I made several for gifts one year but I used the heaviest grade artist canvas. I applied 3 coats of gesso to one side and one coat of rubber non-skid backing to the other side. Then I either painted or stenciled the front side with acrylic depending on my choice of design for that particular rug. When the paint was dry I gave it a few coats of poly finish in a low sheen. They are much, much easier to do than a painting. The one I did for myself I have used for 10 years and it still is in good shape.