Did you blink? Yes, another month just flew by and it’s Trash to Treasure Tuesday already! I’m excited to join in with my T2T gals to bring brand new inspiration for you. You’ll see their projects in a bit. In the meantime, here are some things I found while purging my entire home. I have learned much about myself from my family of origin and why I do what I do. However, I’m not one to have clutter. I like order and tidy, so these were accumulated by someone else in my house. oy. What to do with them? Make an upcycled license plate caddy, right?
That’s a 17 random license plates needing a new life. In the past, I’ve made use of them for birdhouse roofs and even this funky rooster art HERE.
The minute I lay these plates down; Loula walked all over them and threw her ball at me. haha. She hates not being the center of attention.
DIY TIME
First, I take inventory as shown above of sets and single plates. I start by bending the plate in half the best I can. However, keep in mind that some plates have a letter, or a number fall on that “fold” and make it harder to bend.
Thankfully, most of mine are easy to work with. Then, after a pair (or two) are bent in a 90° angle, I place them as shown below.
Next, I measure that opening and cut a piece of reclaimed wood to fit.
In order to attach the base to the metal, I use these self-drilling screws intended for sheet metal. They’re the same as the ones I use on my reclaimed birdhouses.
ASSEMBLY
With the base attached, I now need to add supports where the corners meet. In order to do that, I cut random scrap pieces, pre-drill the bottom in the corners and in each upright support bottom. Once drilled, I connect the uprights with wood screws.
Also, if you look closely, I attach the supports to the plate using the self-drilling screws as well. To finish assembly, I cut and notch a wooden dowel to go between as a handle.
Last, but not least, it’s time to paint. Yes, paint. I could totally stop right here in all the rustic reclaimed glory. However, I want to take this project one step further. Like you’ve seen in my other posts (vintage suitcase and garden sculptures turned doorstops, for example) where I want to create a time-worn look, I use a flat black to give a base coat.
CADDY UP!
Finally, after the base coat cures, I use whatever color spray paint that inspires me. Because I’m eager for spring, I couldn’t resist these uplifting colors.
We’ve got blue, white and yellow for a fun color pop in the doldrums of winter, still. Which one for you?
As per my usual, I’m smitten with the blue, but I really do like each of them. Just think of the possibilities with these… gift idea of guys and gals filled with oodles of goodies. Or bath towels, kitchen utensils, plants… whatever suits your fancy.
As always, I would love to keep what I create, but I would need a warehouse by now or a dozen homes. So, you’ll find these and much more in my online store.
SHARE
What is more, inspiring you is what I’m all about. Leave some comment love below of what you’d do with a caddy like this. Likwise, pin and share to inspire all those aspiring DIYers out there.
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Now head below to see more inspiration!
While you’re at it, here are more DIY creations like my upcycled license plate caddy:
Ha! Silly me, when you said you were making a license plate caddy, I thought you meant a caddy to corral all those license plates!! These are super cute. Love your visions.
haha! Good point! Thank you. These were fun to make use of all sorts of scrap and #trashure
I’m smitten with the YELLOW but they are all fabulous! I love the way your creative brain works Larissa, I never would have thought to bend license plates and create all this cuteness!!! 😍😍😍
Thank you for the smile, Denise. Yellow for sunshine we desperately miss here in Ohio!
Very cool. What a great idea!
Thanks! It felt good to use up my stash.
How fun! Super creative idea there, Larissa! xo
Thank you. Now to use the other 9 up. haha.
Now those are true trash to treasure lol! They are so fun!! XOXO
hee hee. You know I had to. Now I have 9 left. hmmm…
Very clever idea, Larissa! 🙂
Those are cuties ! Be great on a workbench to corral tools.
I like the yellow – and the others too 🙂
Thanks
Thanks! I love that idea. I’d probably use mine as gift bags. I needed the yellow because it’s so gray here.
Lady, you are among the most innovative, imaginative, and creative people I know! Your vision is amazing and you never fail to astound me when you do these projects like this one. Out of the blue, you create. You should take all your blog entries and turn them into a book. I would buy a copy. I am sure others would too. Just remember to throw in a few projects you have not shared before to surprise us!
The heavens must love you greatly to give you such talent to even out your days of darkness. You are blessed and you have had your trials and tribulations, but you always find the light again. I think there is even more in you than you see in yourself. keep at it because you have got the “It Factor”.
Marietta, you sure know how to make a gal feel special. Thank you for that. I have to say I didn’t have a whole lotta time for these as I’ve had a few messes in my life, but I felt inspired last-minute, worked hard, and am happy that they came out as I hoped with no mistakes. woot!