These paint stick garden markers are fun and easy for all ages to make, and perfect for marking the plants, herbs and vegetables in your garden. Pair them with some gardening gloves and seed packets for thoughtful and useful homemade gift for a gardener.
I’ve been wanting to make a set of homemade garden markers for a while now, to mark all the herbs in my herb garden. Originally, I’d planned to paint some rocks, but I came across a bunch of paint sticks in the garage the other day, and I thought they might work well.
I kept the project really simple, and it took no time at all. I just added a splash of colour to each stick and then wrote the names of the herbs in plain lettering, and you know what?
I LOVE them!
I think their simplicity – the muted colours and the simple lettering – really suits the garden. I couldn’t be happier with the way they turned out.
Great last-minute gift idea
If your kids are looking for a last-minute homemade gift for a gardener these are perfect. The whole project took me less than an hour, start to finish.
Supplies:
- wooden paint sticks
- fine sand paper
- pencil
- acrylic craft paint
- outdoor craft varnish/sealer
Instructions:
Time needed: 1 hour
How to Make Paint Stick Garden Markers
- Prep Paint Stick
Sand paint stick lightly with some fine-grit sand paper to smooth it and remove any splinters.
- Pencil on the plant name
To get an idea of where to paint your pop of background colour, write the name of your plant in pencil on the paint stick.
- Add a pop of colour
Choose a paint colour and cover up the plant name, extending slightly beyond the height and length of your lettering. Allow to dry for a few minutes in the sun or blast it with a hair dryer.
- Pencil on the plant name again
You may still be able to faintly see your lettering through the coloured paint. If so, re-trace with a pencil so the lines are easy to follow with paint. If you can’t see your original pencil lines well enough to follow them, simply re-write your plant name in pencil and then proceed with the liner brush and back paint.
- Paint your plant name
Dip a fine liner brush in black paint and paint over your pencilled lettering. For the best results, reload your brush for every stroke.
- Varnish
Once dry, give the entire paint stick (front, back and edges) 2 coats of clear craft varnish, and allow to dry.
Time to take your garden markers to the garden!
Gently push each marker into the earth. If the soil is quite dry, just give it a soak, and your paint stick will slide in easily.
What an easy (and pretty!) way to identify the various plants, herbs and vegetables growing in your garden.
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Jackie is a mom, wife, home daycare provider, and the creative spirit behind Happy Hooligans. She specializes in kids’ crafts and activities, easy recipes, and parenting. She began blogging in 2011, and today, Happy Hooligans inspires more than 2 million parents, caregivers and Early Years Professionals all over the globe.
