How to Make a Switch Plate

 

Here is a great way to make some "jewlery" for your house! This tutorial shows a very basic design for a single switch plate using two different Silly Millies. You can expand on your switch plate design by using many different canes or just a single design if you want. To make larger switch plates you will need one small Silly Milly more for each additional switch. To make a double switch plate will require 3 small Silly Millies and a triple switch plate will require 4 small Silly Millies. Watch out - once you decorate one switch plate all the rest will cry out to be decorated too!

Purchase Silly Millies Switch Plates  >


Steps and Supplies to Create a Silly Millies Switch Plate

SP 1

Supplies You'll Need

  • 2 Small Silly Millies
  • 1 Single Switch plate (any kind even plastic. If you use plastic test it in the oven at 275 first, most new plastic plates work but older ones may melt)
  • A thin blade to slice
  • A dowel or other cylinder to roll (a fat marker works!)
  • A Needle or Toothpick
SP 2
SP 3

Step One

  • Slice your Silly Millies into thin slices about 2 mm thick.
  • Lay your slices out in an every other pattern.
  • Don't worry about the spots of the switch plate that show through.
  • Cover over the holes and all the way to the edges.
SP 4

Step Two

  • When the entire switch plate is covered use your dowel or roller to smooth out the surface.
  • You'll notice as you roll the slices will squish together to cover the whole switch plate. Roll it until you're satisfied with the coverage.
  • Remember it won't melt together anymore as it bakes.
SP 5

Step Three

  • Use your fingers to pinch the clay over the sides of the switch plate.
  • Make sure all the edges are covered.
SP 6

Step Four

  • Use the blade to slice along the back of the switch plate to remove any excess clay that was folded over.
SP 7

Step Five

  • Poke out the holes where the screws go with the needle or toothpick.
  • Trim any excess clay that is inside switch hole.
SP 8

Step Six

  • Use an oven thermometer to be sure your oven doesn't run hot. You may want to test a small scrap of clay first.
  • Bake the entire switch plate at 275 degrees.
  • Bake for 30 minutes.
  • Let cool for 10-15 minutes.
  • And TA-DA you have a fun Silly Milly Switch Plate!