Making a rug from canvas drop cloth
 

I have been reading on-line about making a rug from a drop cloth and went to Lowe's today and bought the cloth. Was just wondering if anyone on here has done one of these before and if there are any tips you could share with me. I know I will be priming both sides before I start painting. Thanks in advance for any advice.
Ket

I saw it done on Martha Stewart a long time ago, but don't remember all the particulars. I just remember they were really pretty. I think that she painted floral motifs on them.

There are many if you google "making a rug from drop cloths". Here is Martha's:


http://www.marthastewart.com/273292/making-canvas-rugs

I have seen that done on TV, and always thought I would like to try it, but never have. I do remember that (as you have done) you prime the cloth first, and mark off lines with painters tape, and use stencils in addition to free hand painting if you like. I am not talented as an artist, so would have to rely on stencils etc. I hope you will post a picture of your rug, when you are finished.

This is a method that's been around for years. An interesting thread to look at is http://thesewingacademy.org/index.php?topic=3373.0 (1860s recreation of these things)

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.

I read somewhere some years ago, that these floor cloths started from old or torn sail cloths from sailing ships back during the colonial times. Also any canvas tents from military use was also converted. We come by our recycling genes honestly.