Thrift Store Rug Upcycle


Happy Monday, Friends! After hunting for some time, I was thrilled when I recently scored a cotton rug for $1!  I had just the place for it near my backdoor and I really liked the design--it just needed a little tweaking...


thrift store rug upcycle


When I came across this cute rug at one of my favorite thrift stores, it was in excellent condition--even the white backing was spotless. In this photo, the letters appear more yellow, but in person they were a chartreuse shade that didn't pop against the gray as much as you might think. Also, see how the outline of the wheels, seat and bird seem to blend in to the background? 


Thrift store rug upcycle


I decided since I'd only invested a $1, I'd try to add a little more definition with a Sharpie. I started with the tires by first outlining them...


Thrift store rug upcycle


...and then filling them in. It looked better already! 


Thrift store rug upcycle 

I really liked the contrast of the black and white against the gray and wanted the lettering to be easier to read, so I continued with the Sharpie on the words. 


Thrift store rug upcycle


I did the same for the the bike seat and then I used a small paint brush and yellow craft paint to brighten the bird.


Thrift store rug upcycle


Last, I used the same craft paint to stencil sunflower petals and finished the flower's center with the black Sharpie. 


Thrift store rug upcycle


That's it--for $1 I have a new-to-me backdoor rug! I considered adding more flowers, but decided I prefer just the touch of color from the bird and single flower.


thrift store rug upcycle


My Thrift Store Addiction


Thrift store rug upcycle

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  1. How clever! I like your creativity.

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  2. Good call. It looks better as there’s more contrast! Cute design. I’d have snapped it up too!

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  3. Love your rug and that you added the color. So much better.

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  4. Perfect!! I love the contrast!

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  5. Naever would have thought to do that; it surely livened it up perfectly!

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