usher-in-spring-with-a-doormat-diy-anyone-can-handle

Easy Homemade Mat to Say Hi to Spring

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    After dealing with months of gloomy, cold weather, crafting is a great way to beat the winter blues and get ready for the sunny season ahead. But spring brings more than just sunnier skies and lovely flowers – it’ll also send more muddy boots marching through your front door. With a sweet DIY doormat, you can prepare for April showers and decorate your doorstep in one go! Just grab an affordable plain coir doormat and paint it with pretty florals or cute welcoming words, using a stencil if you’d like.

    This vibrant doormat DIY is one of the best around. Plus, it’s easy to get the whole family involved, and you’ll only need a few basic craft supplies to get it done, many of which you can find at your local dollar store. At minimum, you’ll need a plain coir doormat, outdoor-safe paint, and paintbrushes. If you prefer a stencil over freehand, consider cutting your own from sticky vinyl or buying a pre-made set, like this one. You may also need paper towels, a water cup, a paper plate, and other cleanup supplies.

    Paint a plain coir doormat with uplifting spring designs

    Start with either a plain rectangular doormat, like this one, or something with a fun shape, like this. Remove the tags and give the mat a quick dusting to get it ready for painting. Lay it flat on your table or other craft surface. If using a stencil, place it on top and tape down the edges with masking tape to keep it in place while you work.

    Squeeze a small amount of paint onto a paper plate or similar palette, then dip and lightly dab the paint over your stenciled design, being careful to use only a little at a time to avoid it seeping under the stencil. When finished, carefully lift the stencil and clean it before using it again to add more designs. Or, you can hand-paint your doormat with little flowers, birds, bugs, calligraphy text, or any other spring-inspired designs. Use a permanent marker to lightly sketch the images on the coir first before painting over them.

    The type of paint you use may affect how well the design holds up outdoors and to foot traffic. For the best results, try acrylic, exterior latex, or craft paints made for outdoor use. When you’re happy with the results, give your doormat a light misting with a waterproof sealant to protect the design. Finally, style your new doormat for all to see; it’ll look gorgeous next to some potted plants or other spring decor.

    Author: Alana Harris