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Ze Switch!

Okay kiddos: until Pottery Barn agrees to release a ReBoot Home Decor Collection, we're gonna have to be a little creative. This is a simple craft that turns out looking pretty cool.


You'll Need:

  • a standard white plastic one-switch switchplate
    [about 2 ¾ x 4 ½", available in stores with basic hardware supplies]
  • Mod Podge
    [available in craft stores-- I prefer the glossy kind for this project]
  • craft glue
    [a.k.a. tacky glue]
  • a paintbrush that can get glue-y
  • an X-acto knife
    [you can probably get by with a good pair of scissors if you're not allowed to use an X-acto knife]
  • a good color printout of this picture

Instructions:

Print the picture of Enzo and cut it out, leaving about ½ inch of white paper around the border.

project in progress

Cover your work surface. Use your brush to paint a moderate coat of Mod Podge all over the front of the switchplate.

project in progress

Stick the printout onto the switchplate. Hold it up to the light to make sure Enzo isn't lined up with any of the holes in the switchplate. Smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles.

project in progress

Flip the switchplate over. Cut the paper's corners off diagonally as shown above. Use the X-acto knife to cut an "X" across the paper you can see through the rectangular hole (also shown above).

project in progress

Fold all of the flaps you just created onto the back of the switchplate and use craft glue to glue them in place (as shown above).

project in progress

Flip the switchplate back over and give it another smooth coat of Mod Podge as a finish. Allow it to dry completely, then poke two small holes through the paper so you'll be able to tell where the screws go.

the finished product

Find a good place for your switchplate to live. (I don't recommend putting it anywhere it's likely to get wet.) Your switchplate should have come with two screws, which you can paint to match the firewall. Use the screws to install your switchplate. Since this does technically involve some electricity, I'm gonna recommend adult supervision.

And now, the moment you've been waiting for--
Throw ze switch!


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