Fondue Forks as Plant Labels

Fondue has always been one of those things that seems great in theory but isn’t usually worth the effort in the end. Which is probably why so many fondue pieces end up at thrift stores! So, when I spotted one set of fondue forks after another, I knew it was time to repurpose a few.

Sometimes I see newer sets of forks, sometimes older. But they’ve always called out to me for a project, and today’s the day I finally did something about it!

Now, some of you may remember an older project of mine that used a larger-scale fork– specifically used for grilling.

And today’s project is somewhat related, but even easier to make! So, let’s get right to it.

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Upcycle Idea for Fondue Forks

In the end, this is the set I decided to craft with. They were newer, with bamboo handles and tiny rings in different colors so that each one was slightly different. Easy to tell apart during a fondue party!

I figured that these fondue forks would work delightfully as plant labels for potted herbs! Not that I really need to label my plants, but I love touches of whimsy in a garden setting.

But they’re just the perfect size and shape for it!

First, I decided to paint the bamboo handles. And I decided to match the paint colors to the colorful rings that were already on the fondue forks.

Thankfully, I already had close-enough color matches in my paint stash.

I did, however, decided to leave a little of the bamboo showing on each handle. So, I taped off the ends and gave each handle two quick coats of paint.

And yes, I repurposed a coffee canister full of dried lentils as an easy way to allow the paint to dry without laying the forks down.

Next, I used a white paint pen to write the names on each fork handle. Since I tend to grow the same herbs each year, permanent paint was perfectly fine for me.

Last, and once the plant labels dried, I brushed on some satin clear coat to protect the paint and labeling- and that was it!

My handwriting on projects always prove that my projects are homemade, LOL. Sigh…

Fondue Forks as Plant Labels

I have to admit, this isn’t my most clever project of all time- it’s pretty straightforward and not a never-seen-before idea! But it really is a great way to upcycle those fondue forks that make their way onto thrift store shelves.

And, of course, you could certainly use chalkboard paint and a chalk pen if you wanted to change the names each year. But you’ll have to keep your plant markers safe from the rain and elements if you do- just something to consider.

Since my herb purchases are pretty standard year in and year out, permanent ink was perfectly fine for me.

Besides, I have that other set of fondue forks in my stash now if I need to add more plant labels!

Think you’ll be keeping an eye out for fondue forks (or grill forks!) next time you go thrifting? And if not plant labels, what do you think you’d make with them?

If you enjoyed this idea for plant markers, then you may enjoy my first version of them from a few years ago. Can you guess what I upcycled to make these decorative (and functional!) little toadstools?

Craft on!

S

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