Plant markers are useful and can add interest to a garden or flower bed. Unfortunately, they can stretch the gardening budget, but you can make your own plant markers with a minimum of expense and effort. Make a few extra plant markers and give them away as gifts or stocking stuffers. Making clay plant markers is especially fun during the long days of winter, and keep you occupied until spring.
Spread a thick layer of newspapers or an old tablecloth on a flat working surface. Pinch off a piece of terracotta or white polymer modeling clay about the size of a golf ball, and knead it in your hands until it's soft.
Pat the clay into a flat shape with the palm of your hand, then roll it flat with a large dowel or a rolling pin. The clay should be about 1/4 inch in diameter.
Cut the clay into the desired shape using a craft knife or a cookie cutter. Use the tip of a knitting needle or another similar tool to write the plant name in the soft clay. If you prefer, you can wait and paint the plant name on the clay after the clay has hardened.
Cut two pieces of sturdy wire into equal lengths about 8 to 10 inches long. Bend the wire into hoop shapes, and press a hoop into the lower edge on each side of the soft clay. The four wires will be the ends that will be pressed into the soil.
Bake the clay markers as directed on the package, and allow it to cool. Use a sponge brush to coat both side with three or four coats of waterproof glaze. Allow the glaze to dry completely before each coat.