ok, sorry that pict is waaaay too small, let me try embedding it here.

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here's the link to webshots. I quit for now.

Here is a link that might be useful: plant tags

That is a great idea. I think they sell a marker that is water proof for garden marker tags. It has wax in it or something. I like the whole idea though. If the writing wears off try the other kind of marker!! Great idea!!!

Great idea using the knitting needles! I use metal tags quite a bit and they are always so expensive so I try to buy them off-season.

I like what you did but I would be worried about "sharp edges." Can't think of another idea right now for the tin. Jeanne S.

ooo now i want a bag of knitting needles! my first thought was some of those cheap little wallet size frames from the dollar store--glue one to the top of the needle (should be big enough because of the wide top). remove the cardboard backing, write on the glass with a paint pen and give it a quick clear coat spray.

Another option would be to use Sculpey (polymer clay). You could thread the needle through it just like you did with the tin and, since the tags won't be super thick, you can actually put the needles in the oven when you bake the clay. This would allow you to shape it however you want and, as long as you use an outdoor protective coating, it will hold up outdoors. After you bake and cool, you can write and or paint as you wish before protective coating. If making the tags thin, a little bit of clay will go a long way.

I do like the soda cans but agree they may not stand the test of time throughout multiple seasons. a good coat of spray varnish always helps, though!

souperwoman,
I love the clay idea!!! I haven't used it much, just for school projects with my girls, would it adhere to the needles, do you think? or would I need to silicone it at the holes?
I do need to get some sealer anyway, I'm concerned how the needles will do, I don't want them to rust at the ends or loose their pretty colors.
I knew all I had to do was post on here and you guys would get the ideas rolling!!
Jeanne, surprisingly, the cans are not that sharp on the edges, I've tried to round them and they just aren't as sharp as I thought.
I find it funny that I'm using pop cans for something. When I was a little girl, my Granny would make the crocheted hats with the beer/pop can panels.

Take the tag and lay it on something soft like newspaper or a mouse pad and write with a ball point pen pressing down. The name will be imprinted on the metal and it should last. I use soda cans and wire coat hangers to make name labels. Have some that have been in the garden three years and you can still read them.

How well the clay adheres on its own just depends on how you shape it. Assuming you make little plaques (like the tin cans) with the needle threaded through, I'd probably put just a tiny dab of silicone on it to be sure it doesn't slide down.

Another option is to tie it into the "knitting" theme and put a quick faux knit chain on the top. This will add some character plus give it a bit more stability. Here's an example (this is REALLY quick and dirty--just to give you and idea i pulled out the sculpey and a knitting needle. rather than 2 holes in the clay like you did with the tin can, i just did 1 hole in the top, ran the needle through, covered it with a fake knit chain and looped that over the top of the needle). Yours would, of course, look less lumpy, bumpy, and thrown together :)

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Souperwoman,
Look at you go! that is cool, thanks. hmm, I'm jealous that you got the picture in the message, I can't seem to get the knack for that, I know there are detailed directions on here, but I guess I get in too much of a hurry to post.
I'm liking the sculpey idea a lot. Plus, I may be able to get my girls to paint them once they are on the needle, maybe embellish them a little so they won't get so frustrated at how much time I spend with my plants. :)
Momof6, I'll try that if I don't go with the clay, I tried it with a screwdriver (small one) and a thick piece of wire, but all I got were scratches :).

Copper or aluminum sheets from Hobby Lobby. Cut to shape, punch holes in top and bottom, put it on a mouse pad and write on it with ball point... that will emboss it, and the embossing won't wear off.

And NOW I know what to do with aluminum knitting needles. Hate 'em! Bamboo is the way to go.

Saw a cute marker idea using 1" wooden beads on a dowel. Each plant name is spelled out on the beads and glued into place; you could be fancy with other beads and add a topper, wires or whatever looks cute. Use a waterproof spray on the beads after you letter them.

I collect flat rocks for my tags..and write on them with permanent markers..looks great and you can use whatever size to suit your plants.

Kelly, In the heart of recycling, why not use the tags from bread products--those small plastic ones that come in different colors? Each one could be used for a letter. I'm looking at items differently and thinking what else they can be used for. Bottle caps or the mylar type packaging for cookies, chips? You could just cut them in the size and shape and write on them with a wax pencil.
Hope your day is goign well.
Love, Jules

cut shapes out of copper sheet metal, poke holes around edge, emboss with pen, might need to roll with rolling pin {{gwi:153350}}

Paint Pens work great!
Love the needle idea!

I made this today from a broken fence board, license plate letters and a piece of galvanized pipe saved from our pool demo. The wood on the back is there to prevent the front board from cracking. I added the board in the middle last because the screws are a little too long for a single board. Since I make things before thinking them through, this one is kind of sloppy. Next time, the center board will be wider and added first. This sign is large, but you can purchase small, address type letters at HD and Lowes for about 60¢ each. They're black with reflective white letters. The plant to the right is a clereodendrum. Hope I spelled it correctly. Linda
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I use little clay pots that I paint and hang on a little shepards hook that i make from old wire hangers for clothing-- cut and bent--then use "paint pen" from craft dept. to write names on them. i use outdoor paint in little bottles from craft store and make the rims a seperate color and they are sooo cute. sort of look like little pole lamps in the garden

Here's a link that will give you an idea! I think it'll work w/the pop cans. :o)

http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2009/06/more-ideas-for-fathers-day-stamped-dog.html