DIY Skeleton Key Door Mat
Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great weekend!
I’m excited to share this easy DIY project with you guys. A few months back, I was in Target (I’m pretty sure it was Target) and I came across an adorable skeleton key door mat. I was just about to put it in my cart when I saw the price tag. It was $35 (give or take a couple pennies)! So, I walked out without it but I haven’t stopped thinking about it ever since. I tried to find a replica online but alas, nothing. So a few weeks ago when I ordered my new Silhouette Cameo I was so excited when I realized, hey I can make one. Hallelujah!
This project is unbelievably simple. It probably took me a total of an hour to complete and honestly, it would have been less had I actually used transfer paper when applying the stencil. I didn’t realize I would need it and then I was way too anxious to do this project to go out and get it.
I started out with this plain 19″ x 31″ door mat that I picked up from IKEA for $4.99. It was the cheapest one they had.
Using my Silhouette Cameo, I scaled this Skeleton Key template to the size I wanted, 8″ x 21″. Then, I printed it onto the vinyl.
Using a ruler, I marked the center of the mat and carefully placed the stencil using those marks. This was the trickiest part because I didn’t use transfer paper, and the texture of the mat didn’t allow the stencil to stick really well.
To make sure the paint didn’t bleed under the stencil I did a quick coat of Mod Podge and let that dry.
Once the Mod Podge had dried. I covered the mat with pieces of a brown paper bag (it’s what I had lying around) to avoid getting any paint dust on it.
I only needed one coat to get this much coverage so I stopped there. I let it dry for about 20 minutes before peeling off the vinyl. Viola. Done!
Not bad for an easy DIY. And definitely not $35 dollars! The total cost of this project was about $6.00. I had the spray paint, Mod Podge, and vinyl. So my only new purchases were the door mat and the Silhouette graphic. Don’t you love when things like this work out?
Here she is at the front door. Not too shabby for a $6.00 door mat. What do you think?
Looks wonderful! Keys are so versatile and add a nice artistic element to almost anything!
Thank you! And yes, keys look cute on anything!
That looks great!!
What a fantastic little rug! I love the key on it. 🙂 Megan
How cute! I love IKEA. I found you from GFC on Southern Lovely, I LOVE finding new blogs that way, happy Tuesday!
Isn’t IKEA the best? Can’t beat at $5 dollar door mat!
WOW that looks awesome!!! You did a great job!! I love the key graphic, it looks great!
Love it! So cute. I like that you thought to put the coat of Mod Podge on there… genius! Also, I love the key, but if you decide to change it, or even want to make another one for a specific season or holiday then you could without feeling guilty because this project is so very affordable. Great job Chelsea 🙂
This is so cool! Makes me want one of those machines!
i never would have thought about using Mod Podge as a sealer, what a great idea! The mat turned out really cute 🙂
Visiting from Fox Hollow Cottage! Pinned!
Visiting from Fox Hollow! Pinned. What a great project.
SO so great ! thank you so much for sharing a new to me technique, I usually would have used modpodge as a resist to keep the paint from going onto the surface…how cool ! …:) btw sweetheart…not sure if you know or not, but you are a ‘non reply blogger’ …nonetheless, thank you so much for taking the time to share….hugs…xo
Lu
I absolutely love this!!
Great idea, Love it!
Thanks Lorrie!
Awesome-looking door mat! I love key motifs. It’s great that you made your own for so cheap compared to the one you saw!
Thank you! Now, anything I buy I’m always thinking, can I make that? haha
This is so adorable! 🙂 I love big heys!
Thank you! Keys are super fun for decor!
Very clever! I am looking for some fun crafts to feature on my web site soon…would love for you to submit your door mat!
Susan @ Oh My! Creative
Fabulous idea and project! I’d love it if you stopped by my weekly link party and linked this post up. 🙂 http://thelifeofjenniferdawn.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-little-bird-told-me-link-party-23.html
Love this, Chelsea! I would have never thought to use the Mod Podge first to avoid bleeding! Thanks for the tip! Pinning!
Very cute, love this idea.
Love this! I have a weird obsession with keys 🙂
Wow! I REALLY like this!! Love the key. Thanks for sharing. Pinned 🙂
Looks super cute!! Love it.
Goodness I really like this idea!
I love this! My cousin just bought a very similar rug for WAY more money than yours cost to make! I might have to DIY my own on the cheap just to show her up 😛
So cute! I love this look! You are so talented Chelsea! Pinning…
Hi Chelsea,
Where did you get the vinyl and how were you able to print on it.
Thanks so much! Love the key!!
Hey Chelsea, this is really cool! Did you have any problems of the paint bleeding out on rainy or snowy days? I’m making my own welcome mat and am worried about the paint bleeding everywhere on rainy days.
Hi Belinda, I used the modge podge trick which essentially glues the paint in place so I don’t think you would have a problem but I don’t live in a really wet climate so I can’t say for sure.
Do you put the mudge podge over the whole mat or just were you’re painting ?