Better idea?

[Minnesota scroller]

Considering quite a few of you aren't real sold on my belt buckle idea, how about this? I got the template for the base cover off the internet and then went to a coloring book site for the squirrel. It was a rush job just so I can get feedback on this. A person could make them with anything he wanted on the top and also make switch covers this way too. The possibilities are endless. I picked up a 2 foot X 4 inch piece of 1/4" maple this morning to try another belt buckle and after reading the feedback I decided to try and find another use for the wood. Oak would be my choice of wood for outlet and switch covers.

So, what do you think?

[PuzzledMoose]

OK ... I kinda like the idea ... and there are lots more electric outlets around than belt buckles... everyone has outlets .. even old f*rts, younf f*rts, truckers and cowboys ....

My better half here wasn't too impressed here though when I asked her opinion - quote: "Who the hell wants a squirrel on their outlet?" But then she has no taste as I frequently tell her ...lol (Her usual reply to that is that must be why she picked me )

Sue's now worried that she's gonna come home one day and find a whole menagerie of animals on every outlet in the house ..... I'm very tempted ... a moose here .. a coyote there .....

Considering quite a few of you aren't real sold on my belt buckle idea, how about this? I got the template for the base cover off the internet and then went to a coloring book site for the squirrel. It was a rush job just so I can get feedback on this. A person could make them with anything he wanted on the top and also make switch covers this way too. The possibilities are endless. I picked up a 2 foot X 4 inch piece of 1/4" maple this morning to try another belt buckle and after reading the feedback I decided to try and find another use for the wood. Oak would be my choice of wood for outlet and switch covers.

So, what do you think?

[Minnesota scroller]

Ian, your wife and mine must be related. She said practically the same thing. She said, "I would like it a lot if it didn't have the squirrel at the top". She did allow me to have 1 furry outlet cover in the house, but that is the max. She has no taste either. Personally, I think they would sell. The recipient may be less than thrilled but the buyer wouldn't know that in advance.

[SharonW0111]

I am guessing you want to make something that is quick that will sell in a hurry?
How about trying something like key hangers or cup holders? Banana hooks and oven puls also come to mind.. let me think and I can give you a hum dinger of a list of inexpensive quick things to make- childrens pop guns ? Sell for the kids and the parents will buy it if it is cheap enough--how about some of the puzzels ??
Or coasters..or ...
Sharon

[PuzzledMoose]

The recipient may be less than thrilled but the buyer wouldn't know that in advance.

ROTFL - I like it ...

Actually Ive got a wooden switch cover here somewhere - not attached - which is in the shape of a dolphin - years ago someone brought it back from Greece (I think) as a present. Only problem at the time was that I was in the UK and Greek switch covers wouldn't fit UK light switches - they are more like the N American type ...

Hey why not run with this idea? How about themed switch or outlet covers - Christmas ones with santa and snowmen - Halloween with ghosts and pumpkins - Thanksgiving turkeys etc

.. and imagine how many brownie points guys could get if their wife came home on Valentines day to find that all the switches and outlets had been changed to have hearts, cupids and rose .....

[Marsha]

Hey Guys, I'm with the wives on this one. I wouldn't want animals running around my light switches either, but I did cut a couple for my bathroom switch and socket. I like that I was able to paint them any colour I wanted, they're not fancy but they work for me.
Outlet covers 0010001.jpg

Outlet covers 0010002.jpg
I'll be making a few more for the dinning room now that I have sometime.
Marsha

[PuzzledMoose]

Hey Guys, I'm with the wives on this one. I wouldn't want animals running around my light switches either
Marsha

You women are just no fun ....

[Minnesota scroller]

You women are just no fun ....

Boy, ain't that the truth!

I just showed a lady who picked up her granddaughter's scrolled portrait and she loved it. But then, she loves animals. She's not cold and heartless.

But Ian, if a person has the right location or sold at seasonal craft shows, I believe themed covers would sell. I am going to make a few with crosses on them for the christian gift store in town. They'll take anything.
I might even do some in the shape of a church with steeple.

[bearfretworks]

But then, she loves animals. She's not cold and heartless.

I love all animals too....right next to the mashed potatoes!!!

If you have nothing like it in the area....go for it. Check "code", wood switch plate covers I've seen have metal on the back...got to be there for a reason.

I've seen similar type stuff on the net and in person...cut by laser out of wood and/or metal...$3-10 a piece, depending on the detail. Quite a bit of what we do is done by laser now-a-days....I price my ornaments comparable to the laser folks up here.

Also, off topic but applicable since I'm moving soon....what does the state of Minnesota charge for a business license? It is $100 per year here.

[Minnesota scroller]

If you have nothing like it in the area....go for it. Check "code", wood switch plate covers I've seen have metal on the back...got to be there for a reason.


Also, off topic but applicable since I'm moving soon....what does the state of Minnesota charge for a business license? It is $100 per year here.

Dang you Barry. You always have to throw a monkey wrench in my plans. I just checked the back of an oak one in my house, and you're right. That's not my problem. I'll only sell them. I'm not going to install them.




A business license is not necessary in Minnesota. I've had plenty of businesses and have never had a license. I'm not behind bars yet. All that is necessary here is a sales tax permit for collecting and submitting sales tax to the state. That only costs a few bucks. I'm not sure how much because I've had mine for over 25 years and it never expires.

[unixpro]

I don't know if you're aware of this, but Wildwood sells a set of plans for light switches and outlet covers. URL is http://www.wildwooddesigns.com/prodi...em=106&dept=66

Not that I've been thrilled with Wildwood lately, but I did think I remembered seeing the plans in one of their catalogs.

[Minnesota scroller]

Thanks Unix, but I think it's more fun to design my own. Also, I don't care for the ones this link led me too. They are way too busy.

Sorry Diane. Forgot to post the pic. Hope you like it.

[Dragon]

I do like the squirrel idea but I would prefer a deer. Cats or dogs should be nice. Am I weird if I like them???
Diane

[PuzzledMoose]

I think they look good, Mike. Like the deer.

Hey what about themed ones for rooms .....?

[Dragon]

I love the deer. That is something I would put in my house.
Also like the Manikinpis. Appropriately placed of course he would be nice.