With Earth Day just around the corner and spring in full swing, now is the perfect time to think about planting a garden to enjoy throughout the warm months. Today’s green craft, inspired by the Michaels ReLove campaign, is a great way to reuse something that would otherwise be discarded–empty soda cans–by turning them into lovely labeled garden stakes to keep your crops neat and organized! This recycled craft idea mimics the look of the metal stamping that is so popular right now, but it can be done with just a few ordinary items you are very likely to already have on hand. Let me show you how it’s done!
For this project, you will need…
- Small wooden frames
- Spray paint
- Empty soda cans
- Computer and printer
- Ballpoint pen
- Sharpie
- Magic Eraser
- Hot glue
- Metal skewers
To begin, spray paint the frame and set it aside to dry completely.
Use a computer and word-processing software to create a word design. (The font I chose was Big Mummy.) Print the design in mirrored format, and secure it to the printed side of a cut and flattened soda can with Scotch tape. For a step-by-step tutorial for dismantling the cans, check out my tutorial for making Coke can napkin rings.
Use a ballpoint pen to carefully trace around the outline of the wording, pressing hard to transfer the design to the can. When the outline is traced, use the pen to color in the design, as shown.
This process will transfer the design to the metal piece, as seen below.
To make the design stand out a bit more, trace around the outline of the design with a Sharpie. Use a Magic Eraser to rub away the majority of the markings, leaving just a subtle shadow behind. At this point, you can opt to add some extra doodling to the design for added interest.
With the design complete, cut the piece to the appropriate size, and adhere it to the back of the frame with hot glue. Now, take a metal skewer…
…and adhere it to the back of the metal piece with hot glue, as shown. Your garden label is complete!
Place these stakes into your favorite pots to add functional, decorative flair to your herbs, vegetables and more!
I hope these garden labels and the fabric-decoupaged clay pots I shared last week have inspired you to take a look with fresh eyes at some of the items you already have on hand to create something beautiful out of the unexpected. Thanks to Michaels for inspiring me through their ReLove message to think green when it comes to crafting!
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Michaels stores. All opinions are entirely my own.
Having grown up in a home brimming with sewing notions and paintbrushes, Amy has a deep love for all things creative. On any given day, you’ll find her knee-deep in her latest creative endeavor, with projects ranging from sewing and crafts to home decor and kid-friendly ideas. Amy believes that everyone, regardless of skill level or experience, possesses the ability to create something beautiful, and Positively Splendid was born of her passion for helping others harness their innate creative potential.
F a b u l o u s….I absolutely must do some of these
thank you for generously sharing with us
Jonell
This is so cool, Amy! What a creative use of an item that would have ended up in the trash (or at least the recycling bin). I love the term “relove”!
These are so clever and cute Amy! Fantastic idea, thanks for sharing!
Such a creative idea! Can’t wait to try it!
What a great idea!