Blogger Roff, OK on Aug 28, 2012

Dragonfly made from old license plates

I love anything metal! I had a bunch of license plates that were lying around taking up space and collecting dust. I decided to make a dragonfly using the license plates and other discarded materials that I had on hand. You will need license plates, chair spindle, screws, wire and something different and whimsical for the eyes. To see more click on the link to my blog. #Love2Repurpose #recycle

Difficulty: Moderate

To see more: http://www.repurposed-life.com/2013/02/08/dragonfly-made-from-discarded-license-plates/

35 Comments Displaying 25 of 35 comments | See Previous

Tammy@Deja Vue Designs Amherst, TX

I make these too...I've never thought about license plates!!! Very creative!

on Aug 30, 2012 · Like 0
Jamie @ C.R.A.F.T. Austin, TX

oh my. LOVE these. perfect christmas present for my mom!

on Aug 30, 2012 · Like 0
Lucas Bruck

I have seen these made with old wire too, wouldn't that be sharp on the ends and maybe scratch the wall? I see how you could attach license plates with screws but not sure how you would attach wire. Does anyone know? Thanks Lucas

on Aug 30, 2012 · Like 0
Tina @ Repurposed Life Roff, OK

Lucas, It isn't sharp at all. the plasma helps to make a smooth cut. My husband and I have done wire ones too. Here is a couple of pictures. People are using these indoor s and outdoors. You have to weld wires together on the back.
- 1
on Aug 30, 2012 · Like 1
Karin S Freeport, TX

My husband welds...can you do it with a cutting torch? I have quite a few license plates from the old cars we have sold (reducing our liability, and from receiving new plates as they go out of date) and this is a really neat idea!! :D

on Aug 30, 2012 · Like 0
JWS713 Collegeville, PA

Would like to make these but I don't have a plasma cutter. Any suggestions?

on Aug 30, 2012 · Like 0
Tina @ Repurposed Life Roff, OK

Our experience, especially with the newer plates has been the cutting torch tends to burn off the paint or whatever reflective material your state may have on it. With the plasma cutter we don't lose quite as much paint. Karin, I would say give it a try. I am discovering each state makes their license plates so different.

on Aug 30, 2012 · Like 0
Michelle B Cantonment, FL

I absolutely LOVE these!!!

on Aug 30, 2012 · Like 0
Laura H

Tina you are so talented:-) love the Oklahoma one <3<3

on Aug 31, 2012 · Like 0
deezie Stratford, CT

I love these so much. Anything dragonfly is awesome. Love that they are License Plates, they are so cool looking
deezie

on Sep 06, 2012 · Like 1
Tina @ Repurposed Life Roff, OK

Thanks Deezie!

on Sep 06, 2012 · Like 0
Nancy S Erie, PA

I just had a dragonfly tattooed on my shoulder. The following day I was told that a dragonfly stands for "transition" That blew me away as I am a recovering alcoholic and have been sober for almost 8 months!!

on Sep 06, 2012 · Like 1
Tina @ Repurposed Life Roff, OK

Nancy that is awesome! So proud for you keep it up. You can do it. I build dragonflies as therapy for grieving heart as we have lost both our moms in less than a year and we cared for them in our home till the angels called them home. Husband almost lost his life to a traumatic head injury due to a fall on the day we layed his mom to rest. This is what I believe about dragonflies : The main symbolisms of the dragonfly are renewal, positive force and the power of life in general. ...»
Dragonflies can also be a symbol of the sense of self that comes with maturity. Also, as a creature of the wind, the dragonfly frequently represents change. And as a dragonfly lives a short life, it knows it must live its life to the fullest with the short time it has - which is a lesson for all of us.

on Sep 06, 2012 · Like 3
Sheli T Middlefield, OH

Love your Dragonflies Tina, I've made them on a small scale with glass globs, beads, and copper wire, I'd love to try a larger project and maybe use some glow-in-the-dark paint (I get a kick out of that!) The symbolism is spot on :) I feel for you with the loss of your Mom's, my Mom 'moved on '14 months ago. (((hugs)))

on Sep 07, 2012 · Like 2
M Gail Greene Charleston, SC

Very cute and clever!:-) Great idea!

on Dec 07, 2012 · Like 0
Tina @ Repurposed Life Roff, OK

M Gail Greene Thank You!

on Dec 07, 2012 · Like 1
Nancy S Erie, PA

thanks Tina I just saw your response about your family...I am so sorry for the loss of your mother's I know the feeling. Also Thank God your husband is ok....And I love the symbolisms of the dragonflies, as they also apply to my disease..They are doing their magic for me as on the 20th it will be 11 months....Have a great holiday!!!

on Dec 08, 2012 · Like 1
Sherrie Nixa, MO

I am so sorry for your loss. I understand how painful it is to lose people you love. You have created beauty out of your losses and I can't imagine a better way to show your love! For me butterflies became important after the death of my husband, I never liked them before but for some reason they became important. That is why I love your art! It was close enough to a butterfly and it made me plain happy! : )

on Dec 12, 2012 · Like 0
Tina @ Repurposed Life Roff, OK

Nancy S Congrats. on the 11 months and I pray many more!!

on Dec 13, 2012 · Like 0
Tina @ Repurposed Life Roff, OK

Sherrie Thank you! I am sorry for you loss as well. I am going to begin to work on a butterfly design this winter to go along with my dragonfly! I love to photograph butterflies because of their grace, beauty and they seem to be so tranquil. I have posted on Hometalk a few of my pictures! Hoping you have a blessed day:)

on Dec 13, 2012 · Like 1
Sherrie Nixa, MO

Thank You. It has been a few years and I have since remarried. But I am still drawn to beautiful art and butterflies and now dragon flies. They give me so much comfort. I especially appreciate your inside and outside beauty because it comes directly from the heart. It is amazing to me that out of your pain you found a way to create beauty. You also found a way to honor and retain their memories in a beautiful way. Thank You so much for sharing.

on Dec 13, 2012 · Like 2
ByLightOfMoon Warne, NC

I love dragonflies!

on Mar 08, 2013 · Like 0
Tina @ Repurposed Life Roff, OK

ByLightOfMoon Thank you!!

on Mar 08, 2013 · Like 0
Linda Fraine Naples, FL

so cool!! Im getting a welder soon and a plasma cutter after that. cant wait to get started on new ideas!!

on Mar 12, 2013 · Like 0
Tina @ Repurposed Life Roff, OK

Linda Fraine Good for you! Can't wait to see what you create!!

on Mar 16, 2013 · Like 0

Oops! Leave without saving?

Hometalk.com

Hometalk is where people share and help with everything home & garden

Dragonfly made from old license plates

NOTE: You can drag and drop your photos to reorder them