Painted Yoga Mat DIY : How to Customize your Exercise Mat

I started this painted yoga mat last fall some time, and like too many projects, just never finished it. As part of one of my “New Years Resolutions”  (if you will) I want to tie up some of those loose ends.
You know, finish those books I started (I’m notorious for reading multiple books at once), complete those paintings I have hanging out in the corner, close out the 50 million projects I started, and clean out and get organized once and for all (hah!). ​

The reason I painted this yoga mat is because over the past year I have really started practicing yoga again. And I’ve had this cheap ol’ mat forever, it works just great but was a little boring. I could just go buy a new one, but I figured- why not try to paint it first.

I am so glad that I did. Even though it took me nearly forever to finish, I love the way that it turned out. And honestly, one reason it took so long is because I just couldn’t decide what I wanted to paint, or more so what colors I wanted to use. 

Let’s just say I got over half way done and changed my mind because it was looking VERY Lisa Frank-ish and that was not the boho-peaceful vibe I was going for.

​So I started over. But the good thing is, acrylic paint is so forgiving. I just let it dry, and then was able to paint over it using the blues and the greens that you see here. 

Steps :

1. Clean your yoga mat’s surface 
2. Sketch out your design using pencil, marker or paint. (my mat is textured so It was a little tricky getting used to the surface)
3. Fill in with color using acrylic craft paints.
4. Add second layer  of paint if you need too. If your mat is textured \ you’ll probably need to touch up with a second layer (I did). ​
5. You can seal with mod-podge if you want ( I didn't, and I have used it nearly every day for the past month and its good, no chipping) 

And Tah-dah! All done. I will say, once you get going, it doesn't take too long and will dry in less than an hour, but I let mine sit over night before I used it. 
I have been keeping yoga/art journal  as well, and will be sharing that with you all soon! 
If you end up trying this too, let me know- I would love to see it!

psst!: If I started designing + selling yoga mats, would you buy one? For serious, let me know in the comments!