When you have finally decided to use a floorcloth in your decorating scheme why not put it front and foremost where everyone can see it. It is after all a great piece of art.

Go for the best visual impact it will have on you and you visitors. No matter where it is located make sure it is the focus. Put it in a location where it can be seen and appreciated.

I once had a client who wanted to put a floorcloth under a table with chairs around it. Functional, yes, but not very decorative. I suggested the floorcloth go on top of the table to create a unique focus. By doing this it created an incredible one of a kind look. The client was extremely pleased and her guests' first reactions were "Wow!"

So, once you have decided to decorate using a floorcloth, make sure it can be seen front and center and then enjoy your wonderful piece of art.

There are many things you should consider when looking for a great floorcloth.

Quality of the construction is one consideration. A fairly heavy canvas with many layers of primer should create a good base for the design. The hem should be a good width and not too narrow. Some of my hems on larger floorcloths are 4" wide as this gives substance to the art and makes it look good. It also helps to support the rest of the floorcloth. Some artists sew their hems and some glue them. Either way the hem should be even and lie flat.

The body of some floorcloths have waves or wrinkles, and in time most of these dry and then lay flat. On occasion however, they become permanent. Look for a nice flat floorcloth to avoid disappointment.

Using the proper sealer is important and will protect your art. Many sealers now have UV protection and if your art will be exposed to the light this is a good choice. It doesn't hurt to ask if it was used on your floorcloth.

Color is also important. When working with colors from your decor just remember that the color on your wall reflects or absorbs light differently than the very same color on your floorcloth when lying on the floor. The type of finish of the sealer will also impact on the color.

Design consideration is very important. Know what you want. Are you looking for an historic reproduction or are you looking for something a little more unique and one of a kind? Are you looking for a primitive or do you want your floorcloth to have clean defined lines? Do you want rich and saturated colors or would you be happy with a lightly stencilled look? Do you want a full design or something a little more simple?

Don't be afraid to mix styles and periods. Look in magazines, online, start gathering ideas. A great design will make a great floorcloth. Think about what you want.

Remember to look for quality details, a fantastic design that suits your personality, and you will not only be happy with your floorcloth but will also have a great piece of art!

My paintings have come from my love of floorcloth making and have been described as painted tapestries. Often, after I have spent a great deal of time completing a classic geometric design, I tend to focus differently. My orientation has changed or sometimes I see the small parts rather than the whole. That is what I try to express in my paintings.