Light-switch art

Hands-on time: Less than an hour.
Total time: Needs to dry overnight.
Skill: Easy and kid-friendly with adult supervision.
Cost estimate: $3 each.

Materials & Tools

• Plain plastic light-switch covers (singles, doubles, etc.) available at hardware stores You can even recycle the ones that you already have in your home.
• Images from old magazines, calendars, reproduction prints, clip art, and even family photos printed from your printer on quality laser paper (do not use photo paper)
• Decoupage medium
• Small 1-inch foam brush
• X-acto knife (only for an adult to use) or scissors
• Ruler
• Satin-finish spray sealant, available at hardware stores

Light-switch art is a clever way to enhance a simple light switch to coordinate with your personal decor. The switches also make great housewarming gifts. Once you have chosen the image, place and center the light switch cover over the image, and cut around the switch plate with an X-acto knife or scissors leaving a half-inch border around the picture.

Cut all four corner edges of the image on a diagonal angle then cut an "X" over the openings for the switches.

With a foam brush, cover the light-switch plate with decoupage medium in an up-and-down motion. Carefully center your image over the switch and rub with your thumbs in an up-and-down motion to get rid of all bubbles. Then turn your switch over and cover the sides and center with decoupage medium and, with your thumbs, fold and rub down the sides and the center "X". You can punch the two holes for the screws with a pencil tip. Allow to dry. You can place your switches on an old cookie rack for great drying and spraying. Seal with a satin-finish spray sealant, and let dry.

Tip

• Wear latex gloves to avoid touching the glue and leaving finger prints on your project. For great dramatic results, you can also use decorative fabric prints, like children's prints or the latest toiles.