Have any old license plates hanging around? I moved to Texas in 2007 and in those 17 years I have been here; our license plate designs have changed 3 times! There is no need to ever hand in the old ones so I often collect them. I actually love the old designs! Our current Texas plates are a plain white on black lettering, so boring. My dad also saved all his plates and generously donated them to me for upcycles. He is based in Ohio so that’s why you’ll see a few Ohio plates down below.
First up be sure to clean the plates. The majority of mine had decades of dirt and bugs imprinted 😂 Sometimes you can get them all clean though. I found the most helpful cleaner to get all the junk off was bar keepers friend and an old scrub brush. I would also suggest to use gloves while working to shape the license plates.
Alright let’s get to the projects!
1. Wind Chime. I used the plate to wrap around in a cylinder shape. Once both ends met in the back I secured the top and bottom with a binder clip. I then added some string to keys to form the ‘chimes’. Actually funny story on why I have so many of these keys. When we moved into our current home we found 2 different sets of spare keys stashed away throughout the property. I’m guessing the previous homeowners forgot about them! Of course we did change the locks though. For the strings to be attached all I did was add some tape to the inside. You can also use a heavy duty glue as well.
2. Hat Rack. All that is needed here is some magnetic hooks. I will say that this plate is one of the older designs. I did find that the new ones weren’t magnetic unfortunately. So just be aware of that tip if trying this project. I think this is a fun way to display some everyday objects. Especially when placed by an entryway door. A good reminder to always take those things with you now that they are visible.
3. Planter. The steps to make this are very similar to #1 . I just used my hands to make a cylinder shape and secured the top and bottom with heavy binder clips. If you place in the ground, the roots will have room to grow into the ground. If you’re keeping on a patio then I could suggest adding a bottom to this. If you enjoy other upcycled garden container ideas, then be sure to check out this post here.
4. Dust Pan. I had so much fun making this one! The wooden handle is actually to an old, vintage purse. All I did was add screws through the holes that were already there on top. The screws were secured into the wooden purse handle. I then curved up a little bit on each side of the license plate. I did that with needle nose pliers. That way the dirt doesn’t fall out the sides. This could be such a fun gift for a guys garage space. I love how the handle can be used when cleaning up. Yet also for hanging it when not in use. Definitely a fun statement place when displayed.
5. Shelf. I added two plates here to stack as a hanging shelf. The hole placements is already there and you just have to secure your twine at each hole. Make sure you at least make a double knot at each hole. A fun ways to display some little knick knacks.
6. Birdhouse. I previously made this birdhouse out of a box that an olive oil bottle was in. I like the idea of adding the license plate to the roof. This will keep any standing water off the wooden top. Ultimately preserving the condition of the birdhouse.
7. Junk mail holder. This was so easy considering you may have the same metal frame as I did. My metal frame was taken off a bag for holding clothes pin. One of those older style ones like this. All I did was place the bottom hooks through the back side of the plate holes. (You are adding it backwards compared to how it looks in the cloths pin bag.) Next you’ll see the hanging piece is the top is backwards so I just added a little stick for it to hang on, against the wall. I’ve seen some people do this project but added wood on the sides. That is definitely doable here too. I feel like this way is simpler; considering you have the clothes pin bag. Place it by a door and it’s a perfect place to drop off mail. Just be sure you don’t forget to open the mail!
8. Garden Edging. This would make a fun and whimsy vibe to make garden edging in your yard. I think it might look even better if you cut the plates in half. I like how the states are easily read here.
9. Book End. Being that the license plate is heavy duty this will keep when your heaviest books in place! Just bend about the bottom 3/4 of the plate. The bend is what a few books will go under. You may want to consider adding a protective cover on the piece that goes under the books. Just as an extra step to protect the bottom of the books from any rust damage. Now you can keep your stacks in place without having to worry about it falling over. (Also I know the picture is a bit ironic that my books are all Texas related. Yet I’m using the Ohio plate. 😂 )
10. Bird Feeder. Make a fun feeder for the birds! For this the bottom portion where the food sits I bent into 5 inches. For the sides I used a piece of fabric I had laying around, and I wrapped it with some twine You could easily add some wood to the sides to make it a bit more sturdy. I do like how I bent the front so the two screw holes are showing. This will allow water to drain out in case of rain. I used that same metal frame from #7 to hang this feeder. You could easily use the top screw holes to attach onto a fence as well. Waiting for the birds to come find their new feeder now!
Hope this inspired you to start saving those license plates. So many fun and unique projects can come out of it. Also a great way to show your state pride! Happy upcycling.
0 Comments