How to Make Collaged Light Switch Plates

Making collaged light switch plates is a quick way to personalize a room. In materials and results, collaged switch plates are a great illustration of what an impact the little details can make in decorating a room. Collaged switch plates also make great gifts--a unique gift for a new baby's room or something a bride and groom can use in their first apartment, then take with them to their new home.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Metal or plastic switch plates
• Switchplate screws
• Collage adhesive and glaze (like Mod Podge)
• or all-purpose glue and shellac
• 1 or 2 small disposable foam brushes
• Covered work-surface (newspaper, wax-paper, Butcher paper all prevent liquids from sticking to surface)
• Scissors with narrow blades and sharp points
• Marking pen
• Collage pictures or wallpaper, fabric, gift wrap, paper or stickers
• Fabric, paint or paper to serve as a background if your collage has any bare-spots
• Awl or ice-pick

1. Take the switch plates with you when you shop for materials; something that looks tiny in a store may look bigger on the small surface you are covering.

2. Make the first collage layer. Lay the switch plate on background paper/fabric or main covering paper/fabric. Trace the shape, leaving a 1/2-inch margin all the way around. Cut out with scissors and apply with collage-adhesive or glue, following directions and using a brush. Let it dry on covered work-surface.

3. When the first layer is dry, use a marking pen to trace outline of switch-holes and screw-holes.

4. Lay out your second collage layer on the switch plate. When you are certain of where you want to place items, apply them with collage-adhesive or glue, following directions. Avoid placing second-layer items on the switch-holes or screw-holes. Set it aside to dry. Repeat Step 4 if you have another layer to add.

5. Finish the project. Using scissors, trim down extra paper or fabric to 1/4 inch, roll fabric edges around the switch plate edges and anchor to the back firmly with adhesive or glue. Poke screw-holes front-to-back with awl or ice-pick, trimming if necessary. Cut a criss-cross in paper/fabric over switch holes, fold back triangular flaps and anchor them to the back. Let it dry.

6. Coat the finished project with one more layer of collage-adhesive or a layer of shellac, following directions. Once it is dry, mount it on the light switch.

Tips & Warnings

• Think thin layers rather than one thick one. Overlapping scraps of bright tissue paper lend wonderful depth, as do scraps of colored cellophane. Flat lace and other fabric trimmings add a small amount of texture. Since you are using very small amounts of all project materials, you can afford to do some experimenting.
• Keep background or main covering fabric thin, so that, when you affix raw edges to the back of the switch plate, it won't be too thick or lumpy for you to screw the plate into its wall bracket.
• Before you buy switch plates, make sure you are getting the right kind for the intended location. Switch plates come in single and double switch, and double switch plates accommodate either switches that move up and down or from side to side. Dimmer switches use a different plate. Make sure that your finished project will fit the space for which you intend it.