Using unusual items in unique ways

I thought I would share a quick post about how I turned a surprising object into a DIY stencil for my latest piece of furniture in the store.

I’m always looking at new uses for everyday items.  This was no exception.  I used a rubber floor mat to create this unique stencil on the top of this dresser.

I’ve seen them used for other projects for the home, but this idea hit me as I was deciding what to do with the dresser.  I had already painted the body white and the drawers orange, but the stark white top needed something.  I glanced at the floor mat, appropriately lying on the floor, and decided to give it a whirl.  It was almost the exact size of the top of the dresser, so I busted out a pencil and started tracing.

It was heavy, unlike plastic stencils, so I didn’t need to tape it down or be careful not to bump and shift it, which made it go much faster.  Once I had drawn around each section, I removed the mat.

Using a small craft brush and an (almost) steady hand, I painted in the stencil.

I only did one coat, even though you could see some white showing through.  My plan was to sand it down a bit, making it distressed and less “perfect”.  Using 100 grit sandpaper and some serious upper arm muscles, I sanded it down and roughed it up.

I also distressed the edges of the dresser and drawers as well as the wooden knobs.  Overall, it was a successful project!

Have you used any unexpected items to create a masterpiece??  Let me know in the comments!