Use Old Metal Lids To DIY Garden Tags On The Cheap

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As long as the ring doesn't break off, cans with pull rings attached to the lids save us the trouble of using can openers. Once you've poured the soup from the container, that lid and tab are ideal for converting into hanging garden tags. With a little preparation and decoration, you can upcycle the metal lids into labels for the fruit and veg in your garden. All you need to do is make a coiled cut of wire into a mini post, hang the lid on the DIY post using the pull tab, and then use the lid's blank space for writing plant names. Crafty TikToker @mrsclarehoops demonstrated this clever upcycle that requires few steps and fewer supplies. Although can lids are recyclable, reusing them for DIY garden labels is even more eco friendly.

As simple as this project is, it's important to make some tweaks to the lids before handling them. The sharp edges can cause nasty cuts, and that's extra unwelcome while you're working in a dirt-filled environment. If you happen to have a smooth-edge can opener, use that instead of pulling the lid off by the ring. If not, you can sand the sharp edges smooth or cover them with clear or colorful hot glue.

Along with pull-tab can lids, grab a chalk pen or paint marker, a roll of 1.2 millimeter wire, and a pair of wire-cutting pliers. Other supplies that can help you customize your tags are beads, your favorite paint colors, a hammer, and metal stamps in letters or decorative shapes.

Let's treat those lids first to prevent cuts. It's not just kids who slice fingers when handling sharp objects. In fact, it's not a bad idea to don some cut-proof gloves before delving into the lid prep. Sand away the lid's rough edges, then paint the lid. Or, use a glue gun to coat the rough edges in clear glue, let it dry, then paint the glue. When labeling the lid, you can create lettering with a metal stamp set and hammer. If you try this cool technique, add the lettering before painting the lid, as the process may damage the paint finish.

@mrsclarehoops ♬ Boccherini Minuet Trio – Aura Classica

Once your lids are no longer tacky, they're ready to embellish with wording, decorative borders, or drawings. A white chalk pen against a dark painted background will make the wording easy to read from a distance. Since chalk pens aren't permanent, you can also wipe away the wording to use the tags for different plants in the future. However, if you want permanent lettering, Pentel N50 Permanent Markers are great for outdoor use.

Craft the wire stands with pieces about 12-inches long — you can always adjust the length later. Use the pliers to bend the upper end of the wire into a shepherd's crook or a spiral. Whichever shape you choose, create a loop that won't allow the lid to blow off easily in the wind. Slip the lid's ring over the hook, and sink your DIY plant marker into the soil next to the plants.