Discover the unexpected art scene waiting for you after your outdoor adventures at The Mat Lab. Create your own personalized doormat and bring home a memorable piece of your trip.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
None required
Wildlife
History
The area has a history of local artisans blending craft with outdoor recreation since the early 2000s.
Conservation
The studio uses sustainable, non-toxic paints and encourages eco-friendly practices among visitors.
Tuft A Rug
Discover the unexpected art scene waiting for you after your outdoor adventures at The Mat Lab. Create your own personalized doormat and bring home a memorable piece of your trip.
Tuft A Rug, located in Vernon Hills, Illinois, offers hands-on rug-making and craft experiences for beginners and experienced makers alike. The business runs a variety of workshops including 29x26 21x18 35x32 and 15x12 tufting workshops where participants learn to operate a tufting machine and craft custom rugs. Class lengths range from 1.5 hours for mini rugs to multi-hour sessions for larger projects, and some workshops note that finished rugs are ready for pickup in about a month.
Tuft A Rug also offers painting experiences such as The Mat Lab doormat painting and Pour Paint sessions for figurines. The Mat Lab provides vibrant paints and premium stencils for DIY doormat projects, while Pour Paint invites all ages to create abstract pieces by pouring paints onto figures. Supplies are provided for most sessions, and private events are available, including Hawthorn-specific offerings.
Sessions emphasize hands-on learning; no prior experience is required for doormat painting, pour paint, or tufting workshops. The business accepts private bookings and group reservations suitable for parties and gatherings. Tuft A Rug is featured on The Adventure Collective, where its experiences are listed for booking and discovery.
Participants can expect a creative, social environment focused on making a tangible, personalized piece to take home. All descriptions above are based on published session summaries and trip information. The listings include specific workshop sizes, session durations, and notes about materials and pickup timelines to help guests choose the right experience. Bookings are available through The Adventure Collective listings and local scheduling options.
Location
Vernon Hills, IL
Studio location in Vernon Hills
Class Length
1.5–6 hours
Session durations vary by workshop
Materials
Supplies provided
Materials included for each project
Experiences
13 listed
Workshops and private events available
Book tufting, doormat painting, or pour paint sessions through The Adventure Collective and secure a spot for a hands-on creative experience.
Bring your friends for a fun group activity
This experience is perfect for friends or family to share creativity and laughs.
Wear old clothes or aprons
Paint can be messy; protect your clothing during the workshop.
Plan your visit after a hike or bike ride
This activity works well as a relaxing post-adventure activity nearby the trails.
Book in advance to secure a spot
Spaces are limited, so reservation is recommended to ensure participation.
Old clothes or aprons
To keep your clothes clean while painting.
Camera or smartphone
Capture your artistic process or finished masterpiece.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during your creative session.
Sun protection
Protect yourself if outdoors while waiting for paint to dry.