Discover the charm of License Plate Heaven, where every piece tells a story! Since 2011, our mom-and-pop shop has turned authentic, recycled license plates into handmade signs and decor. Perfect for those who cherish sustainability, local craftsmanship, and truly unique gifts. Dive into a world where old plates find new life!
In 2005, my son Patrick spent the summer helping his grandfather. Together, they designed and handmade a map of the continental 48 states using recycled license plates. Once completed, it got a lot of attention. My dad had started making items from recycled license plates, and slowly, he gained customers through word of mouth. He began participating in craft shows and farmers' markets, and he even picked up a few stores that would sell his items, but it remained primarily a hobby.
2009 the corporate office where I worked for over 20 years closed. I felt lost at 52 and faced starting over after a few months of no interviews. I began spending time in my dad's shop. Though he had been retired for years, he ran a second-hand store. He patiently showed me the ropes and taught me how to use hand tools. I started helping him make signs using letters from license plates. Working with metal was challenging, as learning to use a bandsaw and other tools was entirely outside my comfort zone. However, it brought my dad and me closer together. The process involved a lot of cutting, pounding, and sanding, and it was dusty and loud, with the plates often being quite dirty, but I loved the freedom of it. Spending this time with my dad was a bonus. I even stopped sending out resumes and found myself happy to go to work. I committed to fulfilling orders and watching the shop while my parents were away during the colder months.
When they returned a few months later, I began selling online by opening an Etsy store, listing items on eBay, and creating a website. Everything went so well that my father offered to help me start a business. In May 2011, I officially opened License Plate Heaven, where both license plates and I found new life.
I found myself unemployed at 52 years old. I needed a way to earn a living, so I turned a hobby into a job.
