Tutorial Tuesday!

I found some leftover Linolium the other day while packing up, so I thought I would use it up...in a "crafty kind of way" that is! Hope you enjoy this one!

"Linolium Floorcloth's"

Supplies:

*Piece of Linolium Flooring
*Black Craft Paint
*Craft Paints for stenciling (Your Choice of colors)
*Stencils
*Stencil Brushes
*Mimwax Dark Walnut Stain
*Old Rag
*Foam Brush
*Water-based Varnish (must be water-based so it does NOT yellow over time!)
*Paint Brush



Directions:

Now, I am doing a small rug to fit in front of my kitchen sink, so I cut my vinyl flooring down into a small rug size (22" x 28"). But, you can cut yours into any size you want. I would suggest that you start with a small one like this, just so that you can get a "feel" for doing a larger one next!

To cut my rug size, I simply took my vinyl flooring and turned it over. Measured the size I wanted, then cut it with a box cutter knife. Just please be careful when cutting! Also, to get a really straight line, I used my ruler for the guide (to cut up against).

Now, using the back of your flooring...basecoat the whole piece with black craft paint; let dry completely. I like to base coat usually with black to give the topcoat colors more of a darker, primitive depth.




Next, take your basecoat and completely paint over your black paint. I am using and Antique White as my topcoat.



Let dry completely, apply a second coat then to get a more opaque color. Let dry completely.





Now, the FUN PART!!! Time to paint your design! If you can freehand paint, then go right to it! If you are more "Paint Brush Challenged" as some of us...then this is where Stencils come it handy!



I am wanting to do a Colonial Inspired Floorcloth, so I found some wonderful Colonial stencil designs that I am using. I decided on how I would like my Floor Cloth to look then just started by marking the center and Stenciling from there!



Once you have your design all finished and it has completely dried, take and cover it completely with your Dark Walnut Stain! This is going to darken and age the appearance of your rug! We want this to look like it has been around for sometime!



Here is mine, just ready for Stain & Varnish:




Lastly, you will need to coat the top of your rug with Varnish for complete protection, remember this will walked on continuously! I recommend doing atleast 5-7 coats of Varnish on them. This makes them durable and easy to wipe up when dirty.



All varnished and ready for display in front of my kitchen sink:




Close up of stenciling and "age":



Now, place your rug in its place and enjoy for many years ahead! I do recommend taking a non-slip rug mat underneath. This will help it to stay in place. Also, if you find that your rug is still "curling" on the ends...flip your rug over for a few days and it will flatten out for you. I sometimes will set something heavy on the ends too for a few days when it is upside down. Also, I like to lay mine in the sun or in a warm room, this helps the vinyl loosen up! Hope you enjoy!

I am going to be adding a few of these to my Shoppe. I am in the process of finishing up a few of the smaller rugs along with some tabletop runners! So, if you are interested in purchasing some for your home....please click on my sidebar link and it will take you there.