How to Make a Recycled Flip-Flop Doormat

Old flip-flops can get new life as a doormat.

Recycling doesn't just mean taking aluminum cans to your local recycling center anymore. An eco-friendly lifestyle means finding new uses for old items. Instead of throwing away flip-flops, you can recycle them into something useful for your home. Use the old flip-flops in the bottom of your closet to create a colorful, eco-friendly doormat.

Things You'll Need

• Foam rubber flip-flops, assorted colors
• Craft knife
• Hot glue gun

Instructions

1. Cut the soles of the flip-flops into 3-inch by 5-inch rectangles with the craft knife. They should resemble large, mosaic tiles.

2. Arrange the foam pieces in groups of three. Glue the pieces in each group together with adhesive designed to work with foam rubber. This will triple the thickness of the pieces. Allow the adhesive to dry completely.

3. Arrange the foam pieces on your work surface in the way you would like your doormat to look. Stagger the pieces to simulate a lattice-work design. The pieces can be arranged farther apart for a more open-looking doormat or closer together for a more closed-looking doormat.

4. Apply glue to the short sides of the tops of the pieces. Press the pieces together, keeping the pieces arranged in the lattice-work design. Allow the adhesive to dry completely.

References

• Wind of the Stars: The Many Wonders of Craft Foam