Make A Personalized Mat
6 Materials
$10
1 Hour
Easy
Want to make a personalized Welcome or “Hello” Mat? I’m sharing how to do it using a DIY stencil and latex or chalk style paint. You could use a Cricut to cut out your stencil, or I’ll share a way to do it without a machine! Let’s get started.
First, measure your rug and decide how big of a “hello” (or “welcome” or whatever other word) you’d like. I wanted mine exactly centered and not too large, but not too small. Then, using a fun font, type your “hello” in a new Word document or photo editing program on your computer.
Print it out on cardstock paper. Using an Exacto knife, carefully cut out the letters and then all of the holes in the letters that need it (the “E”‘s, “O”‘s etc.).
Save the holes from the E’s, O’s etc. – you’ll need them for your stencil!
Alternatively, you can use a Cricut to cut your stencil onto cardstock. I made the mat below using my Cricut, and you can access my “Welcome” Cricut cut file project for that by clicking right here.
Place the stencil on your rug, wherever you want it (I exactly centered mine) and taped it into place.
Use double-sided tape or hot glue to place the “holes” of the letters in their spots.
Use a small paintbrush or foam brush to stipple the paint onto your stencil. There are actual stippling brushes you can buy, but I simply used an inexpensive craft paintbrush and foam brush. Hold the stencil down with your opposite hand as you go so that you don’t accidentally paint out of the lines. I had to stipple the paint to push it down because the rug was a little textured. If you’re using a flatter woven rug, it won’t be as tricky!
(Here’s a picture of me holding onto the “holes” of the “O” with my opposite hand while painting – finicky, but it worked! I’d suggest taping them first or using hot glue to hold them down as mentioned.)
I found two coats of latex paint was sufficient, or use one coat of chalk style paint. Make sure to let the paint dry for at least 2 hours between coats. After the second coat has dried, spray the painted section with Scotch Gard. Let dry overnight and then spray again, making sure to let the rug dry completely before use.
I made this “hello” mat 6 years ago and it still looks like this to this day!
And this new “Welcome” mat is a… ahem… welcome addition to our Spring front door decor this year:
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Comments
Join the conversation
1 comment
-
I love this diy! Thank you so much for sharing such easy to follow and understand directions. I cannot wait to get started on a new doormat for our house!
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?