Stenciled Outdoor Rug

 While Jess has been working on some indoor projects, I've been focused on our patio, and today's tutorial actually had me fist pumping quite a bit while I was doing it. Now, you're getting a sneak peak of the patio, but I'm not doing a real reveal until it's 100% finished (We're waiting on the lights we ordered and we've already started on a little addition!) So, don't focus on the patio, just the DIY project  okay? 

I knew that spray painting my outdoor rug, rather than hand painting it, would save me time, but I
had no idea just how simple it would be and how much I was going to love it!  I wanted an awesome outdoor rug for the sitting area, but man alive, are they pricey!  Jess actually found this insanely cheap outdoor rug at Home Depot for a project at her house, so I jumped on the cheap rug bandwagon and got one too! Check out that price... $17.88!! 

I did a project on one of our Nate Show episodes last Christmas, and it got me thinking...  I really didn't want to spend a long time painting a rug, perhaps I could try something a little easier (I'm all about the lazy-man's DIY).  

To make those canvases, I just laid a reindeer template on the canvas and spray painted over it.  When I peeled the template off, I was left with pure awesomeness! I decided to give that method a whirl with the rug.  

Materials:

Plain outdoor rug

Stencil 

Spray Adhesive

Spray Paint (6x8 required 3 cans)

Scrap or Newspaper

1- Spray the back of your high quality stencil with spray adhesive (I only sprayed it 2x for the whole rug).  I had this Chez Sheik Moroccan Stencil already from Royal Design Studios (they're our favorite!). Then, choose one corner of the rug to place your stencil in.  I honestly only leveled and squared by eye and it worked out perfectly. 

2- Use scrap or newspaper to cover the area around the stencil.  

3- Spray the stencil with your paint.  I used Valspar's Outdoor White so that it will hold up against all kinds of weather (including the million degree heat we're having right now!)  

When you're spraying, you'll want to spray directly down onto the rug, to prevent any bleeding, and hold your can a lot closer than you normally would. I found about 4 inches gave me quick, solid coverage.  

As soon as I was done with one section, I moved onto the next.  I didn't have to wait for any drying time etc.  

Here's some evidence of how fast and easy this project is...  Each star represents something (from bottom left) 1- I didn't bother with a drop cloth.  2- I just moved the sticks from the thunder storm to the side. 3- Child #3's scooter 4- Child #2's skateboard (I knew I'd be out of their way fast!) 5- Plywood from another DIY 6- Recycling bins I was supposed to take to the street, but hey they can wait 20 minutes for this project right?  

Here's the patio sitting area before...

And after...

If you're anything like me, you're wondering, But how crisp are the lines?  Does it really look good or does it look like a sloppy 20 minute project??  I'll let you be the judge.  I'm crazy picky and this meets the Monica standard.  

After hauling 40 tons of stone and working for weeks on this patio, I needed a quick and simple DIY.  This outdoor stenciled rug cost me under $30 and completely helps bring the space together.  I can't wait for cool, crisp fall evenings, when I plan on spending a lot of time outside in my new space! 
What do you think of it?