We are putting the finishing touches on our spring garden. One of the items on our to-do list was plant markers. I found this pin on Pinterest and thought it would be something fun and easy Mackenzie an I could do together.
Here’s how you can make your own.
Supplies Needed:
- Paint stir sticks
- Paint samples
- Chalkboard paint
- Chalk or chalk pen
Project Cost
We had all of the supplies to complete this project on hand, except for the paint sticks. However, the paint samples are very inexpensive and last a long time. They run $2.50 – $3, depending on where you get them. We prefer the ones from Lowe’s that have a little paint brush attached to the lid. They are perfect for little hands and small projects. We’ve been using the same set of four for about three years.
The chalkboard paint is an investment at about $15 for a quart, but a little goes a long way. We use chalkboard paint for all kinds of projects. This is a fun, simple way to try it out.
Chalk is cheap, and chalk pens run about $4 each, or $8 for a set. A paint pen or a white Sharpie would probably work, too, for a more permanent solution.
1. First, go to your local hardware store and buy a lot of plants and seeds. Ask for a handful (or a bunch) of paint stir sticks for free.
2. Go home and set out your painting supplies. Be sure to dress both yourself and your toddler in painting clothes. The paint samples are not water based, and I can guarantee that items other than the paint sticks in this project will get painted.
3. Show your toddler how to paint the ends of the paint sticks. Paint the ends of the sticks in the color of your choice.
4. Place the paint sticks unpainted-ends-down in jars or boxes to dry. Go get a snack and let the new plant markers dry. If you can time this project just before nap time, you can finish painting while your little one sleeps.
5. After the colored paint dries, paint the other three-fourths of the plant marker in chalkboard paint. You can use a black sharpie or painters tape to create a nice clean line. Allow 30 minutes to an hour for drying time.
6. Use chalk or a chalk pen to write the names of your plants on your new plant markers.
7. Place your plant markers chalk-end-down in the ground next to your plants. Give your toddler a high-five for a job well done!
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