[DIY] Handmade house nameplate ideas. Easy and stylish nameplates.
A nameplate can be called the face of a house.
It’s common to write the family name in kanji, but these days there are many varieties, including ones written in the alphabet and those with stylish designs.
In this article, we’ll introduce handmade nameplate ideas recommended for those who want to make their own!
We’ve gathered a range of methods, from ideas using 100-yen shop materials to authentic woodcarving approaches.
Feel free to use these as a reference and give it a try!
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[DIY] Handmade doorplate ideas. Easy! Stylish nameplates (1–10)
Nameplate made from a kamaboko board
The rectangular shape of a kamaboko board is the perfect size for a nameplate, so let’s make the most of that form and finish it into a high-quality sign.
First, write the characters on the surface and, paying attention to stroke endings and sweeps, carve them out with a chisel.
Next, coat the entire board with varnish or gel, then paint the carved characters black and coat the whole piece again with gel as if sealing it to finish.
By being particular about how you apply the black and how you layer the coatings, aim for a more reflective, three-dimensional nameplate.
mortar nameplate
A nameplate that looks like letters are carved into mortar—the material’s natural three-dimensional texture is part of its charm.
You start with a hardened mortar plate, then spread soft, unset mortar over it, and before it hardens, you carve in letters and patterns.
You can press objects to create indented shapes, overlay printed lettering and carve the mortar to match—add your own design freely, and it’s done.
It’s also important not to overly tidy the overall shape; that way the mortar’s surface is emphasized and a more natural feel comes through.
Wooden alphabet nameplate
This is an alphabet nameplate made from wood, featuring striking raised-looking letters.
You’ll use a wooden board and alphabet pieces, freely attaching the letters onto the board.
To make the letters appear to float, color balance is key—consider painting the board a dark color and creating contrast or other color arrangements to enhance the three-dimensional effect.
The freedom to decorate—such as how you arrange the letters and use negative space—is another highlight.
[DIY] Handmade Doorplate Ideas: Easy and Stylish Nameplates (11–20)
Wood and tile nameplate
A nameplate is like the face of a house.
Here, we’ll show you how to make one that combines wood with colorful tiles.
First, cut a scrap piece of wood into a 15-centimeter square, bevel the edges, carve a groove near the top to set the tiles, and carve your name toward the bottom.
Once the carving is done, use a melamine sponge to apply a water-based varnish.
After that, paint the inside of the carved name with black paint.
When it’s dry, use adhesive to attach the tiles like a puzzle.
When you make it by hand, you really grow attached to it, don’t you? Since a nameplate is something that many people will notice, try creating one that’s full of originality.
Tsumami-zaiku entrance plate
Let’s make a nameplate using chirimen tsumami-zaiku.
Prepare a piece of chirimen slightly larger than the backing board and glue it onto the board.
Once attached, use tweezers to pinch and shape the tsumami-zaiku pieces.
Adding sparkly beads or rhinestones to the centers of the tsumami-zaiku flowers is also cute.
Arrange the flowers on the wooden base however you like.
It’s complete once you place the name in the center.
The name can be made from letter parts or handwritten.
Since it’s fabric, please install it in a sheltered location.
brass nameplate
Brass nameplates are gorgeous and cool, aren’t they? This one is made by cutting each letter out of a brass plate and attaching legs to them.
It takes some effort, but since a nameplate is the face of your home, give it your best shot.
When installing, stick masking tape onto a piece of Styrofoam and insert the legged letters into it.
Use the masking tape with the holes as a template to drill holes in the installation spot, and it will go smoothly.
If the nameplate oxidizes and the color deteriorates, polish it with a metal polishing cream to make it shine again.
Mosaic tile nameplate
Let’s try making a nameplate using mosaic tiles.
If you use tiles sold at 100-yen shops, you can make it inexpensively.
First, use graph paper or similar to plan your design with the mosaic tiles.
Considering the tile size, cut the wood to an appropriate size and thread the string through it beforehand.
Then, attach and arrange the tiles with adhesive according to your design.
If you choose the color scheme of the tiles carefully, you can create a very lovely nameplate.
If you’re going to stick it directly instead of hanging it, you won’t need the string.