• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header left navigation
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
es_ES Español
  • About
    • Meet Tracy!
    • Contact Me
    • Disclaimers & Disclosures
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Cookie Policy
    • Privacy Policy
  • Holidays
    • New Years Eve
    • Valentine’s Day
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
  • es_ES
Oh, The Things We'll Make!

Oh, The Things We'll Make!

Make it yourself so that you control the ingredients!

  • Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Soups & Salads
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch & Dinner
    • Desserts & Sweets
      • frozen treats
    • Breads & Wraps
    • MIY Pantry Basics
    • Condiments & Sauces
    • Beverages & Smoothies
    • Story Archives
  • Make it Yourself
    • Arts & Crafts
    • Face & Body
      • Cleansers, Soaps, & Gels
      • Deodorants
      • Hair
      • Skin Care
      • Oral Care
      • Baby & Toddler Care
    • Home & Garden
      • Cleaning & Laundry
      • Garden & Hens
    • Soap Making
    • Upcycling
  • About
    • Meet Tracy!
      • More About Me
    • Contact Me
    • Disclaimers & Disclosures
    • Cookie Policy
    • Privacy Policy
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Soups & Salads
    • Beverages & Smoothies
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch & Dinner
    • Desserts & Sweets
      • frozen treats
    • Breads & Wraps
    • Condiments & Sauces
    • MIY Pantry Basics
    • Story Archives
  • Make it Yourself
    • Arts & Crafts
    • Natural Face & Body
      • Cleansers, Soaps, & Gels
      • Natural Skin Care
      • Natural Hair care
      • Oral Care
      • Deodorants
      • Baby & Toddler Care
    • Soap Making
    • Home & Garden
      • Cleaning & Laundry
      • Garden & Hens
    • Photography
    • Upcycling
  • Holidays
    • New Years Eve
    • Valentine’s Day
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
es_ES Español
A closeup of a rosemary plant with a faux terra cotta garden marker with the word "rosemary" written on it. In the background, a chive plant also has a similar garden marker.

Easy DIY Garden Markers

Last Modified: April 5, 2020 // by Tracy Ariza, DDS // April 4, 2020 I may receive a commission if you purchase through links in this post. Learn more here.

es_ES Español

Jump to Tutorial Print Tutorial
Label your herb garden and other plants with these super cute and easy DIY garden markers.

Super cute and easy to make, these DIY polymer clay garden markers are a durable way to label your herb garden and other plants.

A rosemary plant marked with a homemade faux terra cotta garden marker with other herbs and markers in the background.
Pin this post for later!

Table of contents

  1. Fun ways to make garden markers
    1. Materials
      1. Instructions
        1. Printable tutorial

          With the coming of spring, we’ve been out in the garden more lately. We’ve already planted some seeds in newspaper pots for our vegetable garden and have also cleaned up our herb garden.

          During the cleanup process, I pruned some herbs that were out of control. I also made room for some new herbs to plant. I’ve been trying to be strategic about what and where I plant it so that I can have a more sustainable, eco-friendly garden.

          As a way to help identify the different herbs, I decided to make some cute garden markers. I guess I already know which ones are which, but I thought that it would be a good learning experience for my son. Plus, I just like the way the garden markers look in the garden.

          Fun ways to make garden markers

          I’ve made garden markers several ways in the past. I’ve used strips of slate-like tiles to mark some plants. (You can temporarily write on them with chalk or chalk markers, or use opaque metallic markers for something more permanent.)

          I’ve also marked them by writing on aluminum salvaged from cans. When you press on the aluminum with a pencil, it embosses the metal, leaving a more permanent marking.

          The markers I’m going to show you how to make today, though, have been my favorite so far.

          Polymer clay markers

          These DIY garden markers use polymer clay. While polymer clay isn’t food safe, we are only using small bits of clay for these markers. The clay doesn’t go directly into the soil, so I don’t have a problem using it in this way.

          If you have access to a terra cotta clay and a kiln to fire your tags, you could make some “greener” tags. Unfortunately, I don’t have access to a kiln, so I used what I could. 🙂 I will say that these hold up really well in the garden over time.

          The garden markers shown in the photos have been in my garden for 3 years now, and they look pretty much the same way they did when I first made them.

          A closeup of a thyme plant with a clay plant marker with the word "thyme" coming from the center of the plant. Other herbs with a label are in the background.

          Materials

          To make these garden markers, we need 2 main materials. First, we use the polymer clay to make the labels themselves. We then use wire to make the stakes from which to hang the clay handles.

          • Metal skewers for kebabs or other metal wire (with a diameter of around 3-4mm)
          • Polymer clay
          • Rolling pin
          • Parchment or wax paper
          • A toothpick or bamboo skewer for writing on the clay
          • An oval cookie cutter, knife, or other round/oval recipient to use as a cutter.

          Instructions

          Preheat the oven to the temperature setting for your particular polymer clay. FIMO recommends a temperature of 110°C/230°F. Sculpey recommends 265-275ºF (130-135ºC).

          Prepare the clay disks

          Knead the clay to soften it and make it workable. For me, this is (surprisingly) the hardest part. To get it more pliable, I rolled it out with a rolling pin between layers of parchment paper. Once it was rolled out into thinner pieces, it was easier to manipulate the clay.

          Once the clay is workable, roll it into a thin sheet. I made mine around 4mm thick.

          Cut the clay into round or oval shapes. While you can use a knife, I find that the easiest way to get smooth edges is to use some sort of cookie cutter. If you don’t have the right shaped cookie cutter, you can try using items you have around the house. I used the lid of a small stick deodorant container for some of my tags.

          Overhead view of rolled out terra cotter colored polymer clay from which oval shapes are being cut.
          I cut these ovals out using a small deodorant lid.

          I later made my own cookie cutter by forming an oval from a strip of aluminum cut from a beverage can. Both types of improvised cookie cutters worked well.

          • Overhead view of terra cotter colored polymer clay oval shapes with herb names written on them.
            These were cut out using a homemade cookie cutter made from a coconut water can.

          Using a toothpick or a skewer with a pointed tip, write the names of the plants in the clay. (If you’re really fancy, use clay or fondant modeling tools.)

          Work little by little, removing any clay that comes off onto the point as you write. I find it easier to lightly scratch in the name, and then clean it up by passing over the letters once again. (If you have small rubber stamp letters, you can stamp the words into the clay instead.)

          Using the point of the skewer, make a hole in the top of the clay oval for hanging the markers once they are ready.

          • Several ovals of polymer clay on a page with herb names written on it. One oval has "chives" written on it.
          • Poking a hole into the top of clay ovals for hanging them later on.

          Bake the clay disks in the oven for the amount of time specified for your particular polymer clay. (Usually 15-30 minutes.)

          Prepare the wire hangers

          To make wire stakes for hanging the clay disks, I repurposed the metal skewers that came with some pre-prepared kebabs from our butcher. They were actually perfect for this purpose because the end meant to be the handle of the skewers was coiled in a way that was perfect for hanging the clay disks.

          If you don’t have skewers like mine, you can use metal wire with a diameter of around 3-4mm and cut it into sections of around 10-12 inches (25-30cm). Using pliers, carefully coil one end over in such a way that you can hang your clay disks on the wire. (See photo below.) Leave the other end straight for sticking into the soil.

          Homemade clay labels for an herb garden being hung on metal skewers.

          Assembling the garden markers

          Once the clay disks have finished cooking and have cooled, you can carefully hang them on the wires.

          If the hole is a little small you should be able to make it slightly bigger with the point of a scissors or something similar. I kept mine slightly tight so that the tags don’t fall off the wire. That said, I’ve been using some of these for several years now and they have held up really well, and I haven’t lost any disks.

          When ready, jab the other end of the wire into the soil near the plants you want to mark. Easy as that!

          Printable tutorial

          Looking to make more?Subscribe to my newsletter for the latest projects (and recipes)!
          A closeup of a rosemary plant with a faux terra cotta garden marker with the word "rosemary" written on it. In the background, a chive plant also has a similar garden marker.

          DIY Garden Markers

          Super cute and easy to make, these polymer clay garden markers are a durable way to dress up your garden.
          4.67 from 3 votes
          Print Rate
          Prep time: 10 minutes
          Active time: 30 minutes
          Baking time: 20 minutes
          Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
          Author: Tracy Ariza, DDS

          Materials

          • Metal skewers for kebabs or other metal wire with a diameter of around 3-4mm
          • Polymer clay
          • Rolling pin
          • Parchment or wax paper
          • A toothpick or bamboo skewer for writing on the clay
          • An oval cookie cutter knife, or other round/oval recipient to use as a cutter.

          Instructions

          • Preheat the oven to the temperature setting for your particular polymer clay brand. (It's usually between 230ºF-275ºF /110º- 135ºC.)

          Make the clay disks

          • Knead the clay to soften it and make it workable. This is probably the hardest part of this tutorial. I usually roll it out with a rolling pin, between layers of parchment paper, to get it into thinner pieces rather than trying to knead thicker pieces of the clay.
          • Once the clay is workable, roll it into a thin sheet. I made mine around 4mm thick.
          • Cut the clay into round or oval shapes. I find that the easiest way to get smooth edges is to use some sort of cookie cutter. If you don't have the right shaped cookie cutter, try using something you have at home like a cosmetic container lid.
          • Using a toothpick or a skewer with a pointed tip, write the names of the plants in the clay. Work little by little, removing any clay that comes off onto the point for a cleaner look. I find it easier to lightly scratch in the name, and then clean it up by passing over the letters once again. (If you have small rubber stamp letters, you can stamp the words into the clay instead.)
          • Using the point of the skewer, make a hole in the top of the clay oval for hanging the markers once they are ready.
          • Bake the clay disks in the oven for the amount of time specified for your particular polymer clay, usually 15-30 minutes.

          Make the wire hangers

          • To hang the markers in place, I repurposed the metal skewers that came with some pre-prepared kebabs from our butcher. They were actually perfect for this purpose because the handle end was coiled in a way that was perfect for hanging the clay disks. If you don't have skewers like mine, use metal wire with a diameter of 3-4mm instead.
          • Cut the wire into segments that are 10-12 inches long (or whatever length you prefer).
          • Using pliers, carefully coil one end over in such a way that you can hang your clay disks on the wire, leaving the other end straight for sticking into the soil.

          Assembling and using the garden markers

          • Once the clay disks have finished cooking and have cooled, you can carefully hang them on the wires. If the hole is a little small you should be able to make it slightly bigger with the point of a pair of scissors or something similar.
          • When ready to use them, poke the straight end of the wire into the ground near the plant you want to mark.

          Notes

          Heat may also help make the clay more pliable for easier working.
          Make you own cookie cutter by using a strip cut from an aluminum beverage can. Once you’ve formed the desired shape, hold the open ends together with epoxy glue (or just hold it together as you cut).
          I make the hanging holes of the disks small enough for a relatively tight fit to prevent the tags from flying off the wire.
           
          Tried making this? Tag me today!Mention @thethingswellmake or tag #thethingswellmake!

          I hope you enjoyed this tutorial.

          Do you make your own garden markers? I’d love to hear your great ideas for organizing your garden!

          Update Information

          This post was originally published on May 17, 2017.
          It was rewritten and published in April of 2020.

          Category: Home & Garden

          About Tracy Ariza, DDS

          Tracy Ariza, B.A., D.D.S., left dentistry and the United States to found Oh, The Things We’ll Make!, writing to you from the Spanish Riviera. She loves making things herself in order to keep control of what goes in them. While far from perfect, she strives each day to live a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.

          Previous Post: « A closeup of an origami newspaper pot filled with soil in front of a tray filled with more soil-filled origami pots. Quick, DIY, Origami Flower Pots From Recycled Newspaper
          Next Post: Sustainable Gardening Ideas A plant with a rubber hose irrigating system at its base. »

          Reader Interactions

          Comments

          1. s c t n y

            January 28, 2022 at 5:04 AM

            5 stars
            Thanks so much for impacting us with your knowledge and time you spend to do research we appreciate.

            Reply
          2. Anne-Marie

            March 1, 2021 at 10:38 PM

            Hi !
            Its really lovely ! Ok, maybe this is a stupid question but what happens when it get wet because of the rain? Is clay not supposed to be in contact with water? Thank you 🙂

            Reply
            • Tracy Ariza, DDS

              March 2, 2021 at 7:50 AM

              Hi Anne-Marie,
              These are baked polymer clays and not like natural clays. They hold up really well. I’ve had mine in the garden for years now and they look pretty close to the way they did when I first made them.

              Reply
            • Juli hallman

              January 26, 2022 at 4:38 PM

              4 stars
              This is a super cute craft idea. Do you think the baking aspect would work in a toaster oven?

              Reply
              • Tracy Ariza, DDS

                March 11, 2023 at 8:28 PM

                I don’t see why not- as long as you can get the temperature right.

                Reply
          3. Christina Dunbar

            December 7, 2020 at 9:04 PM

            These are so cute! What brand and color of clay did you use? It’s perfect!

            Reply
            • Tracy Ariza, DDS

              December 9, 2020 at 7:01 PM

              Hi Christina,
              Thank you!
              I made these a while back, but I’m pretty sure I used Fimo clay in the terra cotta color.
              (I should add that they are still looking pretty much like new years later!)
              Actually, looking at the packages, it may have been Sculpey like this one. I will look to see if I have any left at home to answer for sure.

              Reply
          4. Catherine Evangelista

            April 23, 2020 at 9:45 PM

            Thanks for the tutorial. Just made 16(!) markers thanks to our quarantine these days. Will be painting mine but loved your easy directions. Thanks again.

            Reply
            • Tracy Ariza, DDS

              April 24, 2020 at 10:58 AM

              Hi Catherine!
              Yay! I’m happy you enjoyed it!
              We made a few more too and have been growing seeds and lots of plants from veggie scraps (like celery and lettuce).
              Stay safe and healthy!

              Reply
          5. Maggie Bartle

            November 19, 2019 at 1:37 AM

            These would make a neat gift for the gardener in your life too 🙂

            Reply
            • Tracy Ariza

              December 2, 2019 at 7:38 PM

              Great idea, Maggie!

              Reply
          6. Kim

            March 21, 2019 at 12:07 AM

            I love, love, love these! Will have to get to the craft store soon.

            Reply
            • Tracy Ariza

              March 21, 2019 at 10:50 PM

              Thanks, Kim!
              I hope you have fun with them. 🙂

              Reply
          7. Kathleen

            March 15, 2018 at 1:41 AM

            This is such a great idea, which I will be using for my many groups of flowers and herbs. Thank you for your wonderful pictures and instructions.

            Reply
            • Tracy Ariza

              March 15, 2018 at 5:48 PM

              You’re so welcome, Kathleen.
              It’s a fun project. I hope it goes well for you. 🙂

              Reply
          8. Richard | My Greenery Life

            November 10, 2017 at 2:05 PM

            So amazing! I can’t wait to make these for my small garden. Thanks a lot for sharing

            Reply
            • Tracy Ariza

              November 10, 2017 at 3:26 PM

              You’re welcome, Richard!
              Glad you liked them. 🙂

              Reply

          Leave a Reply Cancel reply

          Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

          Recipe Rating




          Sidebar

          Search

          • Email
          • Facebook
          • Instagram
          • Pinterest
          • Twitter
          • YouTube

          Hello, I’m Tracy!

          I love making my own natural products like soaps and lotions and my own pantry items like yogurt and salad dressings.
          Why do I do it? Sometimes to save money, sometimes because it's healthier, but I always love having control of the ingredients!​
          Oh, the things we'll make!...

          More about Tracy

          I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

          Featured on Buzzfeed, Lifehacker, Fitness, Shape, Country Living, Healthline, Redbook, Redfin

          Closeup of 4 bars of homemade soap. Two of them have been wrapped in brown paper and wrapped with ribbons. One soap is wrapped with red ribbon and the other with white ribbon.

          Making an Easy, Basic Beginner Soap, and Then Making it Fun!!

          Homemade prawn crackers on a plate in front of uncooked homemade prawn crackers and a roll of prawn crackers dough.

          Prawn Crackers from Scratch

          Impress your friends and save money by making your own soy sauce from scratch. Today we'll learn how to make a homemade shoyu, a fermented Japanese soy sauce made from soybeans and wheat berries. #shoyu #soysauce

          How to Make Soy Sauce (Homemade Shoyu)

          Two bottles of a homemade conditioner next to a wooden comb and a washcloth.

          Easy DIY Hair Conditioner for Natural Hair

          A small glass jar filled with an emulsified sugar scrub with a wooden spoon in it.

          Easy Emulsified Sugar Scrub

          Over head view of a spoon full of tomato paste over a jar full of it. A couple of fresh tomatoes lay next to the jar.

          Easy Homemade Tomato Paste Recipe

          Featured on Buzzfeed, Lifehacker, Fitness, Shape, Country Living, Healthline, Redbook, Redfin

          White logo for Oh, The Things Well Make! website

          Copyright © 2023 Tracy Ariza · Disclaimers and Disclosures · Privacy Policy · Cookie Policy