How to personalise a switch cover

The switch owes much to John Henry Holmes of Shieldfield who create switches that employ quick-break technology. The quick-break refers to the method that the circuit is broken, as quickly as it takes to flick a switch. The toggle light switch, which is the switch that is familiar today, was invented by Morris Goldberg and William J Newton. Switch plates became a necessity as it protected switch users from getting electrocuted.

Paint

- Paint your switch plate to create a mini-work of art. It does not have to be perfect. Indeed, having your child paint his or her personal switch plate can create something beautiful. - Take the switch plate from the wall or buy a new one. - Lightly scuff the surface of the plate with fine sandpaper. This will help to roughen the surface so that the paint will adhere better. Clean it thoroughly and let it dry before continuing. - Paint the designs of your choice onto the switch plate with acrylic paint. Let each layer of paint dry before continuing or do whatever you like. - Let the paint dry completely before installing the switch plate back on the wall.

Découpage

- Pick out decorative paper of your choice. Cut it so that it is 3/4 inch larger all the way around than the switch plate. - Apply varnish to the right side of the paper. Let it dry. - Apply varnish to the right side of the switch plate. - Lay the paper on the table, right side down. Lay the switch plate upon it, with the back of the plate facing up. Centre the switch plate on the paper. - Turn the switch plate over and smooth the paper which is covering it, trying to get rid of any bubbles or bumps. - Cut diagonal lines from the corners of the paper, beginning just a little beyond the corners of the switch plate. - Cut an X at the centre of the paper where the switch will extend through the switch plate. - Turn the plate over and apply varnish on the wrong side of the paper. Fold the paper down over the edges of the switch plate, pressing it down smoothly. Trim with scissors if necessary. - Cut small Xs where the holes for the screws are located. Fold back the paper through the hole for the switch. Let it dry. - Install the découpage switch plate