Paying your house guests a nice compliment is the perfect way to start off a dinner party on the right foot. And what better way to flatter your guests than laying some nice words at their feet. We went with “Cute Shoes,” but you can customize your DIY doormat to say whatever suits your personality best.

 

 

Whether or not the temperature reflects the change in seasons, fall is just around the corner. And what better way to get your home ready for the elements than with a DIY doormat? It is the perfect way to greet your house guests while reminding them to wipe their feet at the door. From cheeky sayings to your house number, your monogram, or a holiday greeting, the possibilities for customization are endless. To mix things up, try using tape to create different patterns or designs with bright-colored spray paint, or swap out different designs or sayings with the seasons. Follow this step-by-step tutorial to create your own custom doormat in under thirty minutes!

 

 

Materials: Plain coir doormat (found at a local hardware store), spray paint, printed custom saying, X-acto knife, scissors, Scotch or painters tape

 

 

1. In a word document, decide which saying, font, and font size you’re going to use. Enlarge to fill a 8 1/2″ x 11″ or 11″x17″ sheet of paper, and print it off when you’re satisfied.

 

 

2. Trim the excess paper with a pair of scissors. Then, using an X-acto knife, carefully cut out the letters. Trim any rough edges with the knife or scissors. Note: For letters like “O” with inside shapes, cut out the entire shape, but keep the inside shapes. You will want to tape the inside shape (for example, the circle inside the “O”) in place on the mat to create the complete stencil.

 

 

3. Align your stencils as desired, and secure in place with tape. Cover any spots that may catch excess spray paint with scrap paper, newspaper, or extra tape. Tape down the underside of any stencil sections that could lift up while you’re painting. Better to be safe and secure than sorry.

 

 

4. In a well-ventilated area and holding the spray can 8 to 10 inches away, spray straight over the stencil; avoid getting any paint under the stencil. Spray until you achieve the intensity of color you want. Carefully remove the stencil, and allow the mat to dry completely before setting it at your doorway. This might take as long as 24 hours.

 

For more DIY home decor ideas from Samantha, go to The Brunette One