Handcrafted Herb Pot Markers | Chickens in the Road

Feb
25

Call me impatient. I’m ready for spring. This time of year, I start doing things that I think will make spring come faster. Or at least make me feel closer to its beating heart. I’m snuggling up to spring, begging it to come out and play. Starting seeds inside is one thing, but I’m already thinking outside. For several years I’ve been gazing longingly upon herb pot markers–in stores, in catalogs, at craft booths at fairs and festivals. I can never quite bring myself to buy them because to buy markers for all the herbs I grow would be too expensive. So then I’m back to my popsicle stick markers. This year, I decided to make my own handcrafted markers–to feed my need to decorate my herb pots and my need to be frugal at the same time.

To make your own herb pot markers, all you need is some paint (I used acrylics), glue, twine, clear sealer, and some little craft wood pieces and square dowels. Square dowels are easy to use because they provide a flat surface to glue on the wooden marker. I got these little craft pieces in a bag of a dozen for under $2. You might be handy (or have access to a handy person) and cut them out from scrap wood yourself.

I painted the wood pieces with a base color and while that was drying, I tried out my penmanship. For each herb name, I practiced writing out the word based on the size of the marker and when I thought I had it right, transferred that by hand onto the painted wood piece. You might want to do this in pencil. I was feeling frisky so I did it in pen. Then using a fine brush, I painted over the penned lettering to make it more substantial. I used a clear acrylic sealer spray to protect the paint.

When everything was dry, I glued each marker onto a square dowel, tied a bit of twine on top (I love twine!), and poked it in a pot! WOW. Spring feels closer already…. (Shhh. There is NOT snow outside, there is NOT!) Now, for pocket change per marker, I can have all the decorative herb pot markers I want! No more popsicle stick markers. These are cute! I like things to be cute…. (Isn’t this old clay pot great, by the way? Worn out, banged up, even a little mossy on the outside. It’s a perfect shabby chic pot!! It’s my favorite one.)

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25 Responses
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2-25
6:58
am

This is such a great idea. I’ve been wanting to grow my own herbs in pots. I could get them started in the PT seed starters and transfer them.

You give me such great little ideas. I like to do things that aren’t so expensive too. Gives me a sense of accomplishment when I can make something and it didn’t cost an arm and a leg.

You are going to have such a great place for your garden. :typing:

Shirley -
2-25
7:38
am

Okay, if I do this, will it hurry Spring along here? Because we are bracing for another snowstorm tomorrow…. :wall:

-Kim :cold:

Kim A. -
2-25
7:42
am

You have successfully awakened the herb fanatic in me! I’m going to have to visit the seed section of the store today when I’m grocery shopping. I’ll make the seed starter pots from one of your earlier posts and put my herb seeds in. Now I have to narrow down what to plant… chives, cilantro, mint? I don’t have a garden area in my rental house but I think I’ll be on a look out for pots at the earliest of garage sales! I love, love, love your blog and your inspirations.

Cyndi Lewis -
2-25
8:03
am

I am so ready for spring and all that it brings! I can’t go as far as you have gone but I can dream of the day that I can go barefooted out into the garden and dig up worms. We still have a few inches of snow on the ground. Enjoy!

jan -
2-25
9:19
am

I love those! That’s a great idea. I have a huge bag of popsicle sticks around here someplace. I wonder if I can find them!

and I love the pot too. There’s nothing like a mossy, limey, aged unglazed clay pot! They have so much character.

lintys -
2-25
9:28
am

So cute. I want to make these. But with my black thumb, I have no idea what I would do with them, lol.

Jill S. -
2-25
9:30
am

I love this project!

I got almost as excited about these cute markers as I did at seeing 52’s hands in a picture!

Thanks for the great project and love your site!

Cheryl -
2-25
9:31
am

Okay, that’s really cute. And now I want to eat something with rosemary. Or just the rosemary. That would work too.

Robin G. -
2-25
11:14
am

That is incredibly cute.

Jen(aside) -
2-25
11:41
am

…And I can only grow cactuses, LOL!

Minna -
2-25
11:56
am

:thumbsup: Very cute! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve almost bought the overpriced but adorable herb markers. I’m definitely going to make my own.

I’m so ready for winter to BE OVER ALREADY that I’ve been Googling botanical gardens and gazing longlingly at photos of flowers…and now I hear that we’re getting 6-10 inches of snow tomorrow. *Sob*.

jenn -
2-25
12:55
pm

You so very crafty! They’re really cute. :thumbsup:

Susan -
2-25
2:06
pm

I like the pot and labels! I have to try that, but instead of herbs, I think I’ll plant CAT GRASS. (And hope the cats don’t eat it before it GROWS!)

Brandy -
2-25
3:28
pm

Very clever!

Estella -
2-25
3:43
pm

There’s no snow outside and you’ll be moving on March the 8th. :rotfl:

Tori Lennox -
2-25
4:03
pm

They’re adorable! Now I feel the urge to plant something and it’s going to snow tomorrow (sigh).

catslady -
2-25
10:37
pm

Those are really cute! I, too, am starting to be anxious for spring. This morning I browsed seeds in my local hardware store and thought about picking up yet more seed-starting supplies. Yup, the gardening bug is starting to hit.

Caryn -
2-26
9:35
am

I’m all for anything to make Spring get her early!

Becky -
2-26
9:35
am

HERE.

I kan spell. Rilly, I kan.

Becky -
2-26
10:54
pm

Oh, I love these. So sweet and simple. I’ll have to get started on them as our seeds are already sprouting.

Robin -
2-29
11:51
am

I almost bought some fresh herbs to get started the other day… seemed wrong though with all the snow we have out there. I’m still thinking of doing it though. I love growing things and since we’ve moved here I’ve not been able to do anything really. If I have to do it in pots, oh well. At least I’ll get to grow something! And I can add the nifty little tags. :catmeow:

Cole

Nicole Reising -
3-1
1:42
am

Wow! That’s clever of you. It must have been fun doing that and look at the result. Wow!

Thanks for participating in MIFS.

tips and tricks -
3-4
12:38
am

I love your homemade markers. They are really cute and your twine really added a nice touch. Frugal, handmade, and so adorable!

RecycleCindy -
3-12
4:20
pm

Loved your idea, you penmanship is great, beautiful pot… this article makes me wanna go home and work on the garden… or should I say “start” a garden!

Juana -
4-23
4:58
pm

See how creative you are???? There are TONS of things you could make and SELL – maybe at the little store!

Donna -