5.06.2011

Kitchen Mat Up-Cycled


I've had a soft squishy mat in my kitchen for as long as I can remember-probably at least 5 years.  The support it gives my feet and back while doing dishes and canning is worth having it around.
The wear and tear didn't bother me much until I saw Jen and Shelly paint chevron's on their Ikea mats.
But, the chevron pattern isn't my thing. After a google search of free patterns I found a free quatrafoil stencil made by Jen at The CSI Project.
First I painted the mat with 4-5 coats of primer.  I had it on hand and it covered the pox marks wonderfully.
I didn't realize how bad the mat was worn down.  Once the paint was dry I printed off the stencil on to cardstock.  Using an exacto knife I cut out the stencil.  I debated weather or not to use it as a stencil-and chose to outline it with pen on the mat and hand paint it in.
This was a little teadious, but worth it all.
It didn't come out perfectly, but a little paint would help.
I almost left it like this, but white in kitchens, especially mine, seems to collect footprints and dirt faster than I can keep up with it.
Using a smaller paintbrush and Calypso Blue paint I outlined each shape, this took several days of pockets of time.
Once the shapes were outlined in paint I used a bigger brush to fill in the shapes.  I added several layers of paint and a top coat of finish for more durability.
Isn't it fun?
 This took longer than I thought because I had a lot of other projects to do, races to run, and company to keep.  All in all I am so thrilled with the outcome and love the burst of color in my kitchen.

One more look of before and after...

27 comments:

Unknown said...

It looks amazing! What a rescue.

Karen said...

You never cease to amaze me!

nicolette {momnivores dilemma} said...

Grand idea! I have a holiday mat from Tar-jay that is collecting dust in the basement...must pin you so I remember to do it!

:)

Rachael said...

Looks great! Really gives life to it. Stopping by from TT&J!
http://www.lovelycraftyhome.com

The Extra Ordinary Bree said...

Eeeek! I have the same ugly kitchen mat that I almost threw away last week! You saved it!

BeingBrook said...

Way cool! The "new" rug looks fantastic!

Unknown said...

I was thinking about doing the exact same thing to my squishy rug. I have tile too (hate it) and the squishy rug saves my legs. Thanks so much for the inspiration. I am so doing this now!! Have a great weekend!!

I would love for you to share this idea at my linky party on Tuesdays. Also, congrats for being featured over that Tatertots and Jello!!

Michaela Dunn Leeper said...

Wow, there's no way I could do that by hand. You've got some patience & a bunch of talent! It looks wonderful!

Janet said...

Wow, LOVE THIS!!!! Such a great idea!!!

www.iheartmygluegun.com

Jessa Smith said...

Pretty! I like the pattern you used!

~Jessa
www.jessajill.blogspot.com

Vanessa @ {nifty thrifty things} said...

That is such a great idea! Great upcycle! :)
I would love it if you linked this up to {nifty thrifty sunday}!
xoxo,
Vanessa

Courtney said...

I am completely obsessed with quatrefoil!! Yours turned out great! I did a sewing caddy in that pattern and you're right- it takes forever, but is totally worth it in the end!

Have a great day,
Courtney

Unknown said...

Wow! I am amazed at the time and detail involved in this redo. It looks amazing! Thanks so much for linking up!

Taylor said...

Stunning colour!

Allison @ Vintage Charm said...

I'm impressed! This would have taken me days!!! It looks awesome!

Jill said...

Beautiful! What a difference!

Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
Hope you have a great week!
Jill @ Creating my way to Success
http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Visiting from Domestically Speaking linky party - wow, what a fantastic result! Looks amazing and you still have soft squidgy loveliness! Well done :) x

Ashleigh@Sincerely said...

That is incredible! You must have a lot of patience and a steady hand. I've been toying around with painting a rug and I think I may have to do it.

Thanks for sharing :)

Courtney said...

saw your beautiful mat on Creative Me Monday, had to click to see more. Amazing!

Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking said...

What a transformation! Love the colors you chose too. I'm putting your rug in the PoPP. Thanks for linking up.

Jennifer McAfee said...

What kind of paint did you use for the blue? I'm totally going to do this project one day.

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

obviously different-- but so CHEERFUL!
...YOU'VE GOT MORE PATIENCE THAN I DO, FOR SURE!
from the PoPP, Pat

Decor & Harmony said...

Wow! You must have the patience of a Saint.......what a great project. I'm glad you're pleased with the results. Did painting the mat changed the feel of it?

Kelsey Carreon said...

What a great idea!! I have two of these in my kitchen but they don't match my decor at all and I kind of frown at that... I have a lot of primer left over from some projects we just did. I am going to do this while the boys are on the camp out this weekend. Joanna comes to the rescue again!!

Anonymous said...

Your mat looks great! I've got this linked to my quatrefoil post too today, nice job!

Preparing for Peanut said...

WOW! It looks great! How is the paint holding up?

I made painted rug too and it was such a fun project. I love your pattern though...maybe I need another one...

www.preparingforpeanut.com

Unknown said...

Love your blog and this project featuring quatrefoil (one of my favorite patterns!) so I featured your project in my roundup of crafty quatrefoil projects here. Feel free to check it out and hope you like it!

-Mel the Crafty Scientist

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...