DIY Welcome Wave Mats
Some Personality for the San Diego PCOM Entryway
September 3 rd marked the first day of class for the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (PCOM) fall term. You may have noticed some changes around campus. PCOM faculty and staff were busy making improvements across campus during the three weeks of break.
From a new herb room to a renovated front desk and student bookstore (including a whole new line of PCOM gear), to a total renovation of the PCOM clinic, changes abound this fall term. We’re proud to unveil the fresh look around campus!
What you may not know is that PCOM staff members created some of these decorative touches by hand. For example, the two doormats that welcome students to the front entrance of the bookstore and the clinic are the work of the PCOM Marketing Department. We’re so pleased with how these welcome mats turned out, that we thought you might like to know how to make some of these mats for your own home. Spread the cheer!
So What Will You Need to Make Your Own Mat?
Poster board
Scissors or an exacto knife
One *Coir Doormat
*Why a Coir mat? Coir doormats are made from natural coconut fibers and can resist mildew, mold, and the elements
T-pins
A large cloth, sheet, or tarp
One can of enamel spray paint in your color of choice
Steps for Your Mat
Purchase or design your own stencil for your mat. We designed our own stencil based on the PCOM wave logo. We thought you might like to design your own too. Find an image or word that inspires you. Measure out the image on your poster board so that it is the size you will want it to appear on your mat.
Cut your design out of your poster board with your scissors, or use your exacto knife to get a clean cut out of a complex shape.
Position your design stencil on your coir mat.
Secure the stencil with T-pins. Make sure it lies as flat as possible. The T-shape of the pinhead keeps the pin from pushing through the poster board; it also provides the pin with more stability. Hint: You also can use masking tape to block off design areas on the doormat that you do not wish to paint.
Spread your sheet or tarp on the ground outside, or in a well-ventilated area.
Shake your can of spray paint thoroughly. You want to make sure the paint is mixed. Hold the can about four to six inches away from the doormat. Use short, even strokes in a circular motion and cover the exposed areas of the coir doormat in paint. Hint: You might try spraying the paint from different angles around the doormat to ensure you get even coverage.
Let the mat dry for about 2 hours; then go back over it with another coat of paint.
Now let it dry overnight
Wa la! You have your very own personalized coir mat.
Feng Shui Tip : The entrance to your home is considered to be very important in the ancient art of Feng Shui. This is because the entryway is your first impression of your home, and it can immediately set the mood for how you’ll feel when you enter the house.
After a long day at work or school, you want to make sure you feel comfortable and relaxed when you get home. Livening up your space with your own style or an inspiring image (such as with this hand-made doormat) is a great way to ensure your home is a sanctuary, just for you!
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