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Ideas for License Plates

Collecting old license plates is a fun way to show off which states (or countries) you've visited. When you step into an antique shop, you will mostly likely see at least one booth with an abundant supply of old state license plates. These are usually inexpensive and lend themselves to many around-the-house projects.

Book Cover
- A license plate lends itself well as a sturdy book or photo album cover. Any license plate will work, but be sure to choose one with a design or colors you like. To make the cover, you will cut the license plate into three pieces. These pieces are the front cover, back cover and binder. For hinging, you can use a variety of different types as long as it will securely hold the license plate items together.
Magnetic Board
- A license plate magnetic board works great if you can't find a magnetic board already made. The great thing about a license plate magnetic board is that it creates an automobile theme and can be used to post family car reminders, for example. The size of the board depends on how many license plates you have, so any size works well. Essentially, you'll want to have a wooden frame, a way to secure the license plates and a backboard that holds the license plates in place. Mitering grooves in the frame then securing the license plates to the backboard with screws will keep the license plates in place. Add your favorite automobile magnets to bring out the automobile theme.
Bird House
- If you like building bird houses, consider using license plates as additional decor. Add license plates to the roof of the bird house to accent its design. If you have a red bird house, choose red or white license plates, for example, that work well with the overall bird house color. You can place license plates anywhere on the bird house to accent it, but be sure to securely attach license plates with screws or nails. Avoid making bird houses out of license plates unless it will only be used for an indoor decor item.
Storage Box
- If you have plain storage boxes around or would like to display them but aren't sure what to use, accent them with license plates. If one of your storage boxes contains memories from your favorite South Carolina trip, use a South Carolina license plate as a way to distinguish the items in the box. Magazine binders absent of design can be touched up with license plate accents too. If a license plate is too large for a binder, cut it to the right size.

Antiques