How to Make a Plant Markers Bouquet

Transform plain wooden spoons into a bright bouquet.

Cluster practical and pretty plant markers created from wooden spoons into a cheerful bouquet for a luncheon, baby shower or garden club meeting. Make a bouquet to present to an avid gardener or create plant markers for wedding guest favors and arrange them as folksy and fun centerpieces. Plant markers are an ideal family craft.

Things You'll Need

• Clear glass vase
• Wooden kitchen spoons
• Wax paper
• Water base primer and paintbrush
• Assorted colors latex craft paint
• Water base polycrylic
• Pencil
• Decorative tissue paper

Instructions

1. Tear a sheet of wax paper to cover the work surface. Position wooden spoons on top. Using the water base primer, apply to back of the wooden plant markers leaving the bottom 1 inch of spoon handle bare of primer. When the back side of spoon is dry, apply primer to front of spoon. Let primer coat dry well.

2. Choose a different color latex paint for each plant marker in the bouquet. Paint the markers starting on the back of the wooden spoons. Let dry. Paint the front of each plant marker, leaving the bottom 1 inch bare of paint.

3. Dip the pencil eraser into black latex craft paint. Dab eraser on each plant marker to make polka dots. Holding the spoon near the handle base, dot either the front or back of the spoons first. Continue down the plant marker handle. Don't dot the bowl of the spoon.

4. Choose the names of flowers or plants to label the plant markers in the bouquet. Lightly pencil the names in the bowl of the spoons. Use a small paintbrush, dip in black latex craft paint and follow along pencil lines. Let dry thoroughly. To preserve the garden markers, apply two coats of water base polycrylic to the front and back of the wooden spoons. Allow first coat to dry completely before applying the second coat.

5. Arrange the plant markers bouquet in the vase with a few green leaves and perhaps a couple of silk flowers for contrast.

Tips & Warnings

• The polycrylic allows these garden markers to weather well outside. At the end of the season, clean them and apply another coat of polycrylic for next year.

• Used wooden spoons are perfectly fine for this plant markers project. Look under the kitchen sink or at a favorite thrift shop to find clear vases.