by Shari Hiller and Matt Fox
Home & Garden Television
Who says artwork is only for walls? How about using some of your handiwork on your floors. A painted floorcloth is a wonderful way to bring pattern and color into a room with hard surface floorings. They are easy to clean, and their value isn't in the materials, but the love, time and effort involved in creating them.
Floorcloths can be great on a deck or covered porch too. But be sure to bring them inside at night just to be safe. Well, let's hit the deck, and make one of these things.
Materials:
tape measure
pencils
yardage of 60-inch wide natural 100 percent cotton canvas
iron-on hem tape or sewing machine
washing machine
iron
latex or acrylic craft paints
satin finish water-based polyurethane
Steps:
1. What size?
Begin by determining the size floorcloth you need. If the dimensions are under about 42 inches, purchase a narrower canvas. I generally like to stay within the widths of the fabric so we don't have to sew a seam in the floorcloth.
2. Wash, dry, iron
Once your size is determined and the fabric purchased, as with any fabric project, wash the canvas, dry it, and iron it flat.
3. What a cut up
Now that any shrinkage has taken place, cut the fabric to the predetermined size, adding about two inches all the way around for hemming.
4. Hemming
Using an iron, press in the folds of the hem, as this makes it easier to hold the iron-on hem tape in place. Add the hem tape inside the folds, and follow the tape's instructions for the best results. (You can sew in a few quick stitches at the corners, to help hold the bulkier areas in place.)
5. The artist at work
Now the fun begins! Draw your design on the canvas using a pencil and a ruler, stencils, or even free hand. If you imitate a fabric from the room, make stripes, checks, or all one color (Then, you don't have to draw a thing.)
6. Paint brings it to life
Paint the design on with appropriate sized brushes, or use a sponge to create a cloud-like design. You can get kids involved by letting them stamp hand or foot prints onto the canvas. Be creative and remember, this stuff is supposed to be fun.
7. Protect and enjoy
Once the paint has dried, coat the entire cloth, (front and back) with a water-based polyurethane. The advantage is that a water-based product won't yellow over time. This step is important, because the polyurethane gives you the ability to wipe up any soiled areas of your masterpiece.
Extra tip:
To keep your floorcloth from sliding out from underfoot, make sure to purchase a piece of rug gripping material. You can find this at carpet stores and many home center stores in the flooring area. It cuts to size and is necessary to use your project safely.
I've created at least half a dozen floorcloths over the years, and used the ruler method to create borders. I've cut sponges into designs and stamped on a repeated pattern, and I've even freehand-drawn in beautiful, huge poppies. Each project was a labor of love, and I have to say that they would make wonderful gifts, for that very reason. Find yourself a cozy spot to spread out and paint away
(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service)
Resources Great Ideas From Room by Room Videotape
Fun, creative projects give each room in your house a beautiful new look--without costing a lot of money. Step by step, Shari Hiller and Matt Fox show how to build a fireplace screen, use special painting techniques to customize walls and furniture, create window treatments and offer tips for accessorizing. All are easy, economical projects that can be completed in a weekend or less. (60 minutes)
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