A license plate purse is a small, usually handcrafted bag that is made from new or used license plates originally designed for use on an automobile. Creating a license plate purse is one way to repurpose and recycle license plates, including vanity plates from schools, fraternal organizations, sports teams and associations.
Creating a license plate purse generally requires at least two license plates, which are held together with wire or bolts, though a single plate can be bent to make a small bag. The number of plates and the design one chooses will determine the size of the finished purse. One can add chains or straps to create a shoulder bag or use the purse like a standard clutch handbag.
The pattern used determines the shape of the purse. Crafters may use sheet metal inserts or mini-hubcaps for the sides of the purse, but one also can arrange the license plates into shapes that only utilize license plates for the bottom, sides and top. One can bend the license plates to create a box that requires no other metal. One can create vertical or horizontal barrels that resemble a small beer keg. Styles made popular by eco-designers also include cylindrical, rectangular and square shapes.
A good-quality license plate purse may have a liner to protect the owner’s hands and the bag's contents from being scratched by the metal. Leather, vinyl or a durable fabric are common lining options. In addition, the purse’s creator may provide a fastener or catch that allows one to close the purse. Hinges may be required to create a durable flap closure for a license plate purse.
Standard license plates have edges that might cause injury. Unless the designer bends or folds the top, bottom and sides under to keep them from rubbing against things, the plates could cut the skin of the person carrying the bag. For this reason, the edges and sides of purses that don't have folded edges should be sanded to decrease the potential for injury.
Craft companies and designers sell generic and customized license plate purses in retail shops and online. Unless one has metalworking skills and tools, ordering a purse that someone else has created may be easier than constructing one at home. The main consideration for purchasing a license plate purse from a designer is the quality of the construction and the cost.
