Every so often I’ll run into an item that’s just begging for a DIY riff. This clever rug is one of them.

Artistic “funhouse” Longoland lists the materials for this Monster Skin Rug as Brushed Woven Cashmere & Wool and Polymer Clay. The cashmere/wool appears to be felted, and their related Monster Skin Chair page even has a few photos demonstrating how the fabric is marked and cut. The teeth are, presumably, where the polymer clay comes in.

I’m not sure how I feel about the felty-scaly look of the body, but I completely love the concept. You could go nuts with faux fur, leather, or alligator skin (or a combination!), plastic or polymer clay fangs and claws, plastic eyes (the kind used for dolls or stuffed animals), and create your very own trophy cryptozoological specimen. If you need help getting started, check out this eHow page on making a fake bear rug out of an old plush toy and faux fur.

A Chupacabra- or Yeti-skin rug would be an amusing addition to any room. Pair it with some mounted Mothman wings and get ready to spin tales of your latest expedition to hunt mythical creatures.

(via We Covet)