time : minutes
difficulty : ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
hazards : washi tape addiction
would i do it again? : again and again!
remove switchplate from wall:
...and pick your poison!
you can adhere lengthwise or crosswise.
i like to start by the switch opening
to make it easier to eyeball that i'm applying it straight.
cut the tape and fold the ends under the plate.
continue taping on strips, lining up the pattern as you go:
what happens to the tape over the switch opening?
cut diagonally to the corners:
...then fold all three flaps under the plate!
this is what it looks like from the back:
continue taping...
for the corners, i cut a line even with the edge of the plate...
...and fold it under the plate.
then, i cut the remaining flap diagonally so it doesn't bunch up in the corner.
now, time to screw back on the wall:
i just poke the screws right through the tape.
HAND SCREW in.
if you use any kind of power screwdriver, it will catch on the tape and twist it --
messing up the perfect pattern you just spent MINUTES on.
TA-DA!
* mari
this post was featured on apartment therapy!
most popular post, week of 10/8-12
top tech post, week of 10/15-19
cute idea! might do it to all the light switches in the house and see how long it takes the boyf to notice!
ReplyDeletethanks! ...and please let me know how yours turn out! :) :)
ReplyDeleteI just bought a bunch of these tapes when I was in Tokyo. I had no idea what to do with them, but thought they were adorable. Thanks for the idea!
ReplyDeletegood luck, committedgifts! i've found all SORTS of uses for them around the house -- they're just so pretty and i can't resist! :)
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! Now I just need to get me some washi tape.. Haha :)
ReplyDeletethanks Farhana! i'd be happy to recommend a couple of etsy sellers if you're interested.
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful idea!!!!
ReplyDeletethanks so much crowdsiteES!
ReplyDeleteif i am renting does the tape come off in case the landlord frown on them?
ReplyDeletehi anonymous, these are extremely renter-friendly! they have a similar tackiness to masking tape so they are easy-as-pie to remove. another benefit of the low-tackiness is that it's easy to reposition if you make a mistake. good luck!
ReplyDeleteLeft over wallpaper and wrapping paper are also great to use to cover switchplates.I have some in my kitchen that I have covered w/Christmas wrap. They look so cute and cost next to nothing. A switchplate costs less than a dollar so I just swap them out rather than remove the paper after the holidays.
ReplyDeletegreat idea, anonymous..especially the holiday themed switchplates. there are so many gorgeous and festive wrapping papers to choose from!
ReplyDeleteso cute! where do you buy your washi tape from?
ReplyDeletethank you jenn! i buy most of my washi tape from PrettyTape on etsy - she has a great selection and quick shipping!
ReplyDeleteWhen I redecorated my room I liked my new quilt so much that I photocopied it on my printer (in color) and pasted it onto my light switch and outlet covers. It turned out really good.
ReplyDeletesuch a great idea!! i love the creativity!
DeleteI love this tutorial! I have tons of washi tape, and this was my first time using them - and I am addicted. Haha. I have done five switch plates this morning :)
ReplyDeleteI did notice that after a little while, some of the tape that was rather close to the edge of switchplate is peeling off a little (since the edge of the tape is right where the curve of the plate is). Do you think it would be safe to cover these in some sort of clear sealant - like mod podge?
aaagh, a convert! :) :) i'm so glad you had fun doing them! i have one switchplate in which the side constantly peels off, i know what you're talking about. i think you just have to pay attn to tape placement so that the edge of the strip doesn't fall too close to that curve and you'll be good to go. i think you can mod podge over - the only thing i would worry about is the dye in the washi tape running? definitely try a small test first! and of course, you won't be able to reuse the switchplate, but they're cheap anyway so it doesn't really matter. :) i'd love to know how it goes!
DeleteLove it!
ReplyDeletethank you nikki!
Delete