Thursday, July 28, 2011

Making a floor cloth

 I’ve always loved the look of colonial floor cloths, but had never made one before. While chatting at work one day I discovered that 2 of my co-workers were also interested in making one (both of them love to paint).

Cathy then purchased for us on-line, 3 ready to paint canvas cloths from :http://www.dickblick.com/products/fredrix-floor-cloth-canvas/#phot

They’re the perfect size to place in front of your kitchen sink, or maybe an entryway.

We then searched online for ideas.

After I found one that I really liked, I then went to a local craft/paint shop and bought some similar stencils.

Cathy had a bounty of craft paint on hand, as well as Dee, so the painting party began. I brought along a floor cloth (which I had purchased several years ago) to inspire us. This one is an Americana design, Cathy’s cat Charlotte looks cute laying next to it.

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The 3 colors I used were black, mustard, and a muted red. After taping off the border I then painted the inside square with the mustard color.

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After the inside dried, I taped it off again to do the outside border black.

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When that was dry I stenciled in my pattern and then let that dry.

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When the stenciling dried I rubbed some Kiwi shoe polish (brown) lightly over the entire floor cloth to age it. The last thing I had to do was apply several coats of a sealer. This process was done over several days.

Note : To ensure that it will last, you might want to apply a coat of clear polyurethane over it as well.

I must say I’m very pleased with the outcome, and even more happy that I did it myself! It now sits underneath a bench in my mud room.

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If you’re a “food fan” and love yummy recipes, check out this delightful blog!

http://foodinnewengland.wordpress.com/

Blessings, Bonnie

15 comments:

  1. Beautiful~ wonderful job!!! So inspiring~ you just made me want to try it!
    smiles
    Teresa

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  2. Thanks so much for the inspiration! I bought everything to make a floor cloth about 6 years ago and it is all still in the bag in the basement! I even bought the same colors of paint you used! Sheesh......I really need to get busy on some UFO's I really love your floorcloth, just beautiful! Did you seal yours with polyurethane?
    Thanks,
    Wanda
    Olde Crow Mercantile

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  3. Bonnie...that is beautiful...what a good idea and I think you may have given me inspiration for a couple of Christmas gifts...

    Lynne

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  4. Bonnie........you did a great job on your rug.
    I made one many years ago and don't know why I haven't done anymore. I have most of my materials already..........need to think about this. Thanks for the inspiration.
    Linda

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  5. You did a beautiful job on your floor cloth, and have given me inspiration to try it out one of these days, too! It's just lovely! Thanks for sharing the technique......

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  6. Thanks so much, now I will let you know how mine turn out when I finally get around to trying it! :) GREAT JOB!!!

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  7. It turned out great Bonnie, enjoy!!

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  8. Wonderful Bonnie, thanks for sharing!

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  9. I love it, Bonnie! You made it look and sound so easy!

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  10. You made that sound so simple~ It is so beautiful, great job. I think I would like to try one some day, thanks for the inspiration. Decorating a home is sure a labor of love. ~ Blessings ~ Sara

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  11. Beautiful job! I will definately check out the food blog too, TFS!

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  12. Hi Bonnie,
    Thanks for sharing this great post!! I have all the things to make one as well, but always seem to have so many other projects going and just never get to it!! Perhaps now I will also try my hand...you made it look so easy and fun!!
    It looks wonderful under your bench...great job!
    Also would love to invite you to stop by to check out my Giveaway!
    Have a Blessed Day~~
    Julie

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  13. The floor cloth is beautiful. As others have said you have inspired me to give it a try! What did you use for sealer?
    Many Blessings
    Donna

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  14. Thank you for sharing this information. It has helped me to know more about
    cleaning hardwood floors

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I love hearing from you!~Blessings, Bonnie