DIY Welcome Mat

Now that our moving boxes are almost unpacked and we’re slowly getting settled here in Berlin we’re definitely starting to feel the urge to get stuck into some DIY projects again.

We’ve already been busy viewing houses and apartments (we’re sharing peaks of our viewings over on Instagram and Instagram stories) but until then we have more than enough projects that have been lurking on our to-do list for way too long.

The first project we’re tackling is our new DIY Welcome mat. Given that we’ve just moved into a new apartment it makes total sense, right?

This is what you’ll need if you’d like to give your doormat a quick update:

• Mat (we used Trampa from Ikea)
• Masking tape (we used two different thicknesses)
• Acrylic Paint
• Paintbrush (ideally with firm bristles)
• Craft knife

Here’s how to make you DIY Welcome Mat:

#1 Decide on a pattern and tape off the area you don’t want to paint with masking tape. We opted for a simple rectangular design using two different thicknesses of masking tape. To make sure the stripes stay parallel we used the thinner tape as a guide to stick down the thicker tape.

#2 Next tidy the corners with a craft knife by cutting off any excess tape. You don’t want any paint to seep under the tape so make sure it’s firmly pressed down – especially along the edges.

#3 When you’ve finished your design it’s time to start painting! Because of the texture of the mat we found it easiest to dab on the paint holding the paintbrush vertical. It’s almost like you’re squashing the paint into the texture of the mat instead of painting it on. Dabbing the paint over the masking tape also helps avoid paint seeping under the masking tape helping you achieve crisp lines along the edges.

#4 All that’s left to do is let the paint dry and then remove the tape.

#5 We decided that the mat still looked a bit too empty so after finishing the lines we decided to add a welcome message to the centre of the mat.

We used the same method as before but instead of using masking tape as a guide for painting we printed a word, cut out the letters and taped it to the mat. Then we just dabbed on the paint and removed the template.

I love a quick and easy DIY project and this is as easy as you get. Our DIY welcome mat is fairly simple but the fun of this project is that you can get as creative as you’d like. Our new neighbours have even already commented on it! If only they knew what kind of projects we usually get up to!

Do you love a quick DIY project as much as we do? What would you write on your DIY welcome mat (Jan wanted to write “You Again”)?

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