You can't miss the welcome mat at the entrance to the Kreuschers' home in Kansasville, Wisconsin: it's 4 by 6 feet and stenciled directly onto the porch floor. "A friend of my mother's had stenciled a patterned rug on her entryway floor, and I'd always wanted to do something like that myself," says mom Julie. So when the finish on her porch floor started showing its age, she figured it was time to get to work.

Julie and her kids, Aaron, age 11, Maegan, 7, and Jacob, 2, worked together on the design for this very special floor covering. Along with their last name and the year the house was built -- an essential piece of family history -- their creation also includes leaves and a cabin, which recall their log house's setting among towering oaks. The message on the mat -- "Home is where the story begins" -- was inspired by an old sign Julie had seen. "I thought it reflected the important work we're doing here, raising three kids," she says. "This is where their stories begin."

 
Project Pointers
• To prepare the porch floor, smooth the surface by removing any loose paint or stain. Julie used a wire brush and water to gently lift loose particles; if you're concerned about damaging the wood, sand it gently by hand or with an electric sander.
• Before you begin, frame your mat with painters' tape to ensure straight edges.
• Use exterior acrylic paints. Stencils are helpful for adding lettering and decorative elements. Trace stencils with a pencil; when you're satisfied with your design, fill in the shapes with a brush.
• When the paint is dry, spray the entire mat with clear latex enamel to protect it against wear and tear.