Use a projector to capture these classic decorative designs. Simple to make and surprisingly durable, painted canvas used as a floor mat adds graphic punch to a room. Start by choosing printed designs and photocopying them. The decorative patterns were reflected onto the canvases with a projector then each design was traced and painted. Simple, high-contrast patterns work best.



You will need:
- Preprimed canvas - measure for your size and add 2cm on all sides for finishing.
- Foam roller and tray
- Acrylic paint in your choice of colours - don't be afraid to experiement. If you are doing this project for a kiddies room - go bold and bright. Or jazz up a bathroom with yellow and green, or blue and orange
- Water-based clear varnish

Here's how:
1. Lay out a preprimed canvas with a 2cm allowance on all sides for finishing the edges.

2. With a foam paint roller, apply one coat of acrylic paint for your background colour. Be sure to cover the entire front of the canvas. Allow to dry completely.

3. Using masking tape, hang your canvas on a flat, vertical surface in a room that can be darkened, so the projected image will be easier to see.

4. Place the projector, with the photocopied pattern beneath it, on a flat surface approximately 2.5 to 3m from the canvas. Move the projector forward or back until the pattern on the canvas is the desired size.

5. Use a pencil to trace the pattern onto your canvas.

6. Once you have completed the tracing, use a paintbrush with a flat, rounded tip to paint within the lines with your second paint colour. If you are painting a light colour onto a dark colour, you may have to use two coats. Allow to dry completely.

7. To make the surface durable, apply matte varnish according to the manufacturer's instructions with a foam roller.

8. To finish the edges of the canvas, fold under 2cm on all sides. For a mitered edge, use scissors to cut a triangle out of each corner. Use fabric glue to secure the folds.

Design Tip:
If you are tracing your pattern onto a dark colour, use a white pencil.

To give the floor coverings added durability, apply at least three coats of varnish.

When finishing the edges of the canvas, use books as weights to keep edges folded under while the fabric glue dries.

Put a thin foam pad under your finished mat to keep it from slipping.