Crafts With Unfinished Wood Light Switch Plates

Transform plain unfinished wood light switches into decorative accents for the home or office using a variety of materials. Choose themes such as holidays like Christmas, hobbies like fishing, special events or celebrations such as a new baby. Children and adults can use this project to make gifts or for themselves.

Wallpaper Covered Switchplates

Choose a sheet of wallpaper that will complement a room to cover a light switch with one, two or more openings. Heavy papers from expired wallpaper sample books are often free for the asking at home decor stores. Lay the decorated side of the wallpaper face down. Place the front of the switch plate on top. Use a pen to mark the outline of the switch plate. Cut the wallpaper with scissors with an extra 3/4 inch around the drawn outline. Apply a layer of tacky glue on the front of the switch plate and press on the wallpaper, leaving extra extending beyond the edges. Use a craft knife to cut an "X" in the openings where the switches will fit through. Fold the excess wallpaper behind the switch plate with tacky glue as well as the openings for the switches. Use a nail to put holes where the wall screws will go.

Picket Fence Switchplate

Use tacky glue to attach craft sticks vertically onto an unfinished wood light switch. Cover the width of the light switch, leaving spaces between the craft sticks to create a picket fence effect and letting the switch come through. Attach two shorter craft sticks horizontally to complete the fence. Use acrylic paints to paint the fence in white with brown accents. Hot glue on small fake flowers to add interest and color.

Nature Themed Switchplate

Coat the front of the unfinished wood light switch with varnish. Let it dry. Apply colorful decals that depict nature and wildlife. These can include birds, eagles, loons, fish, wildlife, woodland, beach and tropical scenes. Apply a layer of polyurethane over the light switch as a protective finish.

Fabric Covered Switchplate

Apply a coat of tacky glue to the front of the unfinished wood switch plate. Lay it down onto the wrong side of medium weight fabric, solid color or printed with the themed design. Flip it over and smooth the fabric over the switch plate to remove any air bubbles. Cut the fabric around the edges with scissors leaving a 3/4-inch flap. Add more tacky glue inside the edge and press the extra fabric inside to create a neat finish. Use a craft knife to cut the opening for the switch and secure the flaps inside with tacky glue. Use the point of scissors to make the holes for the screws.

References

• All Free Crafts: Picket Fence Light Switch
• Disney Family Fun: Custom Switchplates