Ready for the garden

Today we're making some markers for the garden.  Now I've seem many editions of these, but these are for my herbs, so I thought I would share what I'm making.  I don't get many can lids, since I don't eat a lot of food that comes from a can, so those I do get, I save.

I'm fortunate to have been gifted with two sets of metal stamping tools, one 1/4" and one 3/16' or 5 mm.   I also received a steel forming block when I agreed to write a tutorial using it.  Add to those tools, a hammer, and of course a couple of can lids.

I must add that these lids were opened using a special opener that keeps the lid rim intact.  You can't use lids that use a conventional can opener for this, because the lid could cut you.  Please don't ask where to get these special openers, because I got mine for my birthday two years ago from my QVC junkie friend Sally.  'Nuff said?

The steel forming tool was too small in size to successfully work with the metal punches.  The lids kept slipping and rocking, and the punches didn't end up where I started with them.  I got frustrated really quickly, and decided to take the punches outside and stamp the lids on my concrete steps.

 Although this worked much better, I fear you can't read these because of the poor lighting.  The one on the left reads "Sage," and the one on the right "Cilantro."  I assure you, they look much better in person.

Next, it was time to glue the bamboo chop stick I saved (new) from a recent trip to a Chinese buffet.  I'm well aware of how rugged bamboo is, so I know it will last.  Alternately, you can use a craft stick.

So, you don't have those cute metal punches?  I suspect you have nails.  This lid was in my rust bucket, but that will make it all the more charming in my book.

Of course, the word "Dill" I punched using the nail is a classic example of "Plan Ahead"

Today is Day 18 and I showed two ways to recycle tin can lids into art, rather than throwing them in your recycle bin.  I also recycled bamboo chopsticks from the Chinese buffet.