DIY Copper Wire Plant Labels

Write out the name of the plant on the paper using one continuous, "cursive" pencil line to create a guide for where the wire needs to be bent in order to make up the letters in the name. Add a line that heads straight down from the end of the word to become the stake that holds the label in place in the soil.

Measure the length of the plant name using a ruler. Cut a length of 20G copper wire four times the length of the name, plus six inches for the stake, using the wire cutters.

Hold the pliers firmly with your dominant hand and bend the wire with the pliers to form the upward portion of the first letter, using the pencil version as a template. Release the pliers and grip the wire below the point where the first curve in the pencil line begins. Bend the wire above the pliers to form the first curve of the letter.

Release the pliers and move them to just below where the next change of direction on the wire begins. Grip the wire with the pliers again and bend the wire above the pliers to form the next part of the letter. Continue this process, referring to the pencil drawing at regular intervals, until your entire plant label is produced.

Bend the wire at the end of the word down, adding a decorative curve or flourish if you desire, to create the stake.