Nothing says “Welcome to our home” like a personalized door mat!
And you’re in luck, because I’m going to teach you how to make one!
I have to admit, I get sucked into the outdoor section at Target and Hobby Lobby and I can barely make it out without a cart full. I love browsing their welcome mats, but I’m always disappointed with the price tag *and* the fact that (because there are only five mats to choose from) my next door neighbor is likely to have the same one I do. Do ya feel me?
The solution: make your own personalized door mat! You get to pick your paint color, the wording and font, and the type of mat you buy. There are so. many. options!
Let’s get craftin’!
Supplies:
- Plain doormat (easily found at IKEA or Target)
- Outdoor paint
- Paint brush (I have found a little stiffer the better)
- Vinyl stencil (I also like to use card stock too)
- Transfer tape (be sure to really “un-sticky” it)
- Painter’s tape
Step-by-step Tutorial:
Using your Silhouette or Circut software, create your door mat design.
Get creative!
Using your vinyl cutter, cut your design and weed the negatives. If you don’t have a vinyl cutter, you can use stencils found in your local craft store.
Next: It is really important to desticky your transfer tape. I like to pat it on my jeans a few times! Once you have the vinyl adhered to the transfer tape and you have placed your design onto the mat, it is time to get serious! This step can be a little stressful, friends, and it will need your undivided attention.
Make sure your vinyl design is firmly adhered to the mat. It’s time to peel up the transfer tape! I have found it is easier to start on one side and use painters tape to keep that side stuck to the mat as you continue to peel your transfer tape slowly and at an angle. Feel free to trim your transfer tape as you go so it doesn’t stick to something it isn’t suppose too! Once you get it completely transferred, take a deep breath and sip some water because you are probably sweating!
Now is the fun part: paint! Using a slightly stiff brush paint your outdoor paint over your stencil. The bristles really suck in the paint and you won’t have to worry about the paint bleeding. Once you are done painting you can remove your vinyl, stand back, and marvel at your masterpiece!
Note: If you prefer to not use vinyl to create your design, use card stock instead! Cut it the same way on your vinyl cutter and simply use push pins or tacks to hold the design down onto the mat while you’re painting. Using card stock may save you a headache since you won’t have to deal with my arch enemy: transfer tape!
I’m thrilled to see your creations! Please share your crafting experience on our Facebook page or shoot me an email.
Xoxo,