how to-sday . antique spoon plant markers

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I'm clearly on a major metal stamping kick right now, but I've still got projects, so why stop now? This is a cute and unique way to label your plants, using old silverware that you could easily get from a thrift store.

Materials:

• antique spoon (Modern stainless versions don't stamp well at all.)
• metal stamps (Mine are from Evie's Tool Emporium on Etsy!)
• nail file, steel wool, or fine grit sandpaper
• permanent marker
• heavy rubber mallet

1. Place the spoon face-down against a very firm surface. Using a heavy rubber mallet, pound the back of the spoon until it is completely flattened. I found that setting the spoon atop a towel on the concrete worked better than a countertop or table.

2. Count out the letters in your word. Mine has six letters, so I marked six equally-spaced dots with permanent marker. These dots are to help you line up and space your letters properly when you begin stamping. Don't worry about ruining your spoon with permanent marker; we'll remove it in the last step.

3. Beginning with one of the middle letters, carefully place your stamp over the corresponding dot. Be sure that the letter is facing the proper direction, and then firmly whack the top of the stamp once with your rubber mallet or hammer. As you can see from the photo, I hit mine too hard, leaving a circular impression around the letters.

4. Using a permanent marker, completely fill in each letter. This will create a patina look to make the letters really pop against the silver surface.

5. Using a nail file, steel wool, or very fine sandpaper, gradually buff away all the permanent marker using a small, circular motion.Finish by wiping away all the dust and marker residue to polish it to a shine. Stick it into your plant, and voila!