DIY Welcome Mat

As we welcome in the new year, let me welcome you into my home. Door mat

Do you realize that your front door makes a big impression on your house? Just like they say, the first impression is a lasting impression. A door mat is part of that first impression. In preparing for a new house, I also wanted a new doormat. Out with the old dirty one and in with a personalized one. But like always, price is a factor. Monogrammed doormats can be found on Amazon for $25 and more (some were over $100 – ridiculous). I was determined to find a less expensive alternative – enter another DIY project. For less than $6 (including tax) and some supplies I had on hand I now have a new doormat.

 diy Welcome Mat

I began with a plain doormat I found at IKEA for $4.99 and add some supplies I had on hand (a foam brush, acrylic paint, and some vinyl). Not pictured above is a smaller paint brush to help get into the crevices of the mat.

I used my trusty Cricut to cut a large letter B. I discarded the letter and kept the stencil. I applied the vinyl to the mat, being certain to a make sure it stuck to as many points on the woven mat as possible.

Next, I applied a coat of outdoor acrylic paint over the stencil with a foam brush. At this point I realized that the paint was sitting on the top of the mat at the high points and not getting in between the fibers very well, so I used a smaller brush. While the paint was still wet, I removed the stencil and touched up any spots that were missed.

All that was left was to let it dry and set it out at the new house.

The great water bottle solution

As a mother of two active children, we are forever losing water bottles. Looking in the lost and found box is useless, for they all look alike. While getting ready for camp this past year I was determined to be not lose another one.

water-bottle

It began with a bottle I found at the dollar tree (if it did get lost, at least I would not be out money too). Then, I used my Cricut to cut vinyl letters that I then placed on the bottle. It was a very easy project and took very little time to complete.

I was a little reluctant to post this at first, for I wanted to make sure that it would last more than a week. Well, here it is 6 months later and all is well. It not only came home from camp, the letters have remained in place after several washings.

I can not be more pleased. I might have to make a few of these for gifts this Christmas.

Etched Glass

Recently, I had a group of AHG leaders to my house. Being winter time and almost Christmas, I wanted to get each of them a little something. I decided to make coffee cups with their names etched on them.  Below is step by step, how I made them.

.
combo1. I purchased some clear glass mugs from the local Dollar Store.

2. Using my Cricut, I cut each name out of vinyl.

3. Using a product called Armour Etch, I applied a generous coat over the vinyl.

4. After 8 minutes, I rinsed the Armour Etch off and removed the vinyl.

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Here is another image of the final product. I realize it is hard to see the etching, but I hope it helps.

Etched Glass

TIPS

  • For the names that were too big I used their initials to create a monogram.
  • Make sure the vinyl adheres completely or the image will not be crisp.
  • Be sure to wash each glass thoroughly before using.

Cost

  • 10 mugs from Dollar Store – $10.85 (including tax)
  • 3oz bottle of Armour Etch – $5.86 (after my 40% off coupon, including tax). I used less than half of the bottle
  • Vinyl – free since it was left over from another project
  • Total cost – $16.71 or $1.67 each