Air-Dry Clay Plant Markers Are Taking Over Instagram – Here's How To Make Your Own
Get crafty and save your future self the stress of mixing up your crops with this fun DIY.
One of my favorite parts about gardening is the feeling that I'm creating and caring for something in this huge universe. In those moments I'm devoting all of my time and attention to the process of planting, growing and nurturing with complete intention.
I love the idea of making some DIY air-dry clay plant markers like Anna King of Making Home Matter and Sostrene Grene posted to Instagram to take this hands-on approach even further. It sounds like a fun, mindful activity as well as one that will come in super handy to keep your crops labelled!
I chatted to some plant pros about the markers in the videos to learn what they love about them, plus one pro shared an amazing alternative that they use in their own yard. Read on to learn all about it.
Article continues belowWhat are plant markers?
Plant markers are a simple identification label used to help a gardener to know what they have planted, as well as where they have planted it. It's so easy to mix up your crops and not know what's where, which can quickly become stressful if certain plants require certain care while growing and you don't know where they are!
Through using a plant marker all of this is remedied, permitted that the label on your marker remains clear to read, that it doesn't break, and that it stays firmly in the ground in the place it's supposed to go.
What do plant pros love about the plant markers on Instagram?
The two sets of air-dry clay plant markers on Instagram are both rather different but they definitely share a commonality - they're both incredibly stylish.
Shane Pliska, CEO of Planterra and an indoor gardening expert, feels the same way and loved the decorative element of the markers. He shared: "If you’re going to label your plants with a garden DIY, you might as well do it with style. It is more common to see plant markers made of tin or plastic, so these markers definitely elevate the category. They are not just functional, they’re decorative objects. They bring a sense of craft and permanence to the garden, turning something ordinary into a small moment of art."
Tammy Sons, the founder and CEO of TN Nursery, is also a fan of how decorative these air-dry clay plant markers are, but more specifically loves the unique shape of Sostene Grene's design.
She said: "I have seen air-dry clay plant markers a lot online lately, but I love how shaped and durable those markers look!"
Making your markers: A step-by-step guide
To make your own plant markers from air-dry clay, you first need to decide what design you're going for. Would you like something more muted like in Anna King's example? Or perhaps something more shaped and colorful like Sostrene Grene's which will require purchasing paint?
- Once you're clear on your vision, begin to gather your supplies. The bare minimum essentials for this DIY are air-dry clay and a glaze to make the clay waterproof. However, paints, stamps, a detailing tool, and a cutting mat may also come in handy.
- Begin by crafting your clay shapes, whether free-handedly or with the assistance of using tools. If you're wishing to stamp any designs onto the clay like Anna, you need to do this before the clay dries out, otherwise the stamp won't be able to imprint properly. Ensure the shapes you make are at least a couple of inches thick, otherwise your dried clay will be rather brittle and prone to snapping.
- After forming the shape you want and adding any stamps you wish to add, poke any holes you want into the clay. In Sostene Grene's video the clay pieces were cleverly hung up onto hooks to form the plant markers. It's best to make any holes you need while the clay is still soft, otherwise it may crack when you try to add them in later.
- Then, your clay is all set to dry. Leave it for at least a day, when it should feel dry to the touch, but if you have longer three days should give the clay plenty of time to dry out.
- Permitted your air-dry clay is entirely dry you can paint on any color or designs you want, and then finish everything off with a waterproof clay coating after your paint is completely dry. Don't forget to allow your glaze enough time to dry before using your plant markers in any soil, otherwise it may rub off and your clay won't be waterproof. Modge podge, acrylic sealant or any clay glaze will do the trick, and shall be all set after 24 hours.
What's a good alternative option?
If you love the idea of this DIY but don't have the budget to spend on craft supplies, Matt Tutt, a gardener at Aguacateros, has an amazing alternative option.
He shared with me: "It looks like a lot of effort to do this DIY, and that you need to buy various things – the clay, the stamps, and the glaze. Some people are lucky enough to have clay in their garden – this would be a great option (and the most sustainable choice!).
"But if you're looking for an alternative or a more affordable option, I have started using offcuts of wood or tree prunings to make my plant markers. I expose the wood using an axe or knife, and then I simply draw onto the wood with pencil or pen. They should last a decent length of time - and it will all naturally decompose eventually too."
Shop Supplies
This block of clay will give you plenty to work with when you're crafting your design. Why not try out many ideas and see which works best in your garden?
This kit has all you need to apply your plant marker's glaze as well as tools for shaping and making holes.
Paint pens will give you far more control and accuracy if you plan on drawing detailed designs on your clay plant markers.
