How to Make Light Switch Covers

Few people think about designing their own light switch covers but it does not have to be difficult. Several possibilities include using carved wood, polymer clay or hammering out pewter and all require special tools or talents. A simpler idea is using that old leather belt that no longer fits and just hangs in your closet. Grab a few items and create your unique cover in a few minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Utility knife
• Cutting board
• Hot glue gun
• Awl

Instructions

1. Lay out your supplies so they are close by for this project and be close to an outlet for heating up the hot glue gun.

2. Mark the measurements for cutting two 4-inch long strips of leather to be the cross sections of the plate. Mark two more sections to be 5 inches long, using a pencil.

3. Cut the leather with a utility knife on a cutting board.

4. Place the two longer pieces of belt face-side down, vertically on the work surface, parallel with each other and about a 1/2 inch apart. Place the two cross pieces also face down on top of the longer pieces but set horizontally across them, an inch apart from each other and centered on the long pieces.

5. Hot-glue them in place by placing a small amount of the glue between the layers at each of the intersections.

6. Hold the glued leather against the wall, sliding the switch through the opening in the center. Mark the leather where the screw holes should be. Punch the leather with an awl or any sharp pointed object strong enough to go through the leather.

7. Screw the leather plate in place using the regular light switch plate screws.

References

• Cut Out and Keep: Leather And Lace Light Switch Cover