Posted by Suzanne McMinn @ 5:05 am | Permalink
Garden Crafts, In the Country Garden
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.)
