Some of the best advances in design and crafting are from folks willing to take a risk. Would you have the strength to shave a design in your rug with hair clippers? You might after you take a look at this!
The fine folks over at Make have been busy testing out the idea of shaving your rug. personal hygiene jokes aside, their results are pretty darn spectacular! It's appears to be a great way to get the look you want, the design you want, at a price you can afford.
For a little bit more crazy, try using fabric/carpet spray paint on the newly recessed areas before you remove the tape and you'll have a custom look for far less than major rug designers. So start canvassing sales online or on Craigslist for the perfect rug to scalp, there's a diy project just begging to be done!
• See the full process over at Make
Image: Make

White Enamel Flatwa...
i'm not going to do this to the extent they've taken it, but this is an excellent idea for getting rid of the pulled up fibers in my wall-to-wall caused by my cat constantly kneeding the crap out of it.
anyone else have this problem?
This would make a great maze for the Lego Harry Potter.
jess13, my cat kneads EVERYTHING! The insides of shoes, the carpet, my guitar case, the bottom of the table, the side of the dresser.... me...
We're lucky he's declawed, and we do not have loop carpet - he can't pull the loops apart that way!
Give your rug a Brazilian.
@ jess13 - I use Soft Paws on my cats and their claws don't do damage anymore. They're little plastic caps that are glued on over the nail and they come in a huge assortment of colors. I can't say enough good things about them.
My boy likes to be cradled in my arms and he stretches his paws up to knead my face. I used to tolerate it because it's adorable but now it doesn't hurt at all and we're both happier for it.
@House Voyeur : HA!!
thanks for the advice everyone!
I saw a small rug with paw prints shaved into it. It looked like hair clippers would be too wide to get the job done but maybe nosehair clippers? Does anyone know?
I love this look, but I'm having trouble finding rugs that seem like they'd be thick enough for this project. Any suggestions?