Rachel, at One Pretty Thing, featured some lovely plant markers the other day made by Kelly over at Purple Lemon Designs. She had a great tutorial on how to make them so check it out. I must admit we broke a couple new terracotta pots, but from now on I will save all my broken pots. I also did something different than she did for printing names on the markers. I couldn’t bring myself to buy rub on letters. So, what I did was find a font I liked in word. I used Bradley Hand ITC and sized it at 45 – 55 depending on the length of the plant. I printed a list of the plants, then cut out the individual words. I rubbed pencil lead on the back of the words, positioned the word where I wanted it on the pot, and traced the word from the front side. This worked like carbon paper transferring the word to the pot. I then used a paint marker to go over the word I traced. You could also use a permanent Sharpie. By doing this I did not have the expense of rub on letters, which you can buy at Michaels or JoAnns, and I could size them to fit. The markers are a little bit time consuming, but fun. Instead of trying to make 50 at one time, I’ll be making them as I plant.
I thought I would pass along a tip for using the rub ons for your plant markers. It is expensive to buy those I agree, so I found from another source that I can not remember right now 🙁 a way to make the rub ons that you need. Get a clear ascetate sheet like they use for over head projectors and put it in your printer and print the words or phrases you need. Then remove after printing and use just like you would a rub on, rubbing the back of the ascetate. Don’t forget to use a mirror image if printing words so that when you turn them over to rub the back (popcicle stick or bone folder, stylus) the words come out right. Try it. You can mist the words LIGHTLY with a sealer to help them be a weather proof. I do not know however how resistant to fading this might be.
Thanks. That’s a great idea. I just couldn’t bring myself to buy the transfer letters, but using the ascetate is brillant! I have several more I need to make. I’m going to give your idea a try!