Silver Herb Markers

This weekend I planted some herbs in pots. While I bought strawberry and peppermint plants, the other ones I planted from seed. This means I have a bunch of pots that look like just dirt sitting on my patio and I needed some way to remember what was what.

I have seen these cute herb markers at different boutiques and antique stores for the past couple of years.

While I thought the idea of using old silverware for these was really cute, I didn't think the price tags were. People are charging five bucks each (sometimes more!) for these! That's insane. I figured I could probably make these on my own for way cheaper.

First, get yourself some old silverware. I tried using regular spoons the first time I did this, but the stainless was too hard to flatten and stamp. We went to the nearby antique mall and I rooted around until I found a bunch of sterling silver and silver plated spoons and butter knives. I've seen people use forks for this too but I didn't care for the way they looked. I didn't pay more than two dollars for any of these. Most were a dollar.

Take a spoon, and hammer it flat. I hammered on a bench block that I had leftover from when I used to teach wire jewelry classes.

Hammer it nice and flat.

Next you're going to need some steel alphabet stamps. I bought mine at Harbor Freight Tools for ten dollars almost a decade ago. They were used back then for stamping on metal scrapbooking tags, but today they had a different purpose.

Firmly hold the stamp in place and hammer it several times, HARD. Be careful to not let it move and to not pinch your finger. I started my words from the center so I wouldn't run out of room.

Ta da!

For the knives, I stamped the handles.

Next you're going to need some rubbing alcohol, a paper towel, and an old Sharpie. Trust me, you want to use an old one because this is going to mess it up.

Color over the stamped letters with the marker. Really get it into the grooves. I found that pressing and rolling the tip over the letters really helps to get the ink in there.

Next take the paper towel and put a little bit of rubbing alcohol on it. Very gently wipe off the excess marker. If you notice you missed any spots, just go over it with the marker again.

And you're done! (The strawberry marker and I had issues)

Now you just need to go stick them into your herbs and feel glad about saving all that money. Don't feel limited to herb markers either. You can do short sayings too. How about "Love One Another" or "Dream Big" or even just "I Love You" stuck in a potted plant as a gift for a friend?