I made a batch of plant labels to put in my garden. They are cheap, easy, and - best of all - not plastic, so I thought you guys might like to see how I made them.
Snap the ends off some wide craft sticks (the ones that are about 18mm wide - that's wider than the average popsicle sticks). You can use your fingers, but pliers will make the snapped end a bit tidier.
Sand the ends to get rid of any splinters.I like to paint a light wash of brown watercolour paint over the sticks, so they aren't quite so garishly "new" looking.
Use a fadeproof and waterproof pen to write your plant names.If you like you could decorate the sticks further with stickers and rubons.
Use a small saw to cut a chopstick in half. Sand the cut ends.
Use a waterproof wood glue to glue the stick to the chopstick, with the tapered end pointing down. Let dry.
Seal with a coat or two of clear varnish.
Then pop in the garden. These have lasted at least a season in my garden, and as they age they start to blend in more with their surroundings. Much more attractive than white plastic labels!
I love this! I am going to make some for my new potager garden.
ReplyDeleteI agree much more attractive than white plastic. These are just so beautiful. I'd be inclined to vanish the label too. It rains a lot here.
ReplyDeleteThey are look great just wish I had neater handwriting.
ReplyDeletemust be the season for it...i spent last night doing some poker work to make labels for my roses in the vineyard. I do like your version, they are on my list to make.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteThey are lovely. I was going to make some labels from old spoons and a metal stamp but this looks a lot easier.
Tracy
I think labels are going to be like the garden seat for me; on the one hand a finishing touch that is still a wee way away but on the other hand something you should have right from the start. They are beautiful.
ReplyDelete