Today we are resuming coverage of all the DIY projects that we took on over at Amanda’s music school. Today, we are covering one of my favorites.
I scored this rug (below) at my local Habitat for Humanity Restore. For just under $15 dollars, I transformed it from plain jane into something original.
The rug was nice and big- just what I needed for the space. It was pink as well, which was actually perfect for the space (you’ll see why with the full reveal)! However, the rug was a little too plain. I needed to break up the sea of pink just a bit.
So, I decided to paint it!
1. I went to the craft store and bought fabric paints in a couple of colors.
2. The process was super easy. I simply used packing tape (any tape will do) to mask off the area I wanted to paint. This worked well because the low rug pile. You can see how I applied my tape below.
3. After a section was taped off, I applied a sufficient amount of paint to the area. It is best to do this with a very short bristle brush (I actually used a “brush pad” you use to paint around trim). This allows you to really work the paint into the fabric.
4. Besides working the paint into the material with a short bristle brush, I also used my fingers to massage the paint into the fibers. It is important to work the paint all the way through so that as the rug wears, your color stays.
I repeated the process until I felt like I had a broken up the rug enough for my taste and had created an interesting look. It was a long process, but I am very pleased with the outcome!
My favorite spot is where all the points come together. It makes me happy, just like my plaid boots! 🙂
Here’s a very limited view of the rug in place.
Stay tuned to see a full view of the rug and space!
That is really really cool. What a great idea – will have to file that one away to use myself sometime:)
Restore score! I just visited our local Restore for the first time this week. Oh my…such goodness!
I love the way that turned out, Kara!
I love ReStore. I bought all our subway tile for our bathroom remodel there.
I have been trying to find a rug to paint for my front room, I thought they had to be a short weave? I love this rug, such a cool design! Way to go!
Absolutely Jill! I’d love to see if you ever use the idea on a rug of your own!
Hey Dana! LOVE ReStore! Have you ever worked with Habitat for Humanity? Tim and I did and college for a bit. We love the Restore, but we especially love the program and what it stands for!!! 🙂
That’s awesome Cait! I can never find enough tile for a whole job, I bet you were pumped when they had all you needed!!
Hey Miki!
I think short weave may mean the same thing as low pile, but I’m not sure. Here’s to hoping you come across the perfect find soon! 🙂
Wow the rug looks awesome. I would have never guessed it was hand painted if I didn’t already know it, great work!
It looks great, how does it feel, is it soft?
Hey Laura! The painted part of the rug is not as soft as the rest of the rug, but surprisingly it feels pretty good! I think really working the paint into the fibers helped it to not feel rough. Thanks for commenting!
Thanks Becky!! We are pleased with the final look as well!