Madigan made... tiny subway art and chalkboards.
There are TONS of different chalkboard labels and tags all over the internet. And I remember seeing cute chalkboard labels made from light switch covers on someones blog. (I am sooo upset that I could not find the post where I originally saw them. It was many months ago. I searched Google, my Google Reader etc with no luck. If this is you - let me know, cuz I want to give you the credit!) Update: I found it! Read more about my inspiration at Less-than-Perfect Life of Bliss.
I also saw an ornament in a paper crafting magazine that was made from a square dimmer light switch cover with a picture in the opening (like a picture frame).
These ideas were the source of this project for me. I made a bunch of these little signs from switch plate covers for the craft fair I went to in November.
These are so simple to make, I thought you might be interested in a quick ornament or gift project for the holidays. So, go to your local hardware store and grab some metal light switch covers. You can pick them up for a buck or less.
Note: all the horizontal signs needed a dab of hot glue to hold the ribbon flat against the back.
I also left some of the switch plates plain white (or nickel) and cut some phrases out on vinyl. A little ribbon and an occasional decorative over-sized brad finished them off.
Then, I took a few rub-on images and adhered them to the white plates. I love the black and white!
Finally, I created a mini subway art image on my computer. I printed it out on blue card stock, adhered it to cardboard with Mod Podge and hot glued it to the back of a dimmer switch plate.The words peek through the 'frame'.
Oh wait, you want this subway art printable? I will share, of course! Just right click on the image and save as a picture. (personal use only, please)
Sorry for some of the dim pics. I used a white peg board to display things at the craft fair and shot the pics on it as I was practicing setting up my table. I was in a hurry and wanted to snag some quick pics to show you. I guess I worried I might sell out of them... but I didn't!
At the craft fair, my pitch was that all these signs could be hung on a doorknob, on a wall, or on a tree as an ornament. Just a little sign with inspiring words ('cause I love words, remember?) or an image to hang in your home.
At the craft fair, my pitch was that all these signs could be hung on a doorknob, on a wall, or on a tree as an ornament. Just a little sign with inspiring words ('cause I love words, remember?) or an image to hang in your home.
Well, my spiel did not really find a customer. These little signs generated very little interest at the craft fair. They are a little odd and quirky. Oh well, I'll hang onto them and try again!
I put a few on our tree to show you how they could look. (And yes, those are beaded icicles in the background. Another easy ornament idea!)
So, you are getting a little sneak peek of our tree. I will show it to you later this week!
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