A few years ago, back when I was first blogging I tried something that scared the heebie jeebies out of me. But I did it anyway. I did it to prove to myself that I could. I did it because I hated being held back, left to work within someone else’s time schedule and convenience. What has all this got to do with my gorgeous DIY wood doormat for the One Power Tool Challenge?
Everything.
That’s me up way up on that high wire. I’ve always been very… VERY afraid of heights. So much so, that I had trouble changing light bulbs in ceilings. I did this to prove to myself that I could overcome what I choose to overcome. I won’t fib, I was scared. I didn’t fall ,and I didn’t quit…
I wrote a short post on stepping out of your comfort zone when I got home. A few little power tools were nothing to be scared of anymore! My first DIY project was adding on to my pantry shelves. They came out pretty good, I had no idea what I was doing, they only wobbled a little, and we still use them today. I’ve since built our bathroom vanity, patio tables, drawer organizers and do lots of little tasks around the the house on a regular basis.
I can’t begin to count how many women and readers I chat with who feel timid about learning to use power tools. You can do it too! Start little, start simple. For some, using a drill for little things around the house and an occasional creative project is the end goal. Others may want to learn more. Do what feels right for you and at a pace that makes you comfortable.
Today, along with a group of extraordinarily talented DIY bloggers, I’m sharing not one, but several “one power tool projects” that beginners could tackle with awesome results.
Let’s get started 🙂
My DIY wood doormat is and easy one day project. I made this one 18″ x 36 1/2″ to fit our front door.
Supplies list:
- 24- 1″ x 1″ @ 18″ long. You’ll find 1″x 1″ wood in the trim section by floor molding in your local big box store.
- 69 – 5/8″ round wood beads. Find them at Michaels.
- 1 5 feet of 1/8″ braided nylon or polypropylene cord.
- Handsaw or have your local big box store cut your slats to size.
- power drill and drill bits.
- tape measure
- medium grit sandpaper
- paint
- sealer
- paintbrushes
- paper for the template
- sharpie or pencil
This DIY wood doormat is super simple to make. This is what the 1″ x 1 ” wood looks like when you bring it home. I had Home Depot cut these down enough to fit in my car. I used a handsaw to cut my 24 wood slats at 18″ long each. Use a little sandpaper on the ends to smooth any rough spots.
Make a paper template the length of a 18″ slat. Mark three inches in from each end and the middle. Put a hole in the spots where you’ll drill the holes for the cord. Mark all the slats using this template.
Next, you’ll make the holes for the cord to fit through. I started drilling with a much smaller drill bit than the diameter of the cord and made pilot holes first. That’s a lot of holes, right? It wasn’t so bad because when I followed with the drill bit the size I needed my holes to be, the holes were super easy to make!
Choose a drill bit big enough for your cord to fit through the hole it makes.
Paint and seal your wood slats and beads. String the wood slats with a bead in between. So simple! I kept the drill handy for a hole or two that needed a little widening to fit my cord through….just put the drill bit in the hole and wiggle it around to open up the hole. I know, that was not a techie description. But I wasn’t feeling techie..it’s hot as can be outside here in Fl already, so I sat on the floor by my back window and assembled this in the air conditioning. tsk..tsk.. yes, I do bring tool projects indoors. At least the not too messy ones 🙂
Wrap a piece of tape around the end of your cord to make this task easier!
Tie a knot at each end when you’re done and seal it with a good weatherproof glue. That’s all there is to making a DIY wood doormat.
Do you love it? I do! I painted our front door copper last year and I still love it. See how to faux paint a copper door here.
This area is in need of some bright and cheery seasonal color. I think this DIY wood doormat made a huge step forward. I keep opening up the front door to look at it 🙂
It’s time for me to share more doable one tool DIY projects from a star line-up of talented bloggers. Take a look below at their One Power Tool Projects. This is one talented bunch. These projects are easy to make and a great place to start if you’re game to pick up a power tool and step out of your comfort zone.
Carmia says
Beautiful! I love the colours! Visiting from Thrifty Thursday.
Wendi says
Thanks so much! The colors gave my front entry a much needed boost of fun for the summer season:) Thanks so much for visiting!
Liz Joiner says
Visiting from the Women of Intention.
I love your DIY doormat! it’s beautiful.
liz @ sundays with sophie
Wendi says
Thank you very much, Liz. The happy colors are perfect for summer!
Lorey says
I LOVE this mat! It would be so perfect for our Laundry/Entry for rain boots! I’m so making it this weekend… In the middle of the night like most of my projects! HA! Thanks for the inspiration!
I’m also digging the idea of challenging myself to coming up with a project made with only one power tool! I was timid for awhile too, but now am in love with them! Hubby loves it too since “HIS” collection is now doubled ;D
Found you at Whole Hearted Home Link Up!
Wendi says
Lorey… So glad you like this project:) It very doable for a late night DIY! LOL. Did you see therest of the fun one tool projects linked on this tour? We loved the idea of sharing them and are planning another round of the One tool Challenge for this summer:)
Lorey says
I looked through several- LOVE! So ingenious!
Wendi says
Thanks Lorey! Making one of these has been on my “want to do” list for a very long time. I’m very happy with the project and how well it came out:) ..plus it was way less expensive than buying one!
Erica says
What a fun, colorful project! This is totally do-able for a DIY beginner. Thanks for sharing on the Women With Intention link-up!
Wendi says
Thank you Erica! It’s a great beginner project and even better that it doesn’t look beginner!
Pattie @ Olla-Podrida says
This doormat is so cute and fun, and looks so beachy. What a great project for summer. Thanks!
Wendi says
Thanks Pattie! The bright colors are perfect for summer and the beach:) Thank you for stopping by and leaving a sweet comment!
Chelc | Inside the Fox Den says
This is so fun and colorful, I LOVE it! I host a link party every Sunday night and I’d love for you to come share this awesome project! We’re also giving away $100 PayPal cash so be sure to stop by!
Wendi says
Thank you and thank you so much for the invite!
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
So absolutely adorable and functional too! I love the colors you chose as well as admitting being willing to step out of our comfort zone can be scary. Great job, Wendi!
Wendi says
Thank you Larissa! Choosing a bunch of bright colors like this was out of my comfort zone too. I’m thrilled with how welcoming my front door looks now. This drill project was so easy too:)
TwoPlusCute says
I pin!
It’s easy, a very smart idea and looks beautiful.
Good job. 😀
Wendi says
Thank you so much:) I love how inviting the bright colors make my front entry.
Paula@SweetPea says
I need a new mat for my front porch and I love that I could easily make a version of this one. I think it also would be fun to make a mat to be color coordinated for fall, Christmas, or July 4.
Serena @ Thrift Diving says
This doormat is sooo cute, Wendi! The colors really drew me in, and if I had that to welcome me each day when I came home, I would smile every time I saw it. Especially know that I made it! Don’t laugh, but the Welcome mat we have there now is the same one that the previous owners left. Um…4.5 years ago when we bought the house. EEK! Time for a change!! LOL
Wendi says
Serena.. That’s too funny, yes girlfriend, it’s time for a change! Grab some wood, let those cute kids of yours paint it anyway they desire and you’ll have a special front doormat before you know it:)
Krista @ the happy housie says
This turned out so well, Wendi! I love that you encouraged us to step out of our own comfort zones- a great idea to inspire our readers also. Thanks for inviting me to be part of this fun challenge!!
Wendi says
Krista… You are welcome and I’m thrilled you joined in:) I’m glad you like my doormat. I was hoping it would turn out well the whole time I was stringing those boards and beads! LOL
Amy says
Wendi I love your doormat, the colors are beautiful. Thanks for the tool challenge, it’s been fun so far 🙂
Wendi says
Thanks so much Amy! Yes, the tool challenge has been lots of fun. I loved your table as well!
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
I’m afraid of heights!! 😉
And I LOVE your doormat! So fun and colorful. Would look great at my house!! 😉
Thank you for inviting me along on this fun challenge!
Nancy
Wendi says
Nancy, I know how hard that is.. I can’t even look over the edge of a roof, building..anything without feeling weak. Now that you mention it, my dormat would look great at your house! So glad you joined in on the fun:)
Marie@The Interior Frugalista says
I absolutely love your wooden doormat Wendi – the colors are so pretty too! This makes me want to head to the beach. Thank you again for all your time and hard work creating and organizing this awesome tool challenge – so much fun!
Wendi says
Marie, The projects are fantastic. we have so much talent in this group and I hope we’ve inspired others to pick up a power tool and try something new!
Tami @ Curb Alert! says
I love your doormat and your instructions make it look so easy! Well worth a try out of the comfort zone!
~Tami
Wendi says
Tami, You’d rock this project my friend! …you’d probably add a TX flair to it as well 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by!
Christy@Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer says
This is so pretty, Wendi! What a fantastic concept for a challenge. Thanks for inviting me to join in the fun! XO
Wendi says
Christy.. You are so welcome! This challenge has been loads of fun…and I got a new doormat from it too!
ananda says
oh wendy this is gorgeous!! great colors and details!! i want it too!! xo
Wendi says
Thanks Ananda.. We needed a new doormat and this was such a good easy project to share for a new tool user:) Thanks for your visit!
gail says
Wendi,
Oh my gosh, this doormat really caught my eye the moment I saw it on the thumbnail list. It’s soooo colorful.
Great tutorial, and although I’m not sure I have the patience for the stringing of the beads, I would definitely be willing to give it a try after seeing how pretty your diy wood doormat turned out.
pinned!
gail
ps thanks so much for putting the group together and including me!
Wendi says
Thanks Gail! I’m so glad you joined in on the fun too. The doormat was pretty easy to make and it stringing the beads wasn’t too bad. It was painting them that was the messy part! LOL. Thanks for your visit & sweet comment:)
Cher says
Wendi, that doormat is crazy adorable and I want one!! I am adding this to my “to build” list… Thanks so much for putting together this challenge – it has been lots of fun!
Wendi says
Thanks Cher! The doormat is pretty simple to make and I needed the color by my front door! I’m loving all the projects my “project” list grew a bunch today!
Christina says
Wendi this is a stellar doormat! I think I’m heading to Home Depot today before Publix. :))) What did you use as a sealer?
Waving hello from the “mainland” in Sarasota.
Wendi says
Hi Christina! I used a sealer I had on hand for outdoor murals…LOL. I think any exterior sealer would work fine though. Please post a pic on my facebook page when you make it! We love the “mainland” Sarasota! You all had the first Trader Joes in the area!