Tuesday, January 29, 2013

 *
call me "happy"


my floral floor mat is made



I found
the pattern in the
granny chic book
I got for Christmas
book found here

sweet daughter #2 
offered to make it for me

I changed the pattern a bit
because I couldn't find a non-slip rug backing
like the authors {rachelle blondel / tif fussell} suggested
so
we used a small kitchen mat with a non-slip backing
you know......... one of those ugly black ones
*
1. Sew fabric pieces together using a sewing machine
the finished fabric piece should fit nicely over top of the mat 
{leave a little boarder of the black mat showing...see first image}
hem the fabric piece so the edges do not fray

2.  Using  fabric glue ....glue the fabric piece down onto
the top of the ugly black mat.....let dry overnight...adding more glue if needed
we also used a heavy duty needle and strong clear thread to sew the fabric piece
onto the mat ... just around it's edges so it would stay put

3. Using a varnish
 { I used a satin finish varnish - the author suggested a matt finish }
 paint the top of the fabric with the first coat of varnish
leave to dry overnight
once dry paint another coat 
{ours had 3 layers of varnish....the author suggest 4 layers}

ugly black mat begone 

I LOVE MY FLOOR MAT
I spilt tea all over it today....no problem....it just wipped up....... easy peasy
thinking I need a little larger one at my front door now
this time I might add some lace to the fabric piece


{xox}

a wee little note.....
treasure the day and treasure yourself
truly, neither will ever happen again
{ray bradbury}



46 comments:

Terra said...

Glamourous and useful too.

Veronica Roth said...

That's lovely Koralee. I love it when my daughters help me make things. Hand-made is so much better than store bought. I bet this will be a treasure for a very long time.

Unknown said...

So pretty Koralee!
Have a gorgeous week!
xx

Hearts Turned said...

What a fabulous thing, Koralee! I think that might be just the thing for the next project my girls and I do...so glad you shared that tonight!

Wishing you the loveliest of evenings, dear friend...

Julie

Unknown said...

Are those your pjs... I LOVE them! how cute!!! I just love your taste!

Betsy said...

I LOVE this! Beautiful.
Betsy

Teresa Kasner said...

You are so lucky and must be so wonderful that your daughter made something for you! Mine moved to Ohio and I miss her and the granddaughters sooo much. Love your quote! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Duni said...

Koralee, that is such a pretty mat! I agree...so much nicer than those generic black ones ;-)
Wow, your daughter made it! She obviously gets her craftiness from you :)
Have a lovely day, best wishes to you ~
Duni xo

Unknown said...

aahh i had the same book to and its beautiful just like your gorgeous mat. Have a wonderful day, dee xx

homemade@myplace said...

so so lovely!!!!
xxx Ale

ShabbyChicShaz said...

So great to see your mat, it's gorgeous. I too, had seen the instructions in the Granny chic book and had been pondering, wondering if you really could just wipe them clean and here you are confirming it. I might just have to give them a go. Was the satin varnish just to give it a bit more of a sheen?

Anonymous said...

That's ever so pretty, lovely selection of fabrics… I just love that book too! Have a lovely day :-)

Helen Philipps said...

What an adorable idea, Koralee! Floor mats are usually so dull and this is beautiful!! Thank you for sharing this lovely make...I think I will try it too!
Wishing you a happy week!
Helen x

Crafted by Carly said...

What a super make!
And I love the new banner!!!
Carly
x

francis said...

Look wonderful
Must be a happy new item !
Do you have wishes for visiting when you are in Holland ?
Happy day to you

andrea creates said...

wow, what a super idea! love those fabrics~i may have to try this...

and are those rosy tights? they're so pretty!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

WOW....first this gorgeous work of art, so colorful and ORIGINAL....then that quote by Ray Bradbury (who I might add, came to see a theatre production at my school in Los Angeles to sign his book, Leviathan 2000!)....you always have a treat for us my dear, whether it is a sweet treat to eat or to think about. THIS MAT IS UNREAL and so innovative!

Bright and happy days to you my dear as we approach the weekend very soon! I work tomorrow then all next week. MUCH LOVE TO YOU and your cards are in the mail; I mailed them off yesterday! LOVE TO YOU ALL! Anita

NanaDiana said...

koralee-I think that is THE cutest floor mat I have ever seen. Leave it to you! I bet you could sell a ton of them online! Where do I sign?;>) xo Diana

Dagmar said...

It does not get much better than this, sweet and handmade..love those slippers..
Keep warm and happy, sweet friend.
Xo

polkadotpeticoat said...

Thats a great idea.....Heidi
so cute!

~Damita's Pretty Wrap~ said...

OOOoo lala! So much prettier than those black mats...guilty I have one! Thanks for sharing this lovely with us!! :) Have a wonderful day!! xo Holly

Vintage Sheet Addict said...

I would be happy too with that floral mat, I wouldn't want to walk on it though, I'd have to float like a fairy! :) x

Tiedupmemories said...

Love!!!

Jen Beaudet Zondervan said...

I love this! Koralee! It sounds pretty easy too. I just need to get my sewing machine out from the garage, but I really think I can handle this project. I like your slippers too! They remind me of my latest poppies paintings I'm working on! Love that color right now!
Take care:)

Paula said...

Hello sweet Koralee! Your fabric mat is beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing this! I must get that book! The fabrics you uses are so pretty and I love that it cleans up easily. I am so happy you love it! I look forward to seeing the next one. Lace will be perfect! Love your wee little note, sweetie! So very true and beautiful! Love you lots, Paula xoxo... have a happy rest of the week!

It's me said...

I love it too...me happy....love Ria...xxx...

Unknown said...

absolutely adorable ... and i want to have those little legs and tiny ankles on the model!!! (love your "wee little note" too.) xoxo

scarlett clay said...

Almost too pretty to walk on! :)

Sue said...

Cute-I don't sew, so this seems way too hard for me, but oh, so pretty for your house!

Linda said...

Very cute!

magpieandbutton said...

Super lovely! Maggie.

Jacqueline said...

Dearest sweet Koralee, the fabrics are gorgeous and so sweet! It turn out soo beautiful! Have a lovely merry happy day and love to you!

jacqueline
http://jqlinesocuteithurts.typepad.com/

vintage grey said...

I love your floor mat!!! So pretty!! And, your leggings are just as beautiful!!! Have a lovely day Koralee!! xo Heather

Unknown said...

This post is so cute! The rug turned out a treat! Matches the leggings and slippers too! Love it!

Riitta Sinikka said...

♥ i LOVE your photos! ♥ ♥ Have a nice day! xxx Riitta♥

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous DIY project!
I love it when you photograph feet in pretty shoes, slippers, socks! Thanks for sharing.

Stop by to enter my giveaway, Koralee...there's but one day left.

Ciao Bella
Creative Carmelina

Shabby chic Sandy said...

I love your floor mat too--so cute!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Good morning Happy Girl!!!!!!!!

I had the best blogger party yesterday with two fantastic friends. We met up at a coffee shop and it was just fantastic. We mentioned you and as always, I wished that more of us could be together to experience the thrill of meeting!

I suspect you are off to teach today? I AM TOO! A sweet little school in my district and in the second grade, I believe. Off I go with my happy boots and heavy coat; it is about -12 F today!!!!!

Many hugs to keep us both warm! Anita

Ingrid said...

Hello Koralee,I lmove your floor mat,bautiful flowers togheter with beautiful colors.....x

Sewn With Grace said...

This is so cool! I love your fabric choices. How very fun!

Sylvia said...

I've never seen such a beautiful floor mat, Koralee !
Those fabrics are gorgeous, what a nice idea, 'granny chic' looks like a wonderful book !
Have a nice evening,
Sylvia

Martina said...

So precious and swwet this floor mat - and the red shoes ---- Just makes me happy to look at it! This is the way to make winter sweet! xox

Tracey Ayton Photography said...

That is such a fun mat and such a great project. Love those photos!!!

June said...

I love, love, love how it looks Koralee! It is SO pretty!
Speaking of pretty...loving those darling floral leggings my friend :)
sending hugs...

Introverted Art said...

I am not sure what I love more: your slippers, pjs, or floor mat!

Palomasea said...

Love everything about this!!!
Gorgeous and easy to take care of, AND made with love...
xoxo