DIY Novelty Doormats Using a Cricut

Cricut Custom doormats

Cricut/Silhouette vinyl cutters have become so popular in the last few years.  We are all trying to come up with new and exciting projects to make with them. This year it seems to be the custom novelty doormats. Using your Cricut you can make a stencil and add any text to a doormat which will make a perfect gift. The possibilities for this are endless; you can have a doormat with your family name or quirky welcome message. The novelty doormats I have found to be the most popular.

How to make a novelty doormat using a Cricut

**This post may contain affiliate links. Which means I earn a small commission on links used at no extra cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.**

I have tried making these doormats using stencils and oil-based paint but never had much luck. The text would bleed, the paint would smudge and the stencil would move. This method I have found works perfectly every time. You will need a Cricut or Silhouette Cameo vinyl cutter or any similar machine.

Design your doormat

I have the Cricut explore air 2 machine and personally find it very easy to use. Cricut comes with design software called design space, here is where you will design your vinyl stencil. Add the text you would like to have on the doormat and adjust the fonts and layout until you are happy with the design.

DIY Cricut funny doormat

If you are planning on making lots of these doormats I would recommend buying the large cutting mat. Because I was only making a few I used the standard cutting mat which does involve a little more work. Once you are happy with the layout of your doormat save your project. Next, you will need to rotate the design so your design runs down the page instead of across.

DIY Cricut funny doormat

By doing this you can create a large design using the standard mats. Divide the design in half and group that text together and select attached. The text in each group will then cut as you want it displayed on your doormat. The doormat that I used was 600 mm x 350 mm and I increase the design to the final size of 520 mm x 270 mm. These coir doormats can be bought for about $6 in the budget stores here in Australia.

Cutting out the design

For my first attempt, I did use a cheap vinyl which honestly was a waste of time. It would not stick to the fibres of the coir doormat very well so the stencil kept moving. For the second attempt, I used oracle 651 permanent vinyl which works perfectly. Cut out the two halves of your design.

DIY Cricut funny doormat

Remove all the vinyl from the words so you are left with a stencil.

DIY Cricut funny doormat

Next, cut away the excess vinyl so that you can join the two pieces of vinyl together to get one large stencil. You can use tape to join the two together.

DIY Cricut funny doormat

To transfer the stencil you will need to use transfer tape, which is placed over the top of the vinyl and rubbed with the scraper. I prefer to use old transfer tape that has been used a few times already so it is not too sticky. If you use a new transfer tape it could be a bit harder to remove when transferring it over to the coir mat due to the fibres on the mat.

DIY Cricut funny doormat

Transferring the design to the doormat.

The fibres on the doormat do make it a bit difficult to transfer because it is not a smooth surface. To solve this, I used painter tape and taped the start of the vinyl to the mat. Start removing the transfer tape by pulling it back against itself slowly. I did find that the small inserts (the heart in the paw) on the letters did not stick to the mat. You can use an Exacto knife to remove them from the transfer tape and stick them to the mat.

DIY Cricut funny doormat

To get the vinyl stencil to stick to the mat you will need a hairdryer and just slightly heat the vinyl. Then use your hand to then smooth down the vinyl. Mine did not budge.

DIY Cricut funny doormat

Adding the leak seal

To colour in the text I used leak seal. It dries very hard and almost feels a bit like melted plastic, but it is in fact rubber. This step must be done outside in a well-ventilated area. Cover any exposed area with tape to prevent damage from over-spray.

DIY Cricut funny doormat

Shake the can very well before spraying. Spray the leak seal over all the words making sure to cover all the exposed areas. I have made 4 doormats out of this can and it still feels like it has lots inside.  So you don’t use a large amount to make these doormats.

DIY Cricut funny doormat

Once all the areas are covered remove the vinyl stencil straight away, don’t wait for it to dry.

DIY Cricut funny doormat

Use tweezers to remove all the insides of the letters.  You will need to wear gloves to prevent getting the leak seal on your hands.  Leave the doormat outside until completely dry.

DIY Cricut funny doormat

And that was the doormat done.  It did take me about 1 hour to make this doormat, but that was mostly due to not having the correct size cutting mat.  If you don’t want to buy a Cricut and make your own, we got you covered with some options below.

If you are undecided on whether to add a vinyl cutter to your craft room, here are a few more great projects I have made using my Cricut. Find the full list HERE.

Reverse canvas mixed media novelty man cave sign.Man shed rules

Custom suitcase covers

Suitcase porotectors

Harry Potter glass etched mirror.

Cricut craft ideas

If you are looking for any of the items used in this project, please consider using our links. By clicking on the links we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us come up with new and exciting ideas to share with you.

You Might Also Like

15 Comments

  • Reply
    Lauren Sparks
    February 4, 2020 at 8:29 pm

    Too funny. Visiting from the hearth and soul link party.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      February 4, 2020 at 8:55 pm

      Thank you so much, Lauren.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      February 9, 2020 at 9:13 am

      Thank you! I have requests for some really naughty ones.🤣🤣

  • Reply
    Jeanna
    February 6, 2020 at 4:40 pm

    That is incredible, I’ve tired to make a t-shirt and what a mess of it I made instead. You sure look like you know what your doing, great instructions and fun doormat.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      February 9, 2020 at 9:12 am

      Thank you so much, I did find it easy. And like you my first shirt was rubbish, the vinyl peeled off 🤣🤣

  • Reply
    Debbie-Dabble
    February 7, 2020 at 12:53 am

    Thanks so much for stopping by!!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

  • Reply
    Julie
    February 9, 2020 at 4:29 pm

    What a great product! And what a great way to let people know of the consequences of their actions!

  • Reply
    Pamela
    February 11, 2020 at 4:16 pm

    I was wondering what the special type of paint used on these, thanks for the info…your mat is hilarious, BTW!!!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      February 12, 2020 at 12:49 am

      Thank you so much, I think the leak seal works so much better than paint.

  • Reply
    Michelle Leslie
    February 12, 2020 at 5:42 am

    Bwahahahahahah Anita. Love the doormat Anita. Every time I see one of your Cricut projects I end up wanting one more. The possibilities to make things seem endless.

  • Reply
    Debbie-Dabble
    February 14, 2020 at 2:29 am

    Thanks so much for hosting each week!!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

  • Reply
    Jennifer Osterhout
    February 14, 2020 at 2:59 am

    I laughed out loud when I read your doormat. With 3 little kids and an oversized mutt, I need this saying on my doormat warning everyone entering my house! I own a Brother Design and Scan so I think I can use similar methodology. Thanks!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      February 15, 2020 at 8:19 pm

      Thank you so much, It is definitely true in our house with 2 jack Russells who think they are rottweilers. I am sure the brother machine will work just fine for this project.

    Leave a Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.