Easy and Inexpensive DIY Project: Recovered Light Switches

I've lived in apartments for a long time, and typically, they feature outdated fixtures and features that I can't do anything about. However, I have found that small things, like changing out the light switch plates and outlet covers, do wonders to make a place feel more "mine" and brighten up a room. This is an easy and cheap DIY project that anyone can do to add some personality to a room.

Supplies:

• light switch covers and outlet covers
• pretty paper*
• Mod Podge
• Xacto knife
• old paint brush (for use with glue)
• scissors
• pencil

*alternatively, you could use washi tape to recover your outlet covers -- no glue required!

1. With your paper face side (pretty side) down, put the outlet cover on top and trace around it, including the holes.

2. Now draw a box around the outside with about a 1/2 inch on all sides (this is the excess paper you will wrap around the outlet cover). See a guide in the photos.

3. Paint a thin layer of Mod Podge over the outlet cover and affix the paper to it so the entire front is covered. Allow to dry.

4.Cut along the trim marks noted in the photos with an Xacto knife -- these will help you fold the paper around the cover and through the holes.

5.Fold the paper inward where it was cut, to completely wrap the outlet cover. Glue in place.

6.Use Mod Podge to seal the paper on the outside and inside. Be careful not to get too much around the holes for the outlet/light switch and screws. That part can't get thicker.

7.Be very careful when changing out your outlet covers. Turn your electricity off in that part of your home first, and be quite careful with that screwdriver around the sockets.