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How to make a custom stenciled doormat

Welcome guests -- and let them know they're at the right house -- with a custom stenciled doormat that displays your initial(s), last name, or street number.

What you need:
  • Spray paint -- any color
  • Tape -- various widths for more decorative appeal
  • Stenciled number or letters -- approximately 6 inches in height
  • Mat -- around 18 x 30 inches (I used a stiff fiber mat)
  • Craft knife (if making your own stencils)
  • Tacks

How to:

  1. Create a border: For mine, I used 3-inch tape about 1 1/4 inches from the edge and then put another border of 3/4-inch tape approximately 1-inch away. I then placed another perimeter of 3-inch tape approximately 1-inch away from the 3/4-inch. Hard to follow: Basically I made it so that I could spray the two 1-inch borders and I put the 3-inch tape on the outsides so that I had more area protecting the mat. Be creative with this and make any number of patterns ... just make sure that you only spray between the taped-off borders. Let this dry before doing the center.
  2. Print numbers or letters: You can purchase stencils from a craft store or make your own. I printed the letter 'R' (650-point type) onto card stock, and cut out the inside of the letter with a craft knife and then pinned it to the mat with large tacks.

Tip: Do this in a well-ventilated area and hold the spray paint 4 to 6 inches over the mat and work in small circles; bring the can closer if you want smoother lines. Allow about 2 hours before removing tape from each section.

Making an entrance is the simple part ... if only turning away all uninvited guests were so easy.

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