Altered Switchplate Swap ~ Due July 25th

[Wudwooda]

Swap Due Date: July 25th
Signup/Withdraw date: July 1st
Number of switchplates: 2 for 2 / 3 for 3 / 4 for 4
Number of players: 11 counting me!

In my journey of customizing everything possible on my own I have come across many differing techniques of altering the ever forgotten switchplates in our home and rooms. Why do we often leave these plain plastic ones forgotten? Are we too busy making ATCs, beads, journals, etc.? No, we just often forget the little things that can make us smile.
This swap is for those who have the time to take these cheap little clones of each other and make them your own! Any medium and techique welcome in this swap!! If you are lost for some ideas feel free to check my gallery for the two I have posted there {Links below}. However, they will not be used for this swap, unless players specifically ask for such.

LINKS HERE:http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=16296http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=16294

***These are American Switchplates...measurements: 2 1/2 width by 4 1/2 height inches***

If you are international and which to sign up, send an extra blank switchplate or two of your kind. I will be glad to do one of your very own for you!!

Any questions, thoughts, or ponderings...simply message me. I am always here!!

---> ALL Players = send the same size envelope you send the originals in addressed to you properly. I will pay for postage on this one! That goes for US player and International!!
---> Remember to send some form of identification you see fit so others can give you the proper reputation points!!!


1.} Wudwooda (hostess)
2.} katilady US ~ Wow, you guys should really see her's in person!!
3.) LavenderLizard US ~ Professional looking work, nice!
4.} icequeen07 US ~ Definitely worth the wait, ladies!!
5.} mrubyjean US ~ Great work, I love your technique!!
6.} LittleBit US ~ Wonderfully painted switchplates! Gorgeous!
7.} Stillatthetop (3 for 3) US ~ Wow, great work, I'm impressed!

[adifferentstory]

Can you post the measurements of the switch plates? I have a feeling that those in the UK and other Countries could be a different size.

[katilady]

I may be interested, but measurements would be helpful! And will they be for one or 2 switches?

[LavenderLizard]

I'm completely in on this one--I just bought a few switchplates to try this weekend, so I must be just psychic!!!

[Mar]

Can you post the measurements of the switch plates? I have a feeling that those in the UK and other Countries could be a different size.

I know they won't fit :no:, some of the European countries or at least the Netherlands has totally different switchplates. The ones in your gallery are even not for sale here :nah:. We have square switchpates with large buttons over the compleet plate or two buttons, or one button about double the size of yours. And then also two different sizes, flat ones like yours, but due we build only in brick is in older houses the electricity not in the walls but on the walls, so that switchplates are about 2 inches thick. It been a kind of boxes.

[Wudwooda]

OK, I added the measurements! Thank you, adifferentstory, for the heads up! I completely forgot to add that.

[Wudwooda]

Ok, I added a note for international ones interested!! Please READ first! Any questions feel free to let me know!!

[icequeen07]

please sign me up !

[Wudwooda]

icequeen07 you are officially a part of this swap! Thanks for joining!!

[mrubyjean]

I'd like to join, too ~ thanks!

[Wudwooda]

mrubyjean ~ you are in as well! Nice to see you! :D

[Littlebit]

This sounds like fun. Please sign me up.

[Wudwooda]

Littlebit, your signed up!

[Wudwooda]

I'm so excited to see what you guys are coming up with. I already have a base for one of mine done...I just can't seem to decided what route I want to take it in.

[stillatthetop]

Hmmm. This one sounds intrigueing. I have a ton of switchplates left over after the remodel of the house (I replaced most of the plates when I painted). Is it OK that they are not brand new to start with? I will make sure they are clean and not cracked or any of the screw holes damaged. If so, I would like a 3 for 3 spot....that is the number of switches here in my art room and I would love to display more items here for inspiration. Another question, do you suggest anything special to seal them with? I'm thinking my Minwax Polyurethane would be a great bonus!

Whoops...afterthought. I do assume we are working with the old style standard American plate, and not the newer mercury switch or other goofy shaped ones??? Oh, and please do tell how you made the plates in your links. I think I am seeing polymer clay? That was my thought for mine!!!! But how would you bake it?

[Wudwooda]

Stillatthetop: The switchplate itself does not have to be new as long as it is workable. No kinks to speak of. I trust your judgement.
As far as the seal, I think it really depends on the medium used and what you want the finished look to be. For my polymer clay one I left the gray area without to give it a more raw look. Embossing was used on my personal one in my gallery. That is always an easy one if you are simply collaging.
You are correct on the switchplate. No odd shapes here! The regular switches are what we are talking about!!
As far as my polymer clay...I stuck that baby in the oven just the way it is! The originaly being a simple white switchplate from Wal-mart (plastic). Of course, I always use my trusty little aluminum tray. I did keep an eye on it closely but it never did anything. Only took a bit longer to cool than polymer clay normally does. But it is still workable.
My personal one for my bedroom was easy. I collaged that baby like I would a card. However it kept wanting to pull up in places. So, I embossing the edges in black and the center than sprinkled some ultra thick embossing over it to give it some texture. It looks cool in the photo, but even better in person due to that technique!
I hope that answers everything!

[stillatthetop]

Yes, ma'am. Thank you.

[Wudwooda]

Can't wait to see what you all come up with!!

[Wudwooda]

Anybody else up for this swap???

[stillatthetop]

Bump. I have already started on one of mine! Have a second one planned, and will buy the clay for the other two this week, as soon as I figure out what I am liking for those.

[stillatthetop]

OK. Here are my first two. Am I on the right track with these? They are not varnished/glazed yet.

[Wudwooda]

Right there with you! I have one I haven't even decided on yet, another half done...and I am still debating what route to take for the other, lol.

[mrubyjean]

Planning to get started this weekend!
Great switchplates, SATT...especially like the journey one!

[Wudwooda]

Wow! Can you say awesome?! I love them, so great!

[stillatthetop]

OK. Two "greats" voted...I can proceed with my ideas for the other two! Yeah! I can't wait to see what art the other members post.

[Wudwooda]

Yeah, the artists we have signed on for this all have their different techniques and styles, so it should be very interesting!!

[katilady]

I am only making 2, cause that's all I need...small apartment. But I am still nervous about getting them done on time. I have one finished and another one whose background is drying. I will try to post pics before I send off. My goal is to have them go out in Monday's mail, now let's see if I can manage that!

[katilady]

Whew! They're done, in the nick of time! Here they are:

http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=23912&w=l http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=23910&w=l

I am going to put my username, real name and date on the inside...does that work?

[mrubyjean]

Like your switchplates, Kati!

[katilady]

Thanks mrubyjean! They went off in the mail today, should be there soon!

[stillatthetop]

I planned to put my info there, as well. Sounds like a plan. Neat plates!!!

[LavenderLizard]

I love your switchplates, katilady! Awesome images, great colors...

[Littlebit]

I just put a clear coat on my plates. I'll check later to see if they are dry. I plan to mail them out this week so they will get to you on time.

[katilady]

Thanks ya'll! I was stumped for what to do but then it came to me and I didn't know if it would work, but I think they turned out neat. I covered them with a million coats of gel medium, so they should last a long time!

[Wudwooda]

you may put your "info" where ever you choose! I trust you guys! And nice to see such awesome creativity!!

[mrubyjean]

Here are my switchplates ~ they will be in the mail first thing in the morning!

http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=24692&w=m http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=24691&w=m

[katilady]

I totally want the blue/green one...it would look perfect in my bathroom! ;) Awesome switchplates!

[Wudwooda]

I love that you guys are placing dibs! :)

Makes it easier on me, lol.

[stillatthetop]

Mine are going in my art room...so mostly anything will match this mess! I intend to mail tomorrow or Saturday. I want to make sure the sealer is good and dry before I package them. I will post back here when they are on their way. And add an image for the last one, too.

[katilady]

I love that you guys are placing dibs! :)

Makes it easier on me, lol.

Now we just need more people to post theirs, lol!

[Wudwooda]

Gorgeous work so far guys!

[Littlebit]

Here are my Altered plates. The image is on Flickr so I hope this works. :)



http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3078/2687041355_fe2a12e90f_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mylittlebit/2687041355/)

Click the image to see them larger.

----------------
Now playing: Amy Winehouse - Back to Black (http://www.foxytunes.com/artist/amy_winehouse/track/back_to_black)
via FoxyTunes (http://www.foxytunes.com/signatunes/)

[stillatthetop]

Mine will be in the mail today. With my twisted ankle, I did not make it out of the house on Saturday. Sorry. I think we will still be OK from TN to SC, though. Oh, and in my haste to get the package ready for my friend who is mailing it for me...I forgot to scan #3. bummer. I think that was my favorite one, too. I packaged some extra goodies for the host!

[katilady]

Love the plates Littlebit! I especially like the one on the far right, so pretty!

[Wudwooda]

Wow, I am shocked at the differing mediums that are being used and how very awesome the outcomes have been. A BIG thank you to all of you for your hard work!! It shows!

[katilady]

Just wondering if mine have arrived yet? Thanks!

[Wudwooda]

Hey guys! I forgot to mention that I have posted two of my switchplates to my gallery..if any of you wish to take a look. I have made another polymer-clay one that is black with googly eyes which I will post later as well, but for now those two are up for your viewing pleasure, lol.

[Wudwooda]

Wow, I'm so proud of this swap! Such gorgeous switchplates! I will be out of town for a dog show Sat. & Sun. but as soon as I get back they are packed and ready for you guys! Thanks again for such AWESOME work!!

[katilady]

I am so excited!

[Wudwooda]

Got everything together!! they will be going off tomorrow!

[stillatthetop]

Yeah! I get pretty new artwork to decorate my art room....and I don't have to find room to fit it....and the screw holes are already there to hang it! What fun is that!!! I can't wait.

[katilady]

YAY! I am so excited!

[mrubyjean]

I'm excited too...something to look forward to when I return from vacation on August 9th!

[Wudwooda]

LOL, love your comment stillatthetop! I tried to send everybody something they had commented on, as well as something a little different. So hopefully you all will enjoy your new switchplates! I know I did!

[katilady]

Got mine today! Thank you mrubyjean and Littlebit! And a special thanks to Wudwooda! Left iTrader and rep!

[Littlebit]

I received some beautiful plates from icequeen07, Stillatthetop, LavenderLizard. They are just lovely. I can't wait to install them. Thanks to Wudwooda for hosting this fun swap. Off to give rep points and Itrader.

[Wudwooda]

Glad you guys liked it!!

[LavenderLizard]

Okay, I forgot to post about my switchplates! So sorry! I love the two I got--flowers from Littlebit and the blue lady from katilady. Off to leave my points!

[stillatthetop]

Great switchplates received by
LavenderLizard (the purply-blue one. I love the color! And neat stamping.)
LittleBit made the cutest little house switchplate. Very nicely drawn and painted.
Icequeen 07 painted some really nice flowers on her switchplate. Quite lovely.

Thanks gang, you have helped me to dress up my messy art room. I will think of you all fondly whenever I turn on the lights!

[mrubyjean]

It was exciting to return home from vacation and find my wonderful switchplates from stillatthetop and wudwooda! I can't wait to put them up tomorrow. Thanks, Luna, for hosting a fun and unique swap!