One of the items I made to sell at the upcoming craft fair are these fun garden markers. I’ve seen them on etsy and wanted my very own. So, I’ve been picking up old vintage, antique silverware at yard sales all summer. Then, I went to the hardware store and bought a set 1/8 inch of alphabet stamps. Got out the trusty hammer and stamped away. You’ve got to have a very hard surface under the spoons…..like the rock in my picture. It’s pretty easy…..the hardest part is finding silver-plated silverware at yard sales. The stainless steel kind is too hard to stamp. Well, it’s too hard for me to stamp. It is possible – I watched my dad do it easily. You have to do the stainless in one strong blow (which is hard for since I am a clutz – I tried and smashed a finger). The silver & silver-plated are forgiving and you can hit it more softly and just hit it a few times – way easier.
I just think these are so clever and would make a nice gift for pretty much anyone. They don’t even have to be a gardener to like it. As long as they have a plant it would be cute. They can say anything….”live, laugh, love” “you are my sunshine” “i love you” …the possibilities are endless. Cute gift for a co-worker, teacher, stocking stuffer, or even tie it on a bigger gift as the tag. I’ve seen pictures of them being used as table markers for parties, or you can make one for everyone at the party and use it as place cards. I even saw one hammered totally flat and it was used as a cookbook marker. It said something about food on it. I can’t remember exactly….but anything would work. I hope you try this fun idea. Let me know if you do….I love seeing pics.
Diane says
OMGosh, I love this idea! Now I need one of those stamp sets Ü
More Chic Than Shabby says
They look great Erin. Thanks for telling us that you need silver plated because stainless steel is too hard. I did not know that. You can buy the stamp sets at Harbor Freight for anyone wanting to get some.
Katie's Nesting Spot says
Oh those are great, I hadn’t seen them on Etsy!!! I already have a stamp set, in a fit of good intensions I was going to make stamped washer jewelry…but I digress. Thanks for the tip on what kind of silverware to look for. Thanks for sharing with us again at A Crafty Soiree!
erin says
Katie..I was thinking that I might try a little washer jewelry myself!! We’ll see if I get around to it. 🙂
Chic…I guess the stainless steel isn’t too hard if you’re strong. My dad could do it….but you have to hit it really hard just once and I never even came close on the stainless….which now that I think about it….I bet washers are stainless steel. hummm.
♥ Miss Tea says
i gotta find this alphabet stamp!! thanks for sharing!
Josiah's Mom says
SO CUTE! What a GREAT idea!
Anna says
I love these, SUCH a great idea!
Anna
http://www.askannamoseley.com
Jana says
I saw your post on Tatertots and Jello and love your idea. There are a ton of cute ideas you can do with those stamps, I might have to invest in them!
mamax4 says
This is an awesome idea… but I hope the other thrifters/garage salers don’t see it! There’s too much competition in my small area, and I NEED to try this out 🙂 Wish me luck finding some silver, and thank you for the inspiration!
Tami @ still crazy after all these years