Recent License Plate Art Project Spotlight

Hello all! It's been quite a busy start to 2017. See below for some of the projects that have kept me busty for the past month! And remember, order a large size or above handmade original in the next week and receive a free canvas print of your choice from my extensive design collection on FineArtAmerica!

XL License Plate American Flag

I made this custom flag piece for client Jessica in Tennessee! Lots of cool plates in red, white and blue comprised this original design.

36 x 36 Michigan Counties Map

All 83 counties of the Great Lake State make an appearance, each one recreated using a different chunk of Michigan license plates. This colorful piece headed over to the West side of the Mitten State when complete for client Dale.

Arsenal Football (or, soccer!) Team Logo

A huge fan of the team commissioned this intricate and challenging piece celebrating their favorite club. Plates from various states combined to form the iconic emblem with a brand new twist.

Let me make something for you as well! Contact me here to get started.

The 8 Best State Flag Designs - Made With License Plates to Make It More Interesting

Most people know that each of the 50 states in the USA has its own special state flag. Not everyone really knows what their own state flag looks like, however; and even fewer know all the other states' unique, eclectic and creative designs.

I've taken what I think are the 8 coolest state flag designs - and recreated them using vintage license plates belonging to each one. Enjoy! 

Prints of each are available from my friends at FineArtAmerica.com

#8: Michigan

I simply have to include The Great Lakes State for a couple reasons: I was born and raised here, and the rich blues and browns really make for a handsome, rustic design.

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#7: New Mexico

The memorable flag of New Mexico consists of a red sun symbol of the Zia on a field of yellow, and was officially introduced in 1925. It was designed in 1920, to highlight the state's Native American Pueblo and Nuevo México Hispano roots. The colors evoke the flags of Habsburg Spain and the Crown of Aragon, brought by the conquistadors. Free Tidbit: It is one of four U.S. state flags not to contain the color blue.

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#6: Maryland

The slightly-confusing official flag of the state of Maryland consists of the heraldic banner of George Calvert, Lord Baltimore. It is the only US state flag to be directly based on English heraldry. You won’t be mistaking it for any other state’s flag, that’s for sure!

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#5: South Carolina

The flag of South Carolina has existed in some form since 1775, being based on one of the first Revolutionary War flags. The palmetto is a reference to the defense of Sullivan's Island, the fortress which survived largely because the palmettos, laid over sand walls, were able to withstand British cannons. Pretty cool!

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#4: Texas

The Texas flag is known as the Lone Star Flag. The current design of the flag was introduced to the Congress of the Republic of Texas on December 28, 1838. The flag, flown at homes and businesses statewide, is highly popular among Texans and is treated with a great degree of reverence and esteem within Texas. Don’t mess with Texas! Or this flag.

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#3: Arizona

The flag of Arizona consists of 13 rays of red and weld-yellow on the top half, the colors of the flag of Spain, representing the 13 original states. The red and yellow also symbolize Arizona's picturesque sunsets. The copper star represents the copper mining industry in Arizona. The rest of the flag is colored blue, representing the Colorado River. Full of symbolism, and pretty to look at!

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#2: Colorado

The flag of the state of Colorado consists of three horizontal stripes of equal width; the top and bottom stripes are blue, and the middle stripe white. On top of these stripes sits a circular red "C", filled with a golden disk. The blue is meant to represent the skies, the gold stands for the sunshine enjoyed by the state, the white represents the snowcapped mountains, and the red represents the ruddy colored earth. Another gorgeous flag full of symbolism. Second place ain’t bad, Coloradans!

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#1: California

The Bear Flag is the official flag of the state of California. There is a red star in the upper left corner and a grizzly bear facing left in the center, walking on a patch of green grass. The five-point star is taken from the California Lone Star Flag of 1836. The bear on the current flag of California is claimed to have been modeled on the last Californian grizzly bear in captivity. The bear, named "Monarch", was captured in 1889 by newspaper reporter Allen Kelley, at the behest of William Randolph Hearst and is preserved at the Academy of Sciences at Golden Gate Park. An iconic flag notably different than all the others - worthy of our first place state flag ranking!

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I hope you've enjoyed this flag ranking countdown - click here to see even more flag designs made using recycled vintage state license plates!

7 Ways to Make Your Michigan Home or Cottage Extra-Awesomely Vintage This Summer

In addition to making hundreds of pieces using actual physical license plates, I am proud to offer an expanding line of home and decor products. Here is a sampling of 7 cool ideas that will spruce up and personalize any Great Lake State lover's spaces!

1) Michigan Counties License Plate Map Doormat

Home is not a house, it's a feeling. Help create the perfect feeling even before you enter the door with a Great Lakes State themed doormat. Non-slip rubber that won't crack or buckle, this mat resists fading, mold, and mildew and can be easily cleaned with a hose. This beautiful floor mat is an excellent addition to any home or cabin.

2) Detroit The Motor City Skyline License Plate Art On Gray Wood Boards Framed Print

Bring your Motor City print to life with hundreds of different frame and mat combinations. Our frame prints are assembled, packaged, and shipped by our expert framing staff and delivered "ready to hang" with pre-attached hanging wire, mounting hooks, and nails.

3) Michigan License Plate Love iPhone Case

Take your Michigan LOVE everywhere you go! Nothing says you love your home state more than displaying it on your phone. Galaxy models available as well.

 4) Michigan State Flag Round Beach Towel

Show up to the lakeshore in style with this round beach towel bearing a recycled version of Michigan's flag. These towels are 60" in diameter and made from ultra plush microfiber and a 100% cotton backing. Perfect for a day at the beach, an Upper Peninsula picnic or simply unique home decor.

5) M22 Michigan Highway License Plate Throw Pillow

Six versatile sizes of these eclectic pillows are available, perfect for any Michigander's home or cottage. Celebrate the iconic road that all true Michigan folks are so fond of.

6) Michigan License Plate American Flag Shower Curtain

Finish off your Great Lakes State bathroom in a fascinating way with this unique design of Old Glory, made using all vintage Michigan license plates from the 1960s. These shower curtains are made from 100% polyester fabric and include 12 holes at the top for ease hanging. 

7) Mackinac Bridge in License Plates Tote Bag

Mighty Mac will go everywhere you do when you leave the house or cabin for a relaxing day at the beach or shipping in Traverse City. Each bag includes a 1" black strap for easy carrying and are machine washable.

Dozens of more cool ideas and products are available to make your home and lifestyle Michigan-centric! Click here to visit the entire collection.

Holiday Ordering Deadlines for 2015

I have recently released the deadlines for orders for this upcoming holiday season. It is going to be a busy one!

Due to orders already submitted and continuing to come in, the last day to order a handmade original piece and have it delivered by December 25th is November 1st. If you are looking to order a metal, canvas, framed or paper print, you have a bit more time: December 15th is the last day you can order to guarantee opening it on Christmas Day.

Click here to view all the options - my pieces make terrific and unique gifts for recipients of all ages and kinds!

Google Project #2 - Four new fun originals for Ann Arbor Michigan offices

I once again had the privilege of creating custom new original artwork for Google - this time to help christen their new offices in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The client wanted logos of four of their flagship products (YouTube, Play, Chrome and Android) made using exclusively vintage Michigan license plates. What a challenge! But, a fun one. Client loved the results, and I hope you enjoy them too.

Contact me with questions or to find out how to order a custom piece of your own!

My Work - at Google!

I am so proud to announce that my work is now on display at Google offices in Birmingham, Michigan. See some pics below. I am also very excited to reveal that they have just ordered four more very interesting and challenging pieces to be custom-made for their offices in Ann Arbor! Happy that my work will get this type of exposure at such a cool company. Enjoy and stay tuned for more pics and info.

Detroit Skyline Original Giveaway!

Yes, that's right... I'm giving away a handmade Detroit skyline piece at the end of January to a lucky entrant on my Facebook page! Click here to see how to enter.

NCIS: New Orleans to Feature Map by Design Turnpike

The set design team for the new hit CBS series NCIS: New Orleans contacted me last week to make arrangements for my work to appear on an upcoming episode!

The print seen below will be included in scenes of the new television series combining elements of the military drama and police procedural genres that airs on Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. ET on CBS.

Established by Special Agent Dwayne Pride, the New Orleans office of NCIS handles cases from the Mississippi River to the Texas Panhandle and back again. Great Lakes Special Agent Merri Brody and her partner Special Agent Chris LaSalle work with Pride to ensure the safety of the once hurricane stricken Crescent City.

Stay tuned for info on when the episode will air!

Biggest License Plate Map... Ever?

I've been making maps for a long time now out of license plates. Up until recently, the biggest size I'd conquered was 5 feet wide. I'd seen a couple photos out there of 1 or 2 maps that exist that measured twice or three times that. But, I never figured I'd be involved in making one myself!

So, a previous client called and asked, "Just how big of a map COULD you make?"

And so, this project began. Months later, I am ready to ship out a map made of license plates that is 10 feet wide by 6 feet high, and weighs well over 100 pounds. It heads onto a freight truck this week for a trip out west to California, where it will adorn the walls of an aviation company's lobby.

This project was a massive challenge: from the scale of the states, to the concept and creation of a board big enough and strong enough to hold itself up. Check some of the in-progress photos I snapped below. Hope you enjoy!

50% OFF This Print!

Wow, save huge on this license plate map of the USA on blue wood boards. Tons of sizes and finish quality levels friendly to any budget. Enter code JULYHOLIDAYS at checkout. Check it out here!

License Plate Art and Map Pub Tables!

I am pleased to have an exclusive partnership with USTabletops.com, the world's largest website for custom pub tables, and commercial, indoor and outdoor table tops. Every table top they create is designed by them, manufactured exclusively for them, guaranteed by them and available only from them or their authorized distributors. Several new Design Turnpike designs, sizes and styles are available now.

These tables are amazing. They can be used indoor or outdoor, feature an easy care "no linen needed finish", wipe clean easily, and are extremely durable. In addition, they are weather resistant, heat resistant, smolder resistant, UV light resistant, and feature a one piece seamless surface. Lastly, they are competitively priced and offer an iron-clad 3-year guarantee.

To place an order, follow the easy three steps on my website. All tables are guaranteed to ship within 6 weeks in the lower 48 states. $49 FLAT RATE SHIPPING!

What's New? More License Plate Art and Maps!

It's been awhile since I posted on the blog, so I'd like to show you some pieces I've been working on lately. As always, head over to the main site to see all the options for prints and originals.