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Cut Out and Keep: Around the USA in 50 Craft Projects
Inspired by Motown, this project is great if you have an old license plate. You can also pick one up from an antiques store, or online. There are hundreds to choose from, so look out for older plates with interesting designs and slogans. We picked out a retro Michigan plate from the 1970s. Use it as a travel journal—it’ll withstand the toughest of road trips!

Posted by Tom from London, United Kingdom • Published See Tom's 22 projects » © 2024 Cat Morley & Tom Waddington / Laurence King · Reproduced with permission.
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  • How to make a recycled book. License Plate Notebook - Step 1
    Step 1

    Begin by giving the license plate a clean to make it shine. We used soapy water to clean the front, and oven cleaner to remove all the dirt from the back.

  • How to make a recycled book. License Plate Notebook - Step 2
    Step 2

    Mark lines at 41⁄4in (11cm), 43⁄4in (12cm), 9in (23cm), and 91⁄2in (24cm).

  • How to make a recycled book. License Plate Notebook - Step 3
    Step 3

    Carefully cut the license plate along these lines using your chosen power tool.

  • How to make a recycled book. License Plate Notebook - Step 4
    Step 4

    File down any sharp edges on each piece thoroughly.

  • How to make a recycled book. License Plate Notebook - Step 5
    Step 5

    Place the pieces alongside each other, and tape together with strips of duct tape.

  • How to make a recycled book. License Plate Notebook - Step 6
    Step 6

    Tape down magnets on the flap. If you have an aluminum plate and the magnets don’t stick, you’ll need to place a second set of magnets on the inside flap too.

  • How to make a recycled book. License Plate Notebook - Step 7
    Step 7

    Cover the entire back with strips of duct tape.

  • How to make a recycled book. License Plate Notebook - Step 8
    Step 8

    Trim off any excess tape with the craft knife.

  • How to make a recycled book. License Plate Notebook - Step 9
    Step 9

    Make a pocket for the notepad by taping together strips of duct tape to create two 4 x 5in (10 x 12.5cm) rectangles and stick them together. Fold a 4in (10cm) strip of tape in half lengthways and trim before placing along the top of the pocket to create a loop for a pen. Tape either side of the pocket to the back of the notepad.

  • How to make a recycled book. License Plate Notebook - Step 10
    Step 10

    Slip the notepad in the pocket, slide the pen through the loop, and decorate the inside of your notebook with stickers and travel mementos.

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Comments

somnambuchatter
somnambuchatter · Huntington Beach, California, US
Awesome! Thanks so much for the great and easy to understand tutorial!

(especially great way to save old personalized plates!)
Tom
Tom · London, GB · 49 projects
Glad you enjoyed it! It's really fun to make. And there are some crazy designs on eBay for old plates that'd look *amazing*!
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