How to make garden markers

Step one
Cut your branch into 1cm-thick discs.

Step two
With a fine paintbrush, carefully paint the names of your plants onto each disc using the Resene Black testpot.

Step three
Once the paint has dried, apply Resene Furniture and Decking Oil to both the front and back of each disc. Allow each side to dry.

Step four
Drill two 5mm holes at the top of each disc, approximately 1cm apart and centred, as shown.

Step five
Fix a length of bamboo at the back of each disc using a few dabs of hot glue. Thread twine through the drilled holes, creating a couple of loops (a large needle might come in handy), pull it tight, and tie it off at the back to secure it in place, as shown.

Step six
Push each marker into the ground next to the plant or tree you want to label.

Step one
Knead a handful of oven bake clay to soften it.

Step two
Place the softened clay on top of baking paper and roll it out until it is about 5mm thick.

Step three
Using a knife and a ruler, cut the clay into 1cm strips (or wide enough to accommodate your embossing stamps).

Step four
Cut each of the strips into approximately 12cm lengths.

Step five
Cut one end of each length into a point, as shown.

Step six
Roll the excess clay into a ball and repeat steps 1–5 until you have as many markers as you need.

Step seven
Press the name of your veges, herbs or other plants into each marker. Start from the flat end applying just the right amount of pressure to emboss each letter about halfway through.

Step eight
Lay all your clay markers on a baking tray and bake them according to the package instructions.

Step nine
Once baked and cooled, grab a paintbrush and coat the front of each marker using your choice of Resene testpot colours. Make sure the paint seeps into each embossed letter.

Step ten
Use a sponge to immediately wipe off the excess paint, creating a lighter overall finish with darker lettering. Use the sponge to also lightly apply paint to all sides of the marker.

Step eleven
After your paint has dried, apply a layer of Resene Concrete Clear Waterborne Coating to give your markers a glossy finish. Allow to dry.

Step twelve
Pop your plant markers into the garden next to the specific plants or seeds you want to label.