Have you seen that trend where someone takes a baby proofing outlet cover, hot glues it to the back of a picture and sticks it into the outlet to cover it up?
Well, like most ideas, it's not really new.
Just one that's been reinvigorated thanks to the magic of TikTok.
Now, I'm not usually a trend follower, but this DIY has been on my list for years.
You see when we added the kitchen, a million years ago, my contractor and I went 10 rounds over the placement of the electrical outlets.
I didn't want to see them. I wanted them hidden, way down low.
He didn't want me to be electrocuted by any water that might be on the countertop...crazy guy. 😉
He also wanted the house to be up to code. So clearly, he won.
But from the start, their placement annoyed me and I've been covering them up ever since.
Sometimes it's with a bouquet of flowers, the paper towel holder or a wooden sign.
However, this year, I dug into my thrifted stash, pulled out a frame and went to work on yet another Easter craft.
And just in time for this month's Thrift Store Decor Team hop. You'll find their pretty links at the bottom of the post.
You may remember this frame, from one of my thrift store hauls. Round, spray painted and only a buck. I thought it'd make an interesting addition to my kitchen backsplash for Easter.
Finding the right artwork to fit inside the frame was the challenge. I actually fell in love with these napkins, but they were too big for my frame.
Luckily, the HomeGoods party aisle came to the rescue.
These darling bunny napkins were perfect. Normally I use napkins for decoupage projects, but they make great framed artwork, too.
Of course, they didn't go with that silver frame, so I painted it with my old reliable chalk mineral paint in Buttercream.
While the paint dried, I used the cardboard from the inside of the frame as a template for my napkin artwork, by tracing around it.
Next, I decided to use the floral pattern on the napkins to decorate the outside of the frame. I cut out the flowers and separated the napkin layers.
And added them to the frame with decoupage medium. You can use Mod Podge for this, but I prefer my satin sealer. No smell and not as thick, making it much easier to work with...
One coat under the napkin, one coat on top.
All was well, until the flowers dried. I guess the combination of the paint, sealer and napkin wasn't ideal and those dainty peach flowers suddenly looked neon. Not good.
No problem. I just grabbed a little orange paint and went over the flowers to tone them down a bit.
The last part of the process was adding the plastic, baby proofing outlet cover to the back of the frame with hot glue.
It seems to be holding just fine, but you could use a clear silicone or E6000 instead.
I didn't want to take the chance that there might be any risk of it touching the electrical outlet, so out of an abundance of caution I removed it.
Once I was all set, I placed the bunny in the frame and plugged the frame into the outlet.
Instant adorable. Right on time for Easter.
No more nasty electrical box to look at...unless I need to use it.
How fabulous.
But wait. There's more!
My picture frame came with a standing easel back, that I held aside while it was plugged in.
When not decorating my kitchen backsplash however, I replaced it and added that bunny frame to my buffet.
Making it a 2-in-1 Easter decoration.
Because two is always better than one.
And that's a trend I could get behind.
😉
Would you try this trend?
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Wait, wait! Don't hop away! You simply must stay and peek at all the wonderful upcycles and thrift finds. Here are the befores:
And here are the afters!
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Happy Hopping, Friends!
ADORABLE is right! You always come up with the cutest ideas. Happy Easter! 🐣
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! ☺️ I have to say, this one really makes me smile. Happy Easter!!
DeleteKim, I love your little framed bunny project, but adding a clear outlet cover was pure genius! Can’t wait to try it out.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Carol! I love the way this one turned out. I see more frames and less outlets in my future. 😉 If you make one I hope you'll let me know!
DeleteWow what a great idea and so cute. You are so crafty with thinking of using clear outlet plugs to use in this project. Happy New Week. Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteThanks Kris! Next time we do this kitchen…if we ever redo this kitchen (which is doubtful)...those outlets will be moved. Or camouflaged! Our town code is pretty strict, but I have the will, so there’s got to be a way. Until then, I’ll be buying more frames. Haha!! Hope your weather is fabulous.
DeleteI love, love this!!
ReplyDeleteI love bunnies. :-)
We have one outlet in the kitchen that is an "eyesore" ... you have got me thinking. :-)
I love bunnies, too! And I understand code and safety standards, blah, blah, but those outlet really aren’t pretty at all. There’s got to be a better way.
DeleteVery Cute!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dotte! I might have to keep this one around all summer long!
DeleteThanks for the inspiration Kim! I would SO try this! I have those plain outlet plugs in my stash right now! Just have to find a frame.
ReplyDeleteTry it, Sara!! We have so many outlets we never use...but I have to look at every day. This is definitely much better...hahaha!
DeleteThat is really cute!
ReplyDeleteThanks Joanne! Those napkins were a lucky find.
DeleteI have seen that trend and I love your take on it, Kim. I'm tucking this idea away for when I get all the other things done in my kitchen!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann! You have so many great thrift store finds, I just know you'd come up with a lovely cover...when the time comes. 😉
DeleteSuch a clever idea. I like the sweet frame. I may have to give this a try.
ReplyDeleteThanks Betsy! It was so easy to do. I’m going to be covering outlets all over my house now!
DeleteThis is adorable! So cute for spring and I love how delicate it looks. I did this with a garage door opener about 12 years ago and the internet was not having it lol. Maybe I should update that post :) Wishing you a great day!
ReplyDeleteKristin! Post it again! I think the internet is ready now. Outlet covers are having a moment. Hahaha!
DeleteSTOP!!! THIS IS SO ADORABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want to make one!!!! I love this!!! I also have those weird outlets in my kitchen tooooo. Ugh. You made it look exquisitely remarkable. :)
ReplyDeleteChrissy, you are the sweetest!! You should totally make one. You can just add an outlet plug to an existing piece of art, too. You can skip the DIY if you have or find a piece you love. So easy.
DeleteNot only is your framed art SUPER adorable, it's a clever fix to hide those outlets too! Exposed outlets (and wires... ugh) are the bane of my existence so I'm with you on this one! I think I'm going to try this trick too...
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna, and I hear you! I've spent the past three decades taping wires and hiding outlets. 🤣 I'm definitely a form over function girl!!
DeleteI actually have seen and wanted to do that particular craft for ages! Just need to find the right frame and suitable art for my kitchen. (: I have some plugs I don't love under my dishes cabinet and my solution for that was to place those pretty crystal-looking nightlights. So pretty at night!
ReplyDeleteThe night lights sound lovely, Gina! I bet they're really pretty and a useful solution to boot. If you do end up making outlet art I hope you share it!
DeleteKim what a great idea. All the outlets in my kitchen are being used and I think it would drive my husband crazy if he had to unplug a framed bunny to use the coffeemaker, but I am storing this great idea away until I can pounce! I just love your creativity!
ReplyDeleteSusan, your comment about unplugging a framed bunny to use the coffeemaker made laugh out loud! So funny!! And trust me, it would be the same over here. My husband is super supportive of all my crazy crafting endeavors, but nothing gets in the way of coffee!! 🤣
DeleteHi Kim, I love the bunny!!! I admire your creative talent! Your posts, photos and creativity bring me much joy! Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda! I'm so happy this project made you smile. 😊
DeleteHi Kim! I saw someone do this on IG and said to myself, "Why didn't I think of that?" My kitchen outlets drive me crazy, so it's on my to-do list too! Yours turned out so cute that I'm wanting to move it up and try it sooner! Enjoy looking at that precious bunny!
ReplyDeleteHello Donna! You should totally do it. So easy and if you have artwork of your own you can just hot glue and go! Can't wait to see what you make...and thanks!
Deletegreat project to cover up those unsightly outlets....now I need to think about decorating my many hallway nights to make them look prettier ~Beth
ReplyDeleteThanks Beth! I have a few hallway outlets that could use a little artwork, too...especially around the holidays!!
DeleteThis turned out just darling! I don't know that I would use the outlet covers because I either have them covered up (like you) or using them, lol! But I love the idea of using a thrifted frame to create a fun new piece with transfers and napkins! Always love your creative inspiration! Hoping that spring is coming to your world in beautiful ways :)
ReplyDeleteI just recently saw this idea on a reel and thought what a great idea! I’m so glad to see how you created such a darling one. I try to cover my outlets with something as I don’t like to see them either, but I love your solution. ❤️
ReplyDeleteI am on a lot of different types of social media, but I have never seen this before. It is adorable! What a clever idea. I can just see myself doing this in various themes to match different rooms. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteHave I told you lately what a clever girl I think you are?! If not---read it now! What a great idea to cover up those receptacles. That is truly thinking outside the box (as they say). Happy weekend, Kim. xo Diana
ReplyDelete... and who doesn't like bunnies! This looks so cute, a great idea.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Kim, I've seen this idea and I love it. You could change out the frame with any kind of theme. I love your little bunny!
ReplyDeleteYou’ve done it again, Kim! Using napkins is brilliant the options are endless and so affordable. This Easter bunny frame is adorable! Xxoo Julie redheadcandecorate.com
ReplyDeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this idea! I'll have to give it a try someday soon. Your bunny outlet cover is so cute, and multi-purpose too!
Pinned!
gail
I can't tell you the number of times per day my son takes out our outlet covers. Then our daughter gets curious. I love this idea. I tried it out and my son doesn't touch them anymore. Yay.
ReplyDelete