Pretty Plant Markers

March 7, 2005

By Jeff T., St. Paul, Minnesota

That favorite plant of yours deserves more recognition than a Popsicle stick with black ink spelling out its name. Try making these unique plant markers, which hold a label or a seed packet with bent copper wire set in a decorative base. They’re easy to assemble, so let your creativity flow. Decorate them with rocks, glass beads or even seashells. They’re also great gifts for friends and relatives, and at $2 apiece, you can make dozens of them. You’ve probably got all the tools you’ll need around the house to make these markers. A 2-gallon bucket and a wooden spoon are all you need for mixing the mortar. We used a 4- x 8- x 2-inch disposable plastic container as a form, but you could also try a cut-off milk carton or a bread pan. You should also round up a pair of pliers, wire cutters and a utility knife for working with the wire. For supplies, you’ll need a bag of premixed mortar (60 pounds is plenty), a dust mask, a can of nonstick cooking spray, and 12-2 electrical cable with the plastic sheathing stripped off the wires. For decoration, use rocks, glass beads or seashells—about 1/3 pound of rocks per holder. Craft stores are loaded with materials.We added a latex bonding agent to the mortar. It’s not absolutely necessary, but it’ll make the mortar stick better to smooth rocks and glass. Buy it from a masonry supplier and follow the directions for mixing.

Kerry

Argue not with dragons, for thou art crunchy and go well with brie

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