Sunday, April 20, 2014

The Cover Up: DIY Light Switch Covers

  You will never guess what I learned today. Apparently,  the company I rent my apartment from hates creativity and dreams. Although,  in all fairness,  I should point out the only reason I'm making this claim is because they poo-pooed all over my vision for the most ultimate,  amazing bathroom... The Tardis Control Room.

  I had it all planned out to the smallest detail. It would have been more visually impressive than Avatar.

  Alot of people ask me, "where do you find the supplies for that?". I just say back,  "where do you find the supplies for anything that is weird and unusual?... I went online. "

  Not that it matters now.

  However,  when I really have my mind set on something,  I don't always tend to completely listen when I'm told no. Usually I modify the idea a little bit.

  Sure they told me I couldn't redecorate my bathroom, but they didn't say anything about not making cool covers for my light switches.

  And so a DIY project is born. Now, to decorate your light switch cover you really only need a couple of things: a sturdy light switch cover (you can get them super cheap from Menards), some paint,  Modge Podge glue, photos and an a pair of sharp scissors.

  STEP ONE:
     Spray paint or use a brush to paint the top of the light switch cover. I did about three layers.

  STEP TWO:
     Figure out how you want to lay out your picture. Keep in mind you will be cutting out the center to some degree.  I just held my picture on the light switch cover then held it up to light so I could see where the hole would be. Once I knew how I  wanted it to look I cut out the photo to fit.

  STEP THREE:
     Glue the picture down.  What I did is brush some Modge Podge on to the area of the light switch where I would be putting the picture.  Then I put the picture down and positioned it where I wanted to be. Next I took another piece of paper and put it over the photo.  I used an old credit card to rub over the piece of paper. This helps get rid of any air bubbles and firmly attaches the picture to the light switch cover.

  STEP FOUR:
     After letting your project dry for a few minutes, you can now go ahead and apply one to two coats of Modge Podge on top of the picture. This will help add another layer of protection to your photo. Let it dry a few hours in between applying coats and after your last coat, let it dry over night.

  STEP FIVE:
     Now cut out the center of your light switch. You can use a small sharp pair of scissors or an Xacto knife. 

  STEP SIX:
Now its time to take off that plain old boring light switch and put on your brand new cool one.

  Once you do that you are all done, and all that's left to do is to kick back and listen to all the praise people are going to shower you with.