Upcycled Chalkboard Frying Pan Garden Markers

One of my favorite local restaurants is full of fabulous upcycled ideas and chalkboard frying pan garden markers are used throughout the herb garden out front.  I loved them as soon as I saw them and couldn’t wait to make my own set.  Now that spring has arrived where I live, my garden has started growing and these garden markers are labeling what’s growing!

To make these upcycled garden markers, you’ll need small frying pans.  The thrift store is the perfect place to find cheap ones and used are way better than new.  I think using pans that are a bit battered adds to the charm.  Small egg pans are adorable and perfect for using in containers but slightly larger works too.  I wouldn’t recommend using a frying pan that’s bigger than six or eight inches diameter.

In addition to the frying pans, you’ll also need chalkboard paint.

Clean the frying pan to get rid of any grease or grime and use fine to medium sandpaper to rough up the center a bit.  If the frying pan has a no-stick surface, the paint won’t adhere unless you sand it a little.

Apply 2-3 coats of chalkboard paint, allowing each layer to dry completely before adding the next one.  You can paint only the center of the pan or the entire inside.  I painted the whole inside so I didn’t have to worry about lines showing around the middle.

Season the chalkboard surface by rubbing the side of a piece of chalk all over it and then wipe it away.

Label the pans with chalk or chalkboard pens …

… and place them among the plants in your garden or in containers.

These repurposed chalkboard garden markers add a whimsical touch to the garden and are a fun way to use those pans cluttering the shelves at the thrift store!

For more creative ideas for garden markers, check out these painted twig garden markers …

… wood burned garden markers …

… stamped spoon garden markers …

… and this colorful collection of ideas for labeling the garden!