I believe in layering when it comes to decorating. But my decorating budget only allows for one little layer at a time in most cases. Reading this blog can sometimes be like watching a decorating show in super-slow motion. If you’ve been here long, you know I decorate one little step at a time, mostly with thrift store finds & other bargains, never knowing for sure what I’m going to find next.Last week, I posted about my screened porch. (If you missed it you can read about it here.) My mom’s furniture & the new cushions were the first couple layers. And this week, I added one more thin layer with a canvas rug. Now, Martha has a great 13-step tutorial on how to paint a canvas rug, but unlike Martha, I have 4 kids, a husband, and a really long to-do list with no paid staff to help me, so I went with my own short-cut busy mom version. Click here for Martha’s. Keep reading for mine. I started with this $12 Heavy Weight Canvas Drop Cloth from the paint section at Lowes.
Next, I cut it down to the size I wanted & hemmed the edges. While I was doing this, I got a great idea for what to do with the leftover canvas. (Coming soon!)I wanted some wide stripes, so I measured & taped it with painter’s tape for 8-inch stripes. If you have a steady hand, you might be able to just draw some pencil lines as a guide for painting, but I don’t trust myself, so I go with the tape. Keep in mind, though, that tape is not as effective on fabric as it is furniture or walls, & can seep under if you’re not careful.
After the taping, I was ready to paint. Once again, I used my favorite 99-cent craft paint–in Basil Green this time. I learned right away that the paint was going to need to be thinned, so I just added a little water & it worked perfectly.
The water made it stretch so far, it only took a little over one bottle to do the entire rug, bringing the total paint cost to approximately $1.25. Ridiculous!
I did let the paint dry overnight & then sprayed a couple quick coats of Krylon Clear Coat just for a little extra protection.
And now here it is, the newest layer on my screened porch. I know there’s a table out there somewhere waiting for me to rescue it & give it a new life with this rug. And when it’s found, I’ll tell you all about it.
I've always wanted to do this but haven't…think I've finally gotten inspiration to give it a try. Thanks for sharing. Your porch is so welcoming and looks lovely!
Friday Friend Follower 🙂 I LOVE this! We just completed a remodel of our pool and backyard and this would be perfect for our sitting area. Going to have to try this! Thanks!!!
Oh my, I get really green with envy when you show that room. Oh how I wish… Anyway, love the rug. I wonder how well it would work if it was in an open patio? I love the look. Great job. Brooke
julie, what a great idea..you've inspired me! we have a screenhouse that had another life as a corn crib long ago. my hubs changed it up a bit a few years ago and made it cozy. a drop cloth would be a nice touch and cost effective. if it gets soiled, it's not that big of a deal. big pops of flowers would be oh so pretty too. judi 😉 the1829farmhouse.blogspot.com
That looks fantastic! I love working with those craft paints too! Hmmm…I'm thinking I need a canvas rug on my porch too! Thanks for the inspiration, can you supply the time too! LOL! Very pretty!
That rug is gorgeous!!! Looks like you bought it somewhere!!! I love the way it compliments the whole room!! Thank you for such "cheap" inspiration!!! 🙂
This is a great idea! I wanted to paint my sunroom floors, but decided sanding, priming and painting would be a better colder season activity. Don't want to waste a ton of money on rugs, but I think I can spring for $12. Thanks so much!
Your sister sent me the link to this post in my email! Love it and everything in your screen porch!! Great idea and I might try it!! Hope it turns out looking as good as yours does!
Top Job. In colour therapy, green is the colour of healing and growth. It’s calming and restful and brings balance to the soul……it’s also a lucky colour! Good luck
What a fabulous idea! Looks stunning on your porch! Would love to have you stop by The Sunday Showcase Party if you get a chance! I would never have known this was drop cloth – Great job!
Thanks so much for stopping by and joining the Sunday Showcase Party! I greatly appreciate it. Your rug is super fabulous! Love the color! Hope you have a wonderful week. Hope to see you again next Sunday! ~ Stephanie Lynn
Hi Julie, Just wanted to let you know I'll be featuring your rug tomorrow! Stop by and grab a featured Button if you like. Thanks so much for linking to The Sunday Showcase! ~ Stephanie Lynn
OMG, I'm so glad I found this…i've been wanting to do this, but wasn't sure it would work. thanks so much for the inspiration and tutorial! I was thinking of a cow or zebra hide rug. I'll keep you posted! 🙂 Denise
Oh, your rug looks amazing! I am SO doing this~ it is just the perfect answer to my living room rug dilemma right now! Do you mind if I "copy" you, and then link back to this post?
I LOVE your blog! I am so glad I saw the link to it on The Shabby Nest! I will be back very soon!
Re: using another fabric, I'm not sure about the durability factor. Canvas is heavy in weight & is often used in outdoor settings. So, I'm just not sure about other fabrics.???
Genius! I'm going to be making this hopefully soon to [try to] replicate an unaffordable Dash & Albert Rug that I adore for my front living room. I'll be sure to link back the inspiration my post! 🙂
It looks awesome! I love the stripes! I just bought a new rug for my master bedroom that I want to paint, but I haven't been brave enough to start yet:)
that's such a great idea! i am the same way, i have to add one little layer at a time until it looks how i want it… then i want to change it all and start over haha. this gives me some great inspiration!
@lulumusing I haven't had any problem with it rolling up. Not sure about that. Have you considered sewing something like metal washers on the corners underneath to see if that works?
So glad I saw this- I am definitely going to try it soon! There's a rug from West Elm I'm dying for but it's on backorder, do I'll just try to make it thanks to your tutorial!
This rug is holding up very well–going on our 3rd year. I made another one last year for my front porch & it did not do as well. The secret is keeping them dry. This one is under cover & barely gets touched by rain. The other got wet more often & ended up getting a little mildew because I did not hang it to dry thoroughly each time. So, keep that in mind! Hope it works for you!
I decided that I would create a rug for my back porch from a canvas drop cloth…and so I went searching to see if there were any tricks. You made the project seem pretty simple. I plan to use a variety of indoor house paint leftover from projects to paint a color striped rug.
You mentioned in a reply that one of your rugs that was exposed to the weather mildewed. Was it sealed on the back side as well as the front side? I'm wondering if the rug is sealed on both sides if it will not mildew.
Nancy
April 30, 2010 @ 12:26 pm
I've always wanted to do this but haven't…think I've finally gotten inspiration to give it a try. Thanks for sharing. Your porch is so welcoming and looks lovely!
malia
April 30, 2010 @ 12:44 pm
hiya, stopping by from new friend friday. THANKS for a great idea and step by step instructions. i totally want to try this!
Kifus
April 30, 2010 @ 1:08 pm
Wow Julie what a great idea! This is exactly what I was looking for! Thanks for sharing!
Have a great weekend!
Emily
April 30, 2010 @ 1:08 pm
Friday Friend Follower 🙂 I LOVE this! We just completed a remodel of our pool and backyard and this would be perfect for our sitting area. Going to have to try this! Thanks!!!
Creative Decor by Brooke
April 30, 2010 @ 1:44 pm
Oh my, I get really green with envy when you show that room. Oh how I wish… Anyway, love the rug. I wonder how well it would work if it was in an open patio? I love the look.
Great job.
Brooke
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions
April 30, 2010 @ 1:50 pm
Great idea and I like the stripes! Perfect way to get the size you want/need, too.
Melissa
April 30, 2010 @ 1:57 pm
I too have often thought of doing a drop cloth rug – it is always nice to see these kind of projects done by real people…
Denise
April 30, 2010 @ 2:01 pm
Stopping by from The Girl Creative’s New Friend Friday. I am your newest follower. Love your rug! Great job!
judi
April 30, 2010 @ 3:08 pm
julie,
what a great idea..you've inspired me! we have a screenhouse that had another life as a corn crib long ago. my hubs changed it up a bit a few years ago and made it cozy. a drop cloth would be a nice touch and cost effective. if it gets soiled, it's not that big of a deal. big pops of flowers would be oh so pretty too.
judi 😉
the1829farmhouse.blogspot.com
Tamber
April 30, 2010 @ 4:21 pm
I want to do this today! I love it. Does it get tossed around a lot? I guess I am mostly concerned that it is too light weight. But very cute.
Amy
April 30, 2010 @ 4:38 pm
I'm keeping this in my ideas for my sunroom when I get one. Good job! This might be cute with my front porch seating. Hmmmm
Baker Family
April 30, 2010 @ 5:24 pm
I was just thinking yesterday, that I wanted a custom rug for my laundry room that I am remodeling… and here it is! Thanks for the idea 🙂
Angie @ The Country Chic Cottage
April 30, 2010 @ 5:39 pm
I love this!! I will be doing this..soon..I have a budget like yours! 😉
Sailing Simply
April 30, 2010 @ 6:33 pm
That looks fantastic! I love working with those craft paints too! Hmmm…I'm thinking I need a canvas rug on my porch too! Thanks for the inspiration, can you supply the time too! LOL! Very pretty!
--Amie--
April 30, 2010 @ 7:15 pm
That rug is gorgeous!!! Looks like you bought it somewhere!!! I love the way it compliments the whole room!! Thank you for such "cheap" inspiration!!! 🙂
Robin R
April 30, 2010 @ 9:07 pm
This is a great idea! I wanted to paint my sunroom floors, but decided sanding, priming and painting would be a better colder season activity. Don't want to waste a ton of money on rugs, but I think I can spring for $12. Thanks so much!
Atticmag
April 30, 2010 @ 9:16 pm
That's one very good use of a dropcloth. Jane F.
Sandy@Life Began In A Garden
April 30, 2010 @ 11:05 pm
That's a great idea! I have one of those painter's cloths, just waiting for me to decide what to do with it, hmmm….
Laura
April 30, 2010 @ 11:13 pm
This turned out great. I love the color!
I'm having a blog party tomorrow and I'd love it if you linked up!
http://www.iamalongfortheride.blogspot.com
Angie
May 1, 2010 @ 1:35 am
Very cool!!
Kate
May 1, 2010 @ 1:49 am
Love the rug! Thanks so much for visiting my blog. 🙂
Ice-Family
May 1, 2010 @ 2:11 am
Your sister sent me the link to this post in my email! Love it and everything in your screen porch!! Great idea and I might try it!! Hope it turns out looking as good as yours does!
Chris
May 1, 2010 @ 4:47 am
What a fun idea. It looks great on your new porch! Thanks for some great tips.
amadi_construction
May 1, 2010 @ 10:52 am
Top Job. In colour therapy, green is the colour of healing and growth. It’s calming and restful and brings balance to the soul……it’s also a lucky colour! Good luck
Stephanie Lynn
May 2, 2010 @ 3:38 am
What a fabulous idea! Looks stunning on your porch! Would love to have you stop by The Sunday Showcase Party if you get a chance! I would never have known this was drop cloth – Great job!
Michelle @ Sweet Something
May 3, 2010 @ 4:21 am
Love what you've done here! Great job! I just love the entire first paragraph of your post…I feel the same way! 🙂
Stephanie Lynn
May 4, 2010 @ 5:34 am
Thanks so much for stopping by and joining the Sunday Showcase Party! I greatly appreciate it. Your rug is super fabulous! Love the color! Hope you have a wonderful week. Hope to see you again next Sunday! ~ Stephanie Lynn
Stephanie Lynn
May 4, 2010 @ 7:50 am
Hi Julie, Just wanted to let you know I'll be featuring your rug tomorrow! Stop by and grab a featured Button if you like. Thanks so much for linking to The Sunday Showcase! ~ Stephanie Lynn
Stephanie
May 4, 2010 @ 1:15 pm
love love love this!
Kami @ Ada Brown
May 4, 2010 @ 3:09 pm
I totally LOVE that!! I have been looking for an idea like that as rugs are SO expensive!! Thanks for sharing!
The Painted Home
May 4, 2010 @ 7:45 pm
OMG, I'm so glad I found this…i've been wanting to do this, but wasn't sure it would work. thanks so much for the inspiration and tutorial! I was thinking of a cow or zebra hide rug. I'll keep you posted! 🙂 Denise
Jenni @ nest to keep
May 5, 2010 @ 4:48 am
Oh, your rug looks amazing! I am SO doing this~ it is just the perfect answer to my living room rug dilemma right now! Do you mind if I "copy" you, and then link back to this post?
I LOVE your blog! I am so glad I saw the link to it on The Shabby Nest! I will be back very soon!
Blessings,
Jenni
Stacey @ Fun to Craft
May 5, 2010 @ 4:52 am
That turned out fabulous! I love those colors too. Thanks for sharing at 'Look at me, I'm SO Crafty!' at Fun to Craft.
beth kruse custom creations
May 5, 2010 @ 7:37 pm
very pretty! i'm wondering if this could be my new "summer rug". thanks!
Dayhomemama
May 5, 2010 @ 7:54 pm
Wow, thank you for the clever idea, I was wondering about making something for my deck and this will be the perfect solution!
Anonymous
June 16, 2010 @ 6:04 am
I like the drop cloth rug idea, but wondering if this can be done with any kind of fabric that already has a design on it. If so how?
Julie
June 16, 2010 @ 11:24 am
Re: using another fabric, I'm not sure about the durability factor. Canvas is heavy in weight & is often used in outdoor settings. So, I'm just not sure about other fabrics.???
Kristy
August 15, 2010 @ 1:39 am
Wow! What a steal!
Thanks for sharing,
Kristy
freckled laundry
August 19, 2010 @ 3:48 am
Genius! I'm going to be making this hopefully soon to [try to] replicate an unaffordable Dash & Albert Rug that I adore for my front living room. I'll be sure to link back the inspiration my post! 🙂
Danie
September 25, 2010 @ 5:35 am
Just wanted to let you know that I featured your rug photo on my drop cloth post here…
http://danielleholtzinger.blogspot.com/2010/09/so-i-have-been-reading-various-blogs.html
Thanks for the inspiration!!!
Anonymous
November 4, 2010 @ 3:45 am
Very pretty rugs!
Susan (Between Naps on the Porch)
May 19, 2011 @ 1:56 pm
Brilliant! I may just copy this idea for my screened in porch!
Kelli @ RTSM
May 19, 2011 @ 1:57 pm
It looks awesome! I love the stripes! I just bought a new rug for my master bedroom that I want to paint, but I haven't been brave enough to start yet:)
Jessica
May 19, 2011 @ 3:14 pm
that's such a great idea! i am the same way, i have to add one little layer at a time until it looks how i want it… then i want to change it all and start over haha. this gives me some great inspiration!
the cape on the corner
May 19, 2011 @ 6:04 pm
love this look, but how's it holding up? i guess it's simple and cheap enough to do one every year if need be, right?
lulumusing
May 20, 2011 @ 2:00 pm
A question for you…is your rug laying flat? Mine always has little rolls in it that I haven't figured out how to flatten.
Julie
May 20, 2011 @ 4:25 pm
@lulumusing
I haven't had any problem with it rolling up. Not sure about that. Have you considered sewing something like metal washers on the corners underneath to see if that works?
GLENDA CHILDERS
May 21, 2011 @ 8:19 pm
Hopping over from Censational Girls Outdoor Party. Hope you enjoy my 'patio time' post. (link #205)
What a lovely layer your new rug adds. And it really looks easy. Such a fun spring green, too.
Fondly,
Glenda
Katie
May 26, 2011 @ 3:13 am
So glad I saw this- I am definitely going to try it soon! There's a rug from West Elm I'm dying for but it's on backorder, do I'll just try to make it thanks to your tutorial!
Kassandra @ Coffee and their Kisses
June 3, 2011 @ 2:16 am
I just featured this loveliness here at my blog. Feel free to grab a featured button on my left side bar :o)
Kristin
April 2, 2012 @ 4:14 pm
This is great, and exactly what i needed to see that it works… How is it holding up after all this time?
Julie
April 2, 2012 @ 6:10 pm
This rug is holding up very well–going on our 3rd year. I made another one last year for my front porch & it did not do as well. The secret is keeping them dry. This one is under cover & barely gets touched by rain. The other got wet more often & ended up getting a little mildew because I did not hang it to dry thoroughly each time. So, keep that in mind! Hope it works for you!
maryannie0611
June 19, 2012 @ 4:15 pm
Wondering about how to line or? keep flat and less wrinkled for indoor use???
Julie
June 20, 2012 @ 12:15 pm
I did another one of these here http://lessthanperfectlifeofbliss.blogspot.com/2011/05/painted-canvas-rug-sequel.html
It was lined with a second piece of canvas & was flatter. That would be one suggestion. As far as being less wrinkled, I've ironed mine as well, but not directly onto the painted stripe.
Diane | An Extraordinary Day
July 2, 2012 @ 2:09 am
I decided that I would create a rug for my back porch from a canvas drop cloth…and so I went searching to see if there were any tricks. You made the project seem pretty simple. I plan to use a variety of indoor house paint leftover from projects to paint a color striped rug.
You mentioned in a reply that one of your rugs that was exposed to the weather mildewed. Was it sealed on the back side as well as the front side? I'm wondering if the rug is sealed on both sides if it will not mildew.
Thanks for the inspiration!