Handmade Herb Labels

I wish I could say that I decided to make these cute little herb pot labels just because I wanted a pretty accessory for my pots but the truth is I am horrendous at identifying herbs. When I brought the recent ones for the kitchen, the conversation in the shop went as follows:

Me: '...right, I think I'll get basil, mint and this coriander'

Joe: 'that's parsley'

Me: 'oh, is it?'

Joe: 'yep!'

Me: 'ok'

Five minutes later as we are paying at the self-checkout:

Me: 'I'm so pleased I managed to get coriander because we can put that in the curry!'

Joe: 'it's parsley lovely'

Me: 'oh yeah'

My rubbish herb skills aside I have wanted to make these little clay labels for ages. I had some oven bake clay left over from when I made these hearts last year so thought I would put it to good use. 

What you will need

:: Oven bake clay (I use Premo Sculpey) - I used white as I didn't want to have to paint it!

:: Sculpey Glaze Satin (I used this one)

:: Letter stamps (mine were from eBay a few years ago but Hobby Craft do a selection too)

:: A rolling pin

:: A knife or metal ruler (for cutting the clay)

:: A paint brush (to apply the glaze)

How to make
:: Pre-heat oven to the temperature stated on the clays packaging.
:: Roll out some clay to the desired length and thickness - I would recommend it being no thicker than 5-6mm.
:: Use your ruler to cut the labels to the size you would like. A metal ruler works really well for this.
:: Shape the ends of the labels to a point using the ruler and flatten slightly using your fingers.

:: Using the letter stamps gently imprint the herb names into each label.

:: Place on a metal baking tray with some foil on to stop sticking and place in the oven for the time stated in the packaging. Sculpey recommend you bake the clay for 15 minutes per 6mm thickness. 

:: Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

:: Once completely cool apply one to two coats of glaze. If you want to paint the labels a different colour to the clay do this before applying your glaze. Acrylic paint should work fine as it will be sealed with the glaze.

I am really pleased with how these came out. They are really super simple to make and one you have got some clay (you could get away with a small block which should come in at under £3.00) and a little pot of varnish you are pretty much good to go! Let me know if you make these and what you think! Happy crafting :-)