Day 43

10/18/12

DIY Scrapbook paper outlet covers!

I have been seeing these awesome outlet covers on pinterest for a while - - and have been wanting to replace our plain and broken ones (which can cost up to 8-10$ each for the ones we liked) so here is my version... they look better in person, but this will have to do.

For this project you will need -

-your original outlet covers
-scrapbook paper
<---mod podge acrylic sealer (glossy)
-an x-acto knife and an extra blade
-hard surface
-newspaper/cardboard
-scissors
-pencil
-paintbrush

 HOW TO:

1. Lay down material to cover your work surface. Once you've picked your scrapbook paper, trace the switch covers on the back of the paper with your pencil.
2. Use the scissors to cut out the outline - cut it about a quarter-inch wider than the outline.
3. Use the paintbrush and Mod Podge to glue the paper to the top of the cover, then smooth the paper with your fingers to ensure there are no bubbles or wrinkles in the paper.
4. Fold down the extra outer edges of the paper to the backside and secure with the glue.
5. Use the X-Acto knife to cut out an X for the switch and outlet holes, then from the front, push back the flaps and glue them down (I ended up having to trim the paper around the holes so that they fit back over the outlets).
6. From the front, poke out the screw holes with the tip of the x-acto knife and trim it if you need to. If you have tiny imperfections, the screws should cover them when you're finished.
7. When the glue has dried on the cover, apply two to three coats of the Mod Podge, allowing it to dry between applications.
8. When dried, mount the cover.

GOOD LUCK! Enjoy your cheap, easy, and improved outlet covers! They add a nice touch to any room :-)