Ferris took a long nap this morning so I decided to something I've been meaning to do for ages - make the switch plates and outlet covers pretty. I've done this before with paper from magazines, but the ink just doesn't hold up to sunlight and the fading becomes really obvious...something I wouldn't mind except that it happens more with some colors than others, and it just looks all blotchy. This is much neater and easier to do with fabric anyway.
What you need:
switch plate or outlet cover
piece of fabric at least 4" x 5.5" (or larger if you have a double or triple or whatever)
scissors
Xacto knife
tacky glue (or your other favorite glue...I like tacky, oh yes)
Small paint brush for applying glue
How to:
Take your brush and apply glue fairly liberally to the front of your switch plate or outlet cover.
Place switch plate or outlet cover on your piece of fabric.
Like my sketch? I thought so.Next, clip the corners of your fabric diagonally close to the corners of your switch plate or outlet cover. This will help avoid bulk in the behind of it all.
Next, apply glue to the back edges of the switch plate or outlet cover and fold the fabric over and around.Then use the Xacto to cut some neat lines in your fabric where the switch or outlet would be. Apply glue to the edges around the holes, and pull the fabric over and around.
Let dry. When it's all set, use the Xacto to stab the holes where the screw holds the switch plate or outlet cover into the wall, install and enjoy!
Fancy, eh?
