DesignTurnpike
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Member Since: 09/22/2009
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Route 66 License Plate Art
This may well be the only one of these I ever make! The black outside border of the state route emblem is made using 1969 Kansas plates. The inside silver is a sheet of old steel, and each letter and...
More License Plate Animals!
Part 2 of my series of animals made out of recycled vintage license plates! Enjoy :)
More License Plate Art City Skylines!
I've been doing lots of American cities using recylced vintage license plates!
More License Plate State Maps!
Continuing in my quest to do maps of all 50 states using recycled vintage license plates. Enjoy!
License Plate Art Animals
Started this series of animals this summer. Lots more coming: Lion, Hippo, Shark, Giraffe, Dog and Peacock. All pieces are made from vintage license plates on wood. Hope you enjoy!
License Plate Skyscrapers & Skylines
Been working on a series of skyscrapers and skylines using old license plates, mounted on blue wood boards. Here are a few. These all measure 22 x 12. Kind of a cool way to reuse all my scraps from...
A Little Bird Told Me...
... that a certain well known nature foundation might like to commision a series of state birds made out recycled license plates. So, here we go! First two here. Enjoy :)
License Plate Letter Signs
Lately, in addition to the large license plate maps I make, I've been receiving orders for a lot of signs made with assorted vintage license plate letters. I created a tool on my website where...
Pile of Michigan License Plates = Flag of USA
Ouch, my hands hurt! Why or why did white 1962 Michigan plates have to made from thick steel... 40+ plates, 63 pieces and over 300 nails mounted on a stained red wood board comprise this 5-foot wide...
Recent License Plate Art and Map Projects
It's been a busy 2011! Here are a few projects I've been doing. Enjoy!
License Plate Map Process
Another pile of plates turned into a piece of art! Created for display at the historic Model T Automotive Heritage Complex in...
Michigan License Plate Flag
Holy license plate flag! 156 Michigan license plates transformed into a gigantic 12 ft wide flag of the United States.
Mizzou vs Michigan!
Client has mixed allegiances to both Missouri and Michigan (works in the treasurers office at University of Missouri Springfield!) so he wanted one of each for his office. These matching license...
4 Old Plates = 10,000 Lakes
Finally had a chance to do a map of Minnesota out of vintage plates. This one needed a green-ish base to match with a great room wall. I love the fact that I was able to find plates from the 50s for...
Georgia on my mind...
A 3 foot by 3 foot map of the Peach State for a new client in tony Buckhead outside of Atlanta! Used mainly old discarded 70s plates for this one. I really like the wood boards used for this piece...
United States License Plate Map of the Fifty States
Each state in the union is painstakingly represented in this huge map with its own license plate. The map measures about 60 x 42 and weighs about 35 pounds. Every license plate is genuine and the...
Arkansas License Plate Map
The Natural State, in fall colors. Some old trucking license plates live on in these fun pieces, both a big and small version. These currently are on display in a cool new boutique in Little Rock...
Ohio State Buckeyes License Plate Art
A pile of 1970 Ohio license plates, some other plate scraps and some bright red stained boards transformed into the logo of the Ohio State Buckeyes!
Don't Mess With The Golden State!
Two piles of expired license plates, some wood, nails and glue have become a matching set of license plate maps for a nice lady in Washington State. They will soon adorn a stunningly red wall in her...
Microscope Lamp
How about break from license plate art and maps? This cool lamp was created by my very handy father-in-law using an old large microscope. Had to share it!
Green Mountain State License Plate Map
A client in Vermont wanted a map for his studio lobby. So, a pile of discarded plates from decades past will live on for years to come!
Cross State Rivalry
The Spartans and the Wolverines, immortalized using genuine vintage Michigan license plates! These two pieces repelled each other like magnets, so I had to snap the photos quickly. :) This fall...
Been Busy Lately...
Some of the projects that are keeping me busy these days and ensuring my tin-snip-induced callouses never soften! Hope you enjoy.
Noel License Plate Art
Yes, I know it is January and these pics are about a month late... But better late than never! Some old license plates transformed into a holiday decoration you might not expect. Colorado, Wisconsin...
Go Blue - Michigan Football License Plate Art
College football fans know that U-M Football is down right now, but they will rise again! At least the M-Den store in Ann Arbor believes that... they are currently showcasing this piece in their...
Roll Tide!
This past Saturday, on the day Alabama clinched a spot in the BCS title game, I finished an Alabama license plate map for a big-time fan. Good timing, I'd say!
Thirteen Colonies License Plate Map
If you can't tell, I love maps. So I thought a map of the original thirteen colonies as they existed in 1776 would be a fun miniature to try. This piece would be a cool one hanging in a junior high...
Birds and Flowers License Plate Art
Another fun project with license plates! My client (who doubles as my sister!) wanted to have a piece of license plate art made for her new baby's nursery, that both matched her bedding style and was...
Patriotic Miniature License Plate Map
What happens when you take leftover license plates from the 60s and 70s (they are generally the only ones painted solid colors on the back) and cut them into strips, which, put together, create a...
Motor City Mini License Plate Art
Skyline of Detroit, from a new perspective! Created using license plates from various states mounted on a red-stained board.
Miniature US License Plate Map by Design Turnpike
A miniature version of the larger Fifty States piece. Painstakingly created using pieces of a license plate from all 50 states. Mounted on a single stained board, measuring 14 x 9 inches.
Ford Logo License Plate Art by Design Turnpike
A miniature homage to my hometown's Ford Motor Company, created entirely from license plates from various US states. Mounted on a single stained board, measuring 14 x 9 inches. Apologies to those who...
Old Glory Miniature License Plate Art by Design Turnpike
A miniature version of the larger Old Glory piece, assembled from plates from various US states. Mounted on a single stained board, measuring 14 x 9 inches.
Michigan License Plate Map by Design Turnpike
A unique piece of Michigan history, containing Michigan license plates from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Mounted on stained board. Measures 36 x 36 inches.
Hutch top transformation
Olivers_Oma | May 16th, 2013
Vintage Marketplace at Springfield Extravaganza... We're Back!!!!
suewhitney | May 15th, 2013
Sizzling Mid Century Wall Art
RevivalMercantile | May 14th, 2013
Recent comments
Re: Yardstick & Galvanized Wash Tub Base Side Table
Totally love it!
posted: 7:11 am on April 17thRe: Vintage Matchbook Advertising Art Pendants
Love these. Very cool!
posted: 12:38 pm on October 17thRe: Michigan License Plate Flag
CeraJean, have at it! Imitation = flattery :)
posted: 7:35 am on September 9thI'm posting a small version of it this morning as it happens. Keep your eyes peeled for that.
@GarageSaleDiary - I am selling these... Email me at designturnpuike@gmail.com for more info.
Thanks for the nice comments everyone!
Re: Galvanized Bucket with Keys and License Plate & Copper Baking Mold Upcycled Hanging Baskets.
Wow, very cool!
posted: 12:19 pm on August 9thRe: Halloween Upcycled Bird House with License Plate Body
As a license plate lover, I rate this one 10!
posted: 12:18 pm on August 9thRe: Junk"Y" Situation
That sign is awesome!
posted: 12:17 pm on August 9thRe: Got LOVE
Very creative. Love it!
posted: 12:15 pm on August 9thRe: Michigan License Plate Flag
Just one more fun tidbit... A print of this artwork will be used on set in an upcoming pilot on ABC called "Georgetown." Believe it or not Warner Brothers contacted me about using it after browsing my online print store! Thanks for the nice comments, everyone :)
posted: 9:04 am on April 29thRe: "...the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." 2 Corinthians 5:17b
WANT!
posted: 2:23 pm on April 27thRe: Vintage Projector Lamp
Totally awesome!
posted: 2:23 pm on April 27thRe: Okay, Now I'm just having FUN with Metal!
The surface is so wonderfully worn! Perfect.
posted: 9:46 am on January 4thRe: It's time to play dominoes!
Brilliant idea!
posted: 9:45 am on January 4thRe: Grain Scoop Vase
Awesome as usual!
posted: 9:45 am on January 4thRe: Old crate stairs
Totally love!
posted: 9:44 am on January 4thRe: Georgia on my mind...
DustyRust - I have done a dozen or so Michigans! I am a Great Lake Stater as well. I think I posted photos here somewhere so look under my profile.
posted: 6:33 am on December 17thThanks to all others for your nice comments. I love sharing my work here and seeing the amazing things others are creating. Great website.
Re: Money Does Not Grow On Trees...
Cool!
posted: 7:41 am on December 2ndRe: Industrial Ambiance
Loving it!
posted: 7:40 am on December 2ndRe: Industrial in the Kitchen!
The EAT signage rocks.
posted: 7:39 am on December 2ndRe: Wired---------[=
By the way, great photography as well. And I love that flag!
posted: 7:38 am on December 2ndRe: Wheely Sweet Coffee Table
Wow, where did you gt it? Very unique and lots of character...
posted: 11:40 am on November 24thRe: It's Awards Time!
Awesome stuff. Love the concept.
posted: 11:16 am on November 3rdRe: Vintage Kitchen Pantry
Absolutely awesome. I love every aspect of it. Your weathering technique is perfect. Thanks so much for posting this and taking the time to write such interesting descriptions.
posted: 3:21 pm on July 21stRe: OLD METAL SIGN - NOW A CENTERPIECE
I'm liking this idea... Could work well with license plates also!
posted: 12:10 pm on June 28thRe: vintage bike
Like the color... very era-appropriate!
posted: 12:09 pm on June 28thRe: 50's gaming table
Very cool!
posted: 12:09 pm on June 28thRe: [WRECKAGE] Cabinet
You are the man! Jealous of your line name also :)
posted: 12:07 pm on June 28thRe: AmmoBox Table
The colors are so great!
posted: 12:03 pm on June 28thRe: Old crate stairs
Awesome, awesome, awesome. Favorite project on here in a while!
posted: 12:02 pm on June 28thRe: Cross State Rivalry
Jim, coming from you that is a very nice compliment. I am a big fan of your work. Thank you!
posted: 9:18 am on May 27thRe: my junky little garage
That looks awesome!
posted: 2:22 pm on May 20thRe: Stop the Draft!
Your finishing technique, bold colors and sense of design make your projects my favorite on the site. Great job again.
posted: 10:42 am on January 22ndRe: Cherish Boxes
Colors are terrific!
posted: 4:24 pm on January 8thRe: You Need a Little Copper in Your Diet
Stunning!
posted: 4:22 pm on January 8thRe: Roll Tide!
Kathy, just heavy-duty tin snips. A lot of practice and some well built-up metacarpals help too!
posted: 2:58 pm on December 10thRe: Vintage Boxes
Very cool!
posted: 9:41 am on November 30thRe: OUTDOOR SIDE TABLE
Dr Pepper: My favorite drink!
posted: 11:46 am on November 25thRe: Birds and Flowers License Plate Art
Thank you everyone for the kind comments. I had a lot of fun with this and can't wait to deliver it! Racers7 (Melody): How did I cut these? Heavy duty tin snips and some patience!
posted: 11:14 am on November 19thRe: barn dismantle
Old barn wood... I'm drooling!
posted: 12:53 pm on October 28thRe: A Junker's Collection - Part One
Awesome, fun, cool stuff!
posted: 12:52 pm on October 28thRe: Don't be Chicken - Nightlight
That's sweet!
posted: 12:51 pm on October 28thRe: Ready for 3rd Gear?
Wow, that is awesome. Love the shade too. Good choice!
posted: 10:51 am on October 20thRe: Garden Arbor Creation
Really an amazing transformation!
posted: 10:50 am on October 20thRe: Industrial goes Glam
Who would have thought plumbing pieces could look this good?
posted: 10:50 am on October 20thRe: Got Gas!
As always, very cool. I love your sense of color and the boldness you bring to every project.
posted: 10:49 am on October 20thRe: Trick or Treat
The letters are a huge score! Nice work as always :)
posted: 10:47 am on October 20thRe: Climbing my Chippy Ladder to Success!
The distressing is perfect!
posted: 11:45 am on October 7thRe: You knew it was coming...
Cool!
posted: 2:37 pm on October 2ndRe: Drink Up! CrAzY Bottle Collection
What an awesome collection!
posted: 9:30 am on September 29thRe: Michigan License Plate Map by Design Turnpike
Mimi, thanks for your insight and warm welcome!
posted: 9:27 am on September 29thRe: Juliette
Wow, that would a fun decoration in any room!
posted: 4:24 pm on September 24thRe: "The Twelve Best"
Love the bold color!
posted: 4:20 pm on September 24thRe: Stamp Box
Love old stamps. Nice work!
posted: 4:18 pm on September 24thRe: license plate star ..
Very nice work. I also do license plate art and appreciate your take on it!
posted: 9:22 am on September 24thRe: Old tool chest becomes a piece of furniture for my work room!
It looks great!
posted: 9:19 am on September 24thRe: Michigan License Plate Map by Design Turnpike
Thanks everyone for the insightful and nice comments! I have taken your advice and removed any promotional aspects off my posting to conform to the user agreement.
posted: 9:18 am on September 24thRe: Michigan License Plate Map by Design Turnpike
Thanks for the nice comments! Anyone know why my other 3 posts are not showing up under My Contributions? I'm new here, thanks in advance...
posted: 9:22 am on September 23rd