This is another project that’s almost so easy that you don’t need a tutorial, but come to think of it, that’s my favorite kind! But it’s a fast, cheap, and easy way to add a bit of interest to your rooms.
This project was born out of necessity, because I needed to cover a flaw in my powder room beadboard (you can read about that installation HERE). Because I only measured twice and cut once, I made a mistake around my electrical outlet. Next time I will measure at least FIVE TIMES and cut once!!
This is the problem I had:
I needed to cover the spot on the right where I cut the outlet in the wrong place. I know, I should have just run out to the store and bought more beadboard and re-cut it, but I didn’t. And by the time I was done and saw how glaring the flaw was, I didn’t want to pull it ALL out and redo it. So I tried to cover it like this:
Obviously that was a temporary fix since there’s not a light switch on the right. I wish they made plate covers that are half outlet, half blank, but they don’t. So I thought about how I could cover up that unneeded light switch side, and I decided to decoupage the outlet cover with some scrapbook paper.
I actually started with this paper, but it was too thick–more like cardstock–and I thought it wouldn’t fold well around the corners. I cut it about 1/2″-3/4″ larger than the switch plate:
When I realized it was too thick, I ditched it and grabbed a piece of black and white toile paper that matches the footstool by the sink (you can see that in my powder room post). All of this was in my stash, by the way, but it would have been 50 cents if I’d had to buy it. I cut the toile paper out the same way. Fabric would have worked well, too.
First, use a brush to spread decoupage paste (I used Mod Podge glossy) on the front of the outlet cover or switch plate. I did both my outlet cover and switch plate since they’re on the same wall and it would have looked odd to only do one of them, so you’ll see both in the pictures. Try snapping photos with your fingers covered with Mod Podge!!
Then I brushed a coat of Mod Podge on the back of the toile paper, and placed the switch place face down on it.
Spread the paste around the edges of the plate and fold them over. I wrapped them like a present, and I did trim a little from the corners so they’d fold without too much excess. As the paper gets more saturated with the decoupage paste, it folds more easily and you can work any wrinkles out with your fingers. Be careful, though, since you can tear the paper if you’re too vigorous. Next, brush the top of the switch plate or outlet cover with ModPodge. This will make it virtually waterproof when it dries.
Next, you’ll want to use a utility knife to cut the paper gently in the middle of the socket holes (or switch holes). Use your fingers to smooth the paper around the edges of the holes. I used a toothpick to poke the screw holes, although a paper clip or straight pin would work, too. Don’t worry as much about those as the screws will cover any flaws on them.
Then you just wait for them to dry. This is where I had a hard time…I had to do the outlet cover THREE TIMES because I kept ditzing out and poking holes in the switch side instead of the outlet side (I probably shouldn’t have admitted that). While the ModPodge is wet, you can easily run it under water and just wash it and the paper off. Sigh.
Here’s how they looked when I hung them back up:
And this is how my “problem area” looks now:
I’m contemplating putting a small vinyl “B” or “RBC” monogram on it (to match the towel).
Since switch plates and outlet covers are about $1, you could conceivably make more than one set for a room, depending on your decor or the time of year (Christmas switch plates, anyone?). And if you’ve taken a look at the aisles of scrapbook paper at the craft store, you know that the options are literally endless. Why not?!
Here’s one more look:
Thanks for stopping by!
Love this idea. Have never really experimented with Mod Podge but have found recently that it is quite a useful thing! Your switch plate and outlet cover look beautiful!
Thank you, Alexandra. I’m not a ModPodge expert, but I’m constantly amazed but what I can accomplish with it! Glad you stopped by.
Love your idea to cover up an oopsie. 🙂 I ran into the same problem when we tapped off of one electrical outlet (fan/light switches) and ended up with one rocker switch and a dead space. Home Depot actually sells individual plates that snap together…you can create your own configuration…plug outlet, blank, rocker switch, etc. Of course, your creation is way better…
Who knew? I went to Lowe’s and Home Depot, so I must not have talked to an employee who knew about that option. If I ever mess up a cut again, I’ll know. Thanks, Tina!
~Christy
We are currently redoing our bathroom and what a cute idea to give it a little extra flair.
Good luck with your redo, Ann! It’s SUCH a pain when it’s going on, isn’t it?!
I love it!! Great idea!
Thanks, Heidi!
This is a brilliant idea! Thanks for sharing–my mind is now spinning with possibilities. 🙂
Thanks, Richella. Have fun with it!
What a great idea! I could really have fun with this. 🙂 I love the paper you ended up using.
I’m glad it inspired you!!
How thick was the paper used? Is it thicker than tissue paper?
Lee, it’s scrapbook paper (12 x 12″), which is a little thicker than regular copy paper, but not as thick as cardstock. Hope that helps!
I recently made a light switch for my bedroom with paint and a modge podge cover coat (Lumos/Nox Harry Potter themed, also borrowed from the internet, lol, as all good things!) But I can’t wait to go through all of my paper and pretty much switch out every single switch plate in every single room! (And probably make a second for each, I’m a Christmas obsessed individual! :D) Thanks for the great tutorial!
Cute idea, Annie! My son would love that idea. 🙂
Hi Christy, I’m visiting from 320*Sycamore, and I think this is brilliant! It adds such a pretty touch to the beaded board–and you’d never know it was an oops! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Marilyn. So glad you stopped by for a visit!
could you use..and I don’t know why not? a piece of scrap fabric??