Garden Stakes – Make your own

Did you see my post 37 Uses for Cornstarch? It’s a pretty amazing list! One of the items on the list that stood out for me was making your own clay. I knew that you could make your own play dough using cream of tartar, but I had no idea that you could make clay. When I discovered this all kinds of crafty ideas started swimming around in my head.

For several weeks I have been on the hunt for some bright colored, whimsical garden stakes that would stand out among the green foliage. Much to my fluster-ation, I haven’t found what I was looking for. However, this clay recipe gave me a brilliant idea, I’ll make my own.

This was really easy and inexpensive to do. I think that they turned out pretty darn cute too!

Step 1 – Clay
You can either buy the clay or use Homemade Clay with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Step 2 – Rolling & Cutting

It’s important not to make the clay to thin. I rolled mine out to about 1/4-inch thick. If the clay is to thin you won’t be able to insert the skewer and it could crack when it is curing. If the clay is on the sticky side you may want to dip your cookie cutter into cornstarch before cutting.

Step 3 – Skewering 

Before the clay begins to harden carefully insert the skewer.

Step 4 – Curing

I cured mine in the oven because I wanted to start on the project right away. However, if you’re more patient than I am, you could let them air dry overnight. (see recipe for directions).

Step 5 – Sanding

 

Using fine sandpaper, I used 150 grit, smooth away the rough texture and edges. When your done sanding wipe away the dust with a damp rag or a tacky cloth.

Step 6 – Sealing

The clay is very porous so before you begin labeling spray the item with a light coating of Acrylic Sealer.

Step 7 – Labeling

 

Using a paint pen label your stakes.

Step 8 – Sealing

 

Once you’ve labeled the garden stake spray it with 1-2 more coats of Acrylic Sealer, being sure to spay the wooden skewer as well.

Step 9 – Enjoying

Supplies
Clay
Skewers
Sandpaper
Acrylic Sealer
Paint Pen