Carol and Deborah create a rug that has a race track motif that's perfect for kids who like to zoom and race their Matchbox cars around the floor. Although carpets with similar pre-made designs are available in many department and discount stores, this do-it-yourself version's costs are considerably less, but the process is time-consuming.
Materials:
3' x 5' piece of indoor/outdoor carpeting or Astroturf
duct tape
seam ripper
acrylic paint - black, yellow, white, steel gray
assorted stickers - traffic signs
cut-outs or boxes - for houses, churches, schools, etc.
drinking straws
Steps:
- Bind the edges of the carpet/turf with duct tape.
- Turn over the Astroturf and draw the roads on the back. On the back of the Astroturf is a thin layer of rubber, then the "grass." The grass is what needs to be removed in order to make the roads. Carol and Deborah used several methods to do this. One method is to take duct tape and place it on the pre-drawn road, press down, and lift off. The tape should pull off some of the grass seams. Or, use a seam ripper to pick up the grass. Carol suggest practicing on a small piece to decide on what method is best for you. Remember, this is all down on the backside of the Astroturf.
- Once all the grass is removed, paint the roadways black with yellow and white stripes. Let dry.
- Paint the straws steel gray. Let dry.
- Apply stickers to the tips of the straws to represent traffic signs.
- Use milk cartons, boxes, or cut-outs to make buildings.
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