Upcycled Recycling Awareness Symbol
This Instructable will show you how to make a cool looking metal recycling symbol out of nothing but an old license plate. It only took me about an hour to make and it costed me nothing.
Parts and Tools
parts;
a license plate
Tools;
rotary tool
grinding wheels for rotary tool (make sure you have plenty before you start because they break easily)
wire wheel for rotary tool
file
sharpie marker
a license plate
Tools;
rotary tool
grinding wheels for rotary tool (make sure you have plenty before you start because they break easily)
wire wheel for rotary tool
file
sharpie marker
Printing Template
I google searched "recycling symbol" and quickly found a picture I could use. I chose this one because I needed one where all three of the arrows were connected. (see picture)
Marking
Tape the template on the license plate, and slowly trace along the black lines with your marker.
Cutting and Cleaning
Cutting couldn't be simpler. Just cut along the lines.
I use the medium setting on my rotary tool, which is 24,000 RPMs.
When you're done cutting it, take your file and remove any large burrs. Next take your wire wheel and finish cleaning it up.
I use the medium setting on my rotary tool, which is 24,000 RPMs.
When you're done cutting it, take your file and remove any large burrs. Next take your wire wheel and finish cleaning it up.
Finishing Up
If you need to, you can use a magic eraser to remove any markings leftover from the marker. When it is finished, you can give it as a gift, use it as a decoration, or make up your own use for it.
I have had mine hanging on my bedroom wall for a several months.
Feel free to comment and tell me what you think.