator needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why a potato?
Because it's so wonderfully imperfect. A crooked shape and a sour face, yet lovable, which kids adore.

Can I let out anger with the potato?
Squeezing, squishing and gentle tossing often clears the head. If anger weighs on you a lot, talking to someone helps more.

May I throw the potato?
Yes, gently and not at people. In a game of hot potato it's practically required.

Is the download free?
Yes, all templates on PureSketchy are 100% free for personal, preschool and classroom use – no sign-up needed.

Is there a German version?
Yes! You can find the German version here: Motz-Kartoffel-Squishy.