April 25, 2011

Fabulous Floorcloths Part 3 and a Style file Segment!

Happy Monday all! Things have been silent here at Design Share for a little bit. One of the things I read about starting a new blog is to be consistent with your posting, and I have tried to post at least once a week, but sometimes life just gets in the way, ya know?! I have had some major upheavals and life changing events these past few weeks and boy let me tell you, the wind just doesn't seem to fill my sails most days. But, I'm trying to be positive and like the saying I posted about here, "Keep Calm and Carry On."  On that note, I'd like to finish out the series I have been posting about floorcloths. If you missed the first two posts you can see them here and here. The previous were examples of how to make a traditional floorcloth, but for today I wanted to show you guys a cool way to make a floorcloth that doesn't require any painting or designing of any kind on your part. All you need is a good eye and some bargain hunting skills, and I know ya'll have those in abundance. So lets get started!

I was shopping at my beloved Target and saw some GREAT printed tablecloths from the DwellStudio Line on the clearance endcap. Already reasonably priced at full price, they were clearanced out to$8.98! I don't normally use tablecloths, but couldn't pass up this bargain! I started wondering what other things I could do with them...Wall hanging? Foot-of-the-bed pop of color? Curtains? Slipcover fabric? Then I spotted a round one with a Suzani print, and got an idea!

Some clear, satin finish WATER BASED polyurethane....

And the aforementioned, fabulous, Suzani Print tablecloth.....
......combined, would make a great floorcloth!  No painting, no measuring, no planning, just roll on a few coats of poly and you have a durable, easy care and GEORGEOUS floorcloth! Already hemmed and everything! I think the round shape is what triggered the idea for me, as I have been a long time looking for a round rug that I liked.  
Straight out of the package (I didn't wash it first since I was going to be coating with poly anyway, I wasn't worried about shrinkage) I laid the cloth out on my garage floor. I didn't, but you would probably want to use a dropcloth or some protective layer so you work surface doesn't get coated with poly. I smoothed it as best I could, and started to roll the poly on with a foam roller.
About 10 minutes after the first coat, I lifted the whole cloth off the floor so it wouldn't dry stuck to the floor and laid it back down lightly where it was. Water based Poly dries fast, so you want to make sure to do this step BEFORE it dries enough to stick to the floor. I did this step twice, at ten minute intervals, just to be sure it didn't stick. Once the first coat was completely dry, I rolled on a second coat, and again lifted the whole cloth after ten minutes.
Some wrinkling occurs, but don't let it worry you. It will smooth out when you lift it off the floor and lay it back down. After it dried, I rolled on a third and final coat of poly. I felt three coats was sufficient to give the cloth good 'body' and protection from spills and wear and tear. If you want, you can also coat the backside of the cloth just for extra protection.  The last step is to back it with a rug pad. I used a cheapie walmart rug pad that I cut to fit my circle. I attached it with double stick tape all around the circumference and at several interior points. You could also use a spray adhesive, but will want to choose a rug pad with a tight 'weave' to make sure the adhesive doesn't come through and stick to your floor! Finally, you will want to place your beautiful floorcloth, step back and admire your handiwork!!
I used mine in my daughters room, where it fits the space perfectly and adds a beautiful pattern I am hard pressed to find in any traditional area rug! And... shhhh...*whispering* our dog even peed on this and it damp mopped right up. Because it's coated with poly, nothing sinks in, it all sits on the surface and wipes right off!
The culprit!

Edit: I have had many people ask questions regarding this project. I will try to answer some questions readers have had....

It is VERY IMPORTANT that you use WATER BASED Polyurethane. I don't think I clarified that before and hope it didn't cause any confusion.This floor cloth works best on hard floor surfaces such as hardwoods, tile or concrete floors (what I have in my home) It is a 'floorcloth' NOT a carpet, so has no cushion to it other than the rug pad you add underneath. If you added a really thick pad or a piece of carpeting foam under it, it would be more 'comfortable' I am used to walking on concrete floors all day, so the lack of cushion has no effect on me.

This works best with natural fibers, like cotton or linen. To be sure, I would stick with 100% Cotton, which is what the tablecloth I used was made from. I really don't think this will work on synthetic fibers, but if any brave souls want to experiment and let me know what your results are, that would be great! This WILL NOT work on a tablecloth already coated with vinyl...It may be stating the obvious, but just want to be clear. Additionally, any fabric with a 'plush pile' will not work....velvet, chenille etc. This is a *floor cloth* we are not trying to simulate *carpet*!

The polyurethane coating is pretty flexible once dry so it doesn't feel 'crunchy', as some people were concerned about. Some have asked if it would work to layer the cloth over existing carpeting...I think it would be fine, but go ahead and try it! My motto: if in doubt, try it out! If it doesn't work, hang it on the wall as a 'tapestry!'

If you intend to use this outdoors, such as a patio, go ahead and coat BOTH sides of the cloth to really ensure a good protective layer and I probably wouldn't leave in direct sun for any serious length of time. A covered outdoor space would be ideal.

I have taken mine outside and hosed it off when the surface gets grungy (from normal wear) and used a mild soap. It cleaned right up. Of course mopping also works.

Good luck and thanks again for all the great questions! Hope this helps....

To follow up, I'll share my most recent segment on KVOA channel 4 here in Tucson, talking about floorcloths. I hope you enjoyed the series and I hope you will try making a floorcloth using one of the methods I talked about. If you do, I would love for you to share them with me. Thanks for visiting!

**UPDATE** Hi everybody! Well, it seems that KVOA doesn't have that video segment "Laura's Style File" up on their website anymore, but I'm working on getting a copy of it to re-post so stay tuned!


123 comments:

Lanell said...

I really love this idea and love the round tablecloth in your daughter's room. The pattern is great. I would like one for the kitchen and will put this in my favorites so when I find the right size, I can refer to your post. I'm a new follower and found you at DebbieDoos.

Reunion Committee said...

WOW! I never ever would have thought to do this. AND it looks amazing.
Seriously cool!!
Tana
Stop over my blog for my giveaway.. Im excited. I never have these things lol

Kristen said...

This is such a great idea to make a budget-friendly floor covering! I've been wanting a rug in our living room and you've inspired me to think outside the box!

Found you through the newbie party and am now a new follower. Would love if you'd hop over to my blog and follow me! www.decoratingdiy.blogspot.com

Kristen
Turning a House into a Home

Libby@LightoftheHome said...

Great idea! Thanks for sharing. I am visiting from Debbiedoos newbie party!

Debbiedoos said...

How very cool! I would love to try this sometime...thanks for joining my newbie party!

Michelle @ The Lazy Novice SAHM said...

I'm visiting from DebbieDoos!

This project is why I love blogging! Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought to do this, but now I can't wait to try it!

It turned out great! What a lucky girl your daughter is, her room is stunning!

Stacy CUrran said...

This is my favorite DIY I have run across in years....no lie! I have a question...this was just a fabric cloth, right? So it could be done with any piece of fabric? I want to make an 8x10 for my kitchen, so I'd have to sew long pieces together, but that could work, right? Thank you so much for this inspiration!
Stacy @ www.conspicuousstyle.com

Granny Randi said...

As always, Laura...great job. I love it! You are so creative.

Honey I'm Home Blog said...

Laura! You're so brilliant & even better--fearless! I always get inspiration when I visit your blog.

Warmly, Michelle

Kelli said...

I {heart} this! We don't have a dining room table right now so I have no place to put all the cute tableclothes I see. Now I can buy them and turn them in to rugs.

Mel said...

Fantastic! I've never thought of using a table cloth! It's perfect.

Jenny @ Faith + Pearl said...

OMG! I'm so glad I found your blog. This post is awesome! I've been trying to find a rug for months now but nothing is exactly what I want.....and they are pretty expensive! Thanks so much for posting this. Now following!!

xoxo
jenny

HoneySage said...

Poly is just the best stuff! I would never have thought of this. Thanks for sharing!

The Olde Farmhouse on Windmill Hill said...

What a neat idea! Love it!

I'm going to be your newest follower. :) Come visit my blog - I've got a giveaway going on for a $25 Lowe's card. Hope to see you soon! ~Rachel

Stacy CUrran said...

Thank you so much for your follow up to my question...I WILL let you know when I do the project and will send pics!
Stacy @ www.conspicuousstyle.com

Unknown said...

Awesome project! What a fantastic idea and it looks so amazing! Great job and great tutorial!

Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made said...

OH MY GOSH!!! I have been wanting to try my hand at painting a floor cloth but am intimidated by the time and planning in painting it, etc. YOU just transformed my life!!! Keeping my eyes open now for the perfect tablecloth! Thanks!!!!

Katie said...

Visiting from Domestically Speaking :)

I've never seen this done before and I just love it! So impressed you thought to do this and you've done it so well! Thank you for sharing it with us. I'd love for you to visit my blog if you have the time:

http://littlethingsbringsmiles.blogspot.com

Have a good night and take care,

Katie

wyochatfields said...

I love that fabric, very bold and fun.

OurForeverHouse said...

Love this. I saw that table cloth a while back too. Wish I would have picked one up as this a great idea. Now you got me thinking of some ideas!

PS I am in Tucson too!

Kate said...

What a cool idea!! Love how this turned out. I'm featuring your post in my Flaunt it Friday features. Stop by and grab an "I was featured" button if you'd like. Thanks for linking!! :)

Brandi said...

This is such a brilliant idea! I love it! Thanks so much for sharing!!!

Kathy@ Gone North said...

Very, Very cool. I will be trying this, Thanks for sharing & I will be following you to see what else you come up with...
Awesome idea!!!!

nicolette {momnivores dilemma} said...

Love your new blog. Great tips on the floorcloths. Do you think this would work for a bathroom in terms of durability?

{i'm sharing this post on my pinterest}


If you have a moment today, please share this with my readers @Creative Juice Thursday Hope to see yours among all the amazing projects!

nicolette {momnivores dilemma} said...

Thanks for sharing this at Creative Juice Thursday. Hope to see you back again this week!

Michelle Hansen Photography said...

Someone shared your post on Facebook and I'm so glad I took the time to look!! I am in love! Thank you for sharing and providing some awesome ideas. I'm a new follower.

Rachael @ The Little Birdie said...

What a great idea! I am definitely going to be giving this a try. Thanks for sharing! I'm your newest follower! :)

http://littlebirdiebaby.blogspot.com

Erin @ His & Hers said...

I love the fabric--and you can't beat $8.98! You also can't beat something that's pretty YET durable enough to survive, um, gifts left by the dog. ;)

Denise said...

I saw you on Creative Bloggers Party. I'm your newest public follower. What an awesome idea. The fabric is fantastic and it looks great in the room. How the heck did you come up with this idea? I am so impressed with all the talent I found in this party. I would appreciate you following back http://talesfrommyjournal.blogspot.com I would also appreciate if you would like me in facebook http://www.facebook.com/DeniseMartin.LillaRose and in twitter @DeniseLillaRose. I always follow back. Just leave me a note so I know you stopped by.

www.apronsandapples@blogspot.com said...

LOVE THIS IDEA!! A follower from the blog hop. Kristy from www.apronsandapples.blogspot.com

Amanda Hakes said...

This idea is KILLER! I am so excited to use a piece of fabric I found! You go girl!

Tabitha said...

That's such an awesome idea! Love it! Thanks a whole bunch for sharing. :-)

Anne Magee said...

Brilliant idea! I was totally in love with this tablecloth... love how it turned out!

Beth said...

This is so cool! I, too, have been looking for circular rugs and they are so expensive....what a great alternative! I will be on the lookout for one:)!!!Thanks!
Beth

Ashley@ DesignBuildLove.co said...

LOVE this project! Totally putting in the back of my mind for future projects!!!

Anonymous said...

So pretty! I love it!

Jennifer said...

This would be great in my dining room! Thanks for the inspiration!

Pamela Bates said...

what a wonderful idea! LOVE IT.

Anonymous said...

if it survives dog pee, i'm all over it!! we have no carpetingin our house, so I'm always on the lookout for cheap, rugs/rug alternatives. I'll definitely be giving this a try!!

Ann Summerville said...

What a wonderful idea.
Ann

Renee said...

OOOOOO Mmmmmyyyyyy GOOOOSSSSHHH!!!
That is the best idea I have ever seen and I am definitely doing it, just became a follower!

Morgan//Nuts and Bows said...

Awesome idea Laura! You are so creative! This is my first time here and I will be back for sure! I had a question though I have carpeting throughout my home would to floor cloth look ok on that in your opinion? I couldn't tell in the pics if there were on carpet or not. I really REALLY want to try this out but wouldn't want to get everything for a room with carpeting if it will look all puckery weird. If you could let me know when you have a second I would so appreciate it! Thanks again for the wonderful inspiration!

Morgan@meetvirginiadesign.com

Gloria Fox said...

Great idea! I'm going to have to do this to cover some of my ugly rental carpet. I shared your link on my FB page!

Anonymous said...

Ooooo, love the color of your desk. What is it if you don't mind me asking. Also, are your mirrors white or ivory?

Elizabeth @Port Of Thoughts said...

Just discovered this and love the idea but one Question: is it comfortable to walk on in bare feet, or is it pretty stiff?????

Thanks

http://Portofthoughts.blogspot.com

Michelle said...

Wonderful idea! (cute dog too) :)
I'd love for you to come link up at DIY Thrifty Thursday at www.thrifty101.blogspot.com
~Michelle
Thrifty 101

Laura/Hayestone/Design Share said...

Hi everybody! Thank you all so much for your sweet comments! I will try to answer some questions you readers have had....This floor cloth works best on hard floor surfaces such as hardwoods, tile or concrete floors (what I have in my home) It is a 'floorcloth' NOT a carpet, so has no cushion to it other than the rug pad you add underneath. If you added a really thick pad or a piece of carpeting foam under it, it would be more 'comfortable' I am used to walking on concrete floors all day, so the lack of cushion has no effect on me. The polyurethane coating is pretty flexible once dry so it doesn't feel 'crunchy', as some people were concerned about. Some have asked if it would work to layer the cloth over existing carpeting...I think it would be fine, but go ahead and try it! My motto: if in doubt, try it out! If it doesn't work, hang it on the wall as a 'tapestry!' Good luck and thanks again for all the great questions! Hope this helps....
All best,
~Laura

amy said...

I love your idea! I bought the same tablecloths a while back & have been debating what to do with them. Along with some curtains, I am going to try this idea as well!
Thank you for sharing!

Bravehearted Beauty {formerly LLH Designs} said...

My first visit to your blog (thanks to Pinterest, where someone pinned this idea). Love it!

Happy Friday!
Linsey

Deborah@Green Willow Pond said...

That is one awesome idea. I'm gonna be scouting me out some tablecoths!

Anonymous said...

this is a great idea! I need a narrow floorcloth in a specific color for my laundry room. would it work to use some heavy decorator fabric and use the same concept, except I'd have to hem it? I never can find nice tablecloth prints around here.

l said...

Hi! I love the idea and the fabric you used...Here is my question...can you wash it? I don't mean with a damp cloth or mop, I mean, if it tracks some dirt, how would you clean it?

Thanks,

-Lydia

Maria Carriger, Oklahoma City, OK said...

I love your idea of floor cloths and can't wait to try it.

thanks

Sarah said...

This is crazy genius! I'm so excited to give it a try! Thanks for sharing all of your hard work with us!
-Sarah from Create Studio
www.createstudio.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

This is such an amazing idea! I love the tablecloth you found. Using a tablecloth opens up so many possibiliites. I am featuring this at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com because my readers will LOVE this idea. Grab my "featured" button.

Teri said...

Great idea! I have some tablecloths that are beautiful but never get used and a patio that needs some color... great project! I am a new follower!

MStrasser said...

I found a floor cloth in Winners, the Canadian side of Homesense, and have have been trying to figure out how to do it myself since! This is perfect. Exactly what I wanted - I can't wait to get to work on it this week! Thanks for sharing.

Katie said...

I just stumbled across your blog and I love your idea. I'm wondering if the polyurethane feels sticky even after it dries---especially to bare feet.
Thanks for sharing this great idea

Anonymous said...

Ooo great post! I love the pattern on the tablecloth too, just gorgeous!

Mrs. Wonderful said...

I tried this with upholstery fabric. The polyurethane left dark marks where it was more saturated. I ended up throwing out the piece. Why did it turn dark?

Laura/Hayestone/Design Share said...

Phoebe/Unknown: I'm sorry your results weren't as you hoped! Without an e-mail address, I can only respond here and hope you visit back to read it. Did you use a WATER BASED Polyurethane? It can NOT be an oil based poly, because #1 it would take forever to dry and #2 it will discolor your fabric. Oil based poly has an amber tint to it designed to give hardwood floors a rich, amber 'glow' Sounds like that's what may have happened to you. Other than that, maybe the fabric had some sort of sizing or surface finish? Or was your upholstery fabric synthetic or did it have a thick 'pile' to it? Like a heavy damask or velvet or chenille?
Hard to say, but if you could send me a picture of your result, I might be able to see what's going on? I'm glad you tried the project, even if your results weren't perfect. if any body else has any questions regarding this project, please don't hesitate to send me an e-mail!

Kait said...

Can this be folded? I'm wanting to put it under the highchair at my in laws, then fold it up and store it.

Alyssa Hood said...

I just love this! I wish I had hardwood floors for these beauties! I am glad I found your blog.. saw the link for this post on another site and had to check it out! Great work!

Alyssa
http://www.paintandglitter.blogspot.com

Emily Stephens said...

You are a genius. Brilliant idea.

Stopping by from pinterest. New follower!

Best,
Emily from Nap Time Is My Time

Tanya Anurag said...

Fabulous idea. I could have never thought about using a table cloth as rug. This is absolutely great.
Thanks for sharing. Posting it on my blog. Included a link to your page... expect high traffic and loads of comments :)

-Tanya
http://tanyaanurag.blogspot.com/

Mikey Fuller said...

What a fab idea!!! I've got a tablecloth that is too big for it's own good that would look great as a rug! Must try this!!!

Now Following!

~Mikey @ Shabby French Cottage
www.shabbyfrenchcottage.com
As Featured in Romantic Homes September 2011

Spunky Junky said...

OH.MY.GOSH. This is amazing!!!! I am totally going to do this! Wow, what a great idea!

Halz

Maggie @ Vittles and Bits said...

This is such a great idea! Love the print you picked too

Michelle L. said...

Wow, I am pinning and doing IMMEDIATELY! thanks for such a fabulous tutorial, Laura - so complete and thought out!

Mrs. Cherry Heart said...

Thank you so much!!!! I have been looking for a rug for our back covered porch but can't afford all the ones I like! This will work out fine...... and I can change it as often as I like with little expense!

Smiles, Dolly

SheilaG @ Plum Doodles said...

Yay, I love this, so glad I found you while wandering around tonight! :)

Amber said...

You might want to edit this and specify that you used water-based poly. I tried this and stamped it with a huge fail. Then I re-read your post to find my mistake and realized you mention water-based poly only once and that was towards the end of the post. Silly me for not reading carefully enough I suppose. I'm trying again this week!

annacarter said...

I really love this idea, especially the wipeable, stain resistant part. I have four little kids. I was wondering if this technique would work for an upholstered headboard? I know that sounds a little crazy, but I'm reluctant to make one for my little girl because I'm afraid it will get ruined. If the poly doesn't make the fabric too terribly stiff, I'm thinking this may be a great idea. What do you think?

Laura/Hayestone/Design Share said...

Anna,
Thanks for such a great question! It sounds like it would work in theory, but I think it might be too stiff. After coating with the polyurethane, the fabric is still flexible, but not so much so that you could bend it around edges of a headboard without getting too many hard edges. I would recommend a laminated fabric, which is still really pliable. Find some cool ones here: http://www.fabric.com/home-decor-fabric-vinyl-fabric-designer-laminated-fabric.aspx or just google 'laminated fabric' Hope that help and good luck with the headboard!
~Laura

LittleRedElizabeth said...

Is there anyway to do this that anyone can suggest....for a floor rug that is semi permanent ? I like the idea of putting this on the cement on the balcony of my apt, but it cant be permanent....any ideas???? :)

Paula@SweetPea said...

I found you post by way of Pinterest and just had to stop by to tell you that I'm really excited to try this.

Laura/Hayestone/Design Share said...

Thanks for all the great comments everybody! @LittleRedElizabeth, I'm not sure I understand the question entirely, but will try to answer. Since this is a floorcloth, it is not a permanent fixture.....just like any throw rug or area rug, you can pick this up and move it wherever you want it! You could put it on your balcony and take it with you when you leave. Even when it rains or gets wet, it will not "stick" to any surface, and will not be permanent. Hope that helps....
Cheers!
~Laura

Unknown said...

What a fantastic idea! I love that it's an inexpensive way to add some color to a room. :) Found you through Pinterest. I'm your newest follower.

M.A. said...

I think this is by far the best thing I've found through Pinterest! I have a little Chihuahua too that loves to use a floor rug as a puppy pad. This way I can warm up the cold hardwood with some color and design without the stench of dog!

Erin said...

@Laura/Hayestone/Design Share, I hope you haven't already answered this question, and I'm sorry if you have! :O)

Is the finished floor cloth shiny/reflective? This reminds me of oilcloth, and I'm just wondering if it has a similar sheen, if you know what I mean.

Laura/Hayestone/Design Share said...

Hey Erin, the floorcloth I made isn't as shiny as an oilcloth, because I used a satin finish polyurethane. I didn't want a glossy shine, but rather a 'luster.' I guess you could make a shiny one if you used a high-gloss poly, which would look more like oilcloth. Hope that answers your question!
~Laura

lovenatto said...

Wonderfully simPle! Having kids, this is fantastic project to provide something stylish that I don't have tO worry over getting ruined.

Claire said...

Thanks so much for posting this! I'm a teacher and have been looking for an inexpensive floor covering, and this will be perfect! LOVE the fact that dog pee wipes right off ;-) I'd love to hear from anyone who has tried putting one of these on existing carpet, too!

Anonymous said...

Do you think this will work using bedsheets? I see a lot of sheets that have nice prints.

Chalkboard China said...

This is such a fab idea! Will for sure be trying this soon!
-CC

Anonymous said...

Does it feel like you're walking on plastic?

indoor outdoor carpet said...

What a great idea! I am definitely going to be giving this a try. Thanks for sharing! I'm your newest follower! :)

Carrie @ lovely etc. said...

Love this project! So creative. I just linked to you in a post about inexpensive sources of fabric. Tablecloths are such a great way to get cheap fabric - and what a great project to do with it.

beachhouse etc. said...

This is brilliant have been wanting to do a floorcloth for a long time but what stopped me was the finished edge part sewing not my favorite thing ....I want to repost on my blog with your permission ...all the best
Suzanne

Anonymous said...

Hi--fab idea. thanks! I am finishing this project right now but have two questions--I am putting it on my covered concrete porch so am coating the back too. how many coats do you think I should do?
Also, how long before I can set the finished/dried piece out for regular use and foot traffic? Does it need to cure or something?
THanks so much!

Megan@Whimsically Homemade said...

Hey there! Just wanted to let you know we featured you in our Favorite Find Fridays post over at Whimsically Homemade. We used one of your pictures and linked back to you. If that's a problem let us know and we'll remove it immediately. Thanks for your great inspiration!

Anonymous said...

This is great! I have tile in my Mitch and haven't wanted to put a big expensive rug under my table, for fear my kids would destroy it. Can't wait to try this out!

Kudzu said...

thanks so much for all the info and great tutorial, i would've never considered a tablecloth, it's a "duh moment" over here! all i need is some water-base poly, and soon my dogs can start making it dirty! thank you!
kudzu

Teresa @ ♥ Too Many Heartbeats ♥ said...

This is such an awesome idea and I love the one you made! It is really pretty and looks amazing in your daughter's beautiful room! Thanks for sharing the tutorial.

Stopping by from Pinterest! :0)

Blessings,

Teresa <><

Anonymous said...

If I am going to use it on a patio, do I need to put the carpet padding, especially if I coat both sides?

Laura/Hayestone/Design Share said...

Anonymous asked...

"If I am going to use it on a patio, do I need to put the carpet padding, especially if I coat both sides?"

No! You don't need the padding if you're using this outside. In fact, I now have mine on my patio and I took the padding OFF to put it outside, because I found all the little holes in the padding were dirt magnets. So, for outdoor use, feel free to skip that step :-)

Denise said...

Mine came out beautifully! It's been 1 week and the edges are rolling though. I've not backed it yet. Any ideas?
Denisedianne@cox.net

Unknown said...

I'm doing this next weekend, thanks for the idea! I had a question though... I'm wanting it to go under my dining table. Do you think it will hold up ok to the wear and tear of the chairs scooting around on it?

Jessie said...

I saw this a while back and fell in love! We tried to do a repeat but made the darn thing too pretty so we turned it into a flag lol.. We linked you up. Hope you don't mind! If so we will take down :) Thanks for the inspiration!!

Anonymous said...

By painting first, I think this would make a great kid's play floor, I think I'll try it making a town with roads and such. Might even get it done for Christmas 2012. Thanks for the tips!

www.frogparenting.blogspot.com said...

I found you via pinterest...I was thinking that this would be great for camping! We go tent camping and I think this would be great for a doormat...a bit of color and class for the outdoors! Thank you!

Anonymous said...

Hi!! Love your blog. I decide to try this today. I luckily have a rug pad. So my list..tablecloth, polyurethane and a brush. My goal is to spend under 20. I too found a great deal at Target. 8.08. I'm on a roll. I also needed groceries. So Wal-Mart ..Here I Come. Polyurethane for 6.97 and a brush for 3.48. Way under goal. Let me say this..Your explanation is clear. I decided to find the cheapest of everything. First attempt was an oil based. I just didn't read. I'm lazy. (found a great brush though). I go back to Target ...had more of this great deal. still being lazy decided to go back to Wal-Mart and found a waterbased. This was all they had and was 16.97. So what I decide ... What the hell? I get home I feel confident. I roll it on....Well 4 hours later some of it doesn't dry clear. I used to much... Anyway I had soooo much fun doing this. I wanted to share.

PS. My boyfriend loves it ....said it gives it character. (almost like a drop cloth. if I was a painter. which o am totally not).

Martha Hokenson said...

This is amazing! I've been wanting a colorful rug for the porch and couldn't afford one. Now I can make one! Thanks for sharing!

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

No way! This is awesome, found you on hometalk :)

Anonymous said...

This is a great idea! We just lost a LOT of 'stuff' in our basement due to a flood... and I was wondering how to cover "living" spaces of the cement flooring w/out having to put down vinyl pieces or more rug sections. This is going to be super in the area I want to recreate for my sewing and craft space...AFTER the clean-up of course!

Anonymous said...

this is a really cool idea. I just recently bought a vitage cotton square tablecloth at a consignment shop although I had no idea how I was going to use it. I think this would be perfect for the kitchen!!

Anna said...

Do you think this would work as a tablecloth? Might sound like a stupid question, but I have an unsightly table on my covered patio, and I need to find something that can cover it and stay there for the summer - i.e. is easier to keep clean than regular fabric, and will clean up easily after messy barbecues. Would the fabric still drape similarly to a tablecloth after it's been coated?

Laura/Hayestone/Design Share said...

@Anna....great question! Unfortunately, I don't think it would work as a 'regular' table cloth once it's been coated with the poly, as the fabric becomes quite stiff and does not drape over the edge of a table. But if you have a wood pic-nic style table or something other than glass that can 'accept' staples from a staple gun, you could staple the cloth on the underside of the table and use it that way. I have done that with oilcloth, which is also easy to clean and might be easier/less stiff to work with. If you chose a thinner fabric, that might also lend itself to 'draping' better. for floorcloths, I recommend the heavier the fabric the better, but in this instance, maybe something thinner ( a quilt weight cotton?)could work. Hope that helps and thanks for stopping by!
~Laura

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to give this a try. I have a min pin too! Love that baby gal! She pees everywhere too! Strong willed...

Anonymous said...

I really like your idea. I saw some tapestry type fabric at Hobby Lobby that would make a great floor cloth. I just didn't know how to do it. Now I know. I will try to let you know how it turns out.

Anonymous said...

You may have already answered this, but what would you suggest I use to adhere the tablecloth to something like outdoor carpet? I want to make a rug for my outdoor porch and lay it over the cheap outdoor rug I already have.

Laura/Hayestone/Design Share said...

@anonymous^^ If it were me, I wouldn't put it on top of another rug, but if you are going to try it, I would suggest double stick carpet tape or possibly some kind of roll on flooring adhesive, like a vinyl adhesive, maybe.

Try the tape first and see if it produces the results you are looking for, before doing something more permanent like vinyl adhesive. Hope that helps!

Kerri said...

I have been looking for something to use as an easy clean surface to put over our carpet for my son to play with play-doh. I'm pretty sure that this is perfection! I'm also thinking of about a million other places that I would LOVE to do something like this. I'm super excited!!!

Anonymous said...

FYI, I went out on a limb and tried this on a synthetic fiber, polyester, and it doesn't work. The material becomes stiff/crispy and when the polyurethane dries, it peels and flakes away from the material. Eventually I'll find a cotton material that I like enough to do this to!

Paperboard said...

That is a really cool tablecloth. It looks really great.

Unknown said...

This is such a great idea, but one question--if the Varathane dries so quickly how did you keep the roll from drying out between coats? Plastic bag, or did you use several?

Anonymous said...

I was on Pinterest when I came across this fantastic tutorial. How ingenious! Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Just thought I would add a note to durability of floor cloths. I have had one in front of my stove, so it gets lots of wear AND grunge, for 19...yes 19 years. It was made with canvas and has 3 coats of poly on top only. It still looks just like it did when I laid it down. It gets mopped when I mop my kitchen. So if properly done I think they could last a lifetime. It also has been peed on by my Yorkie and cleans right up. So it is a great option for those of us with pets that just loooove to pee on a rug!!

Unknown said...

Would it work to use this method to make outdoor curtains for under a patio?

Unknown said...

I loved this idea and decided to go for it! Unfortunately, sometimes I don't follow directions exactly or I miss the fine details and I purchased oil based poly. After going through all the trouble of free handing a very nice design on it that I am very happy with. I proceeded to paint about a third of my rug with the oil based poly before i realized my mistake and i am really hoping that I haven't totally ruined it?! Laura, you did say that the oil based poly would take forever to dry,and that it would discolor the fabric (which it did) but if I'm willing to wait for it to dry and I'm ok with the darker color, do you think it will turn out ok? (Will it always be oily?) I really don't want to scrap it and start over! PLEASE HELP!

Charity Cram said...

I totally have to try this! I have had a difficult time finding a bright cheerful, reasonable priced rug, and this is a great solution!

Unknown said...

You are a genius! I love this idea & it seems pretty simple! Thank you for sharing :-)

Unknown said...

I saw this and couldn’t believe it. I needed a temporary shower curtain and found this exact one at Walmart!!

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