I love to up-cycle and make something beautiful and useful that was once old, dated, and used for something different. Let’s try upcycling a license plate! There is something so rewarding about re-purposing and creating something completely original.
I was out in a friend’s garage and spotted some old license plates and thought I should figure out something to make with them. I believe these projects will be great for a man cave or maybe your next gift for that favorite guy in your life. For the matter for your favorite gal too! Now I find myself on the hunt for more license plates. So make sure to add it to your thrift store, garage sale, and flea market hunting list! I will share with you a couple great ideas, and I am sure you can come up with some all on your own.
Did you know that you could make something so cool out of an old license plate? I didn’t either! I love how the license plate added to the rustic box gives it a totally unique look. So this combination of old pieces of wood and a license plate could turn into a perfect gift.
So let’s get started with what we need for these projects! Basically, it is wood, license plates, and screws. As I said at the start, I found some license plates in a friend’s garage and asked if I could have them. I also found more in my husband’s garage and added them to my collection!
Each license plate can tell a story through dents, scratches, and a style along with the state of origin. The license plate can be a little stubborn to bend. So I thought I would share two projects. We will be bending the License Plates in the first one, and the second one will not require you to bend the metal!
Cleaning License Plates
Get some plates and then get them cleaned up. The License Plates I got were all in different conditions. So I soaked the whole stack in my kitchen sink with hot water and some Dawn dish soap.
Check out the video tutorial below or follow the step-by-step instructions below! You choose how you want to learn to do this project!
Project #1 ~ Small License Plate Box
This is little box requires two license plates. The US plates are 12″ wide by 6″ tall.
Supplies
- 2 License Plates, you will only see most of one of the plates, so think about that are you are marking your plates to bend!
- Ruler and Marking Pen
- Clamps
- A scrap of wood
- Mallet or hammer
- Drill and Drill Bits
- Wood Screws
*Disclaimer: Links above are affiliate links. By clicking on these links, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Some products may have been provided to me by vendors. However, all opinions and reviews are strictly my own.
Mark and Bend
First, you will need a piece of wood for your base. I used a scrap piece of 2×6. Using your base as a guide, measure, and mark where you want to bend on the front of the license plate.
Now let’s take the license plate to the workbench. Since the License Plates can be tricky to bend, I like to use this method to bend the License Plate on the line.
Take a piece of a scrap of wood and lay it over the license plate along the line. Make sure that the section is hanging over the workbench. Then clamped the License Plate to the workbench. Now take your mallet. I like to use a rubber mallet and tapped until it folds into a square corner. Repeat this step for the other side of the License Plate and then the other License Plate.
Box Base and Assembly
Now it is time to grab the base. We will use the existing holes at the bottom of the plate to screw them into the wood.
The last step is if you have a little overlap on your plate you will want to bend the side over the end. I like to use large needle nose pliers to bend the plate.
They you have a License Plate box to fill with fun stuff!
Project #2 Wooden License Plate Box
The first thing you need for this project is to construct a box or grab a box at your local thrift store. That is what I did for this project. I was lucky enough to find a perfect box at Goodwill.
This Wooden License Plate Box also requires two license plates. The US plates are 12″ wide by 6″ tall.
Supplies
- 2 License Plates
- Wood Box
- Clamps
- Nails or Screws
- Drill and Drill Bits
*Disclaimer: Links above are affiliate links. By clicking on these links, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Some products may have been provided to me by vendors. However, all opinions and reviews are strictly my own.
Assemble Box
Since I found that great box, all I need to do is add the plates. Oh, I did have to cut the box down to size. You might also want to paint or stain your box.
Then add the License Plates to the front and back of your box by screwing in the plates using the pre-existing holes. How easy was this box to make!
If this project inspired you, then check out some of my other projects for more inspiration!
Don’t forget to check out my Fun Stuff Crafts Amazon Storefront!
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