Once in awhile I'll come up with a project that I get a little obsessed with and can't stop making. This decoupaged lace container that I made for Better Homes and Gardens was one of those projects. It all started with my love of textured pottery, but as I've been embracing my more feminine side lately, I was drawn to using lace as well. Admittedly, I wasn't even sure it would work. But not only did it work, it was one of the fastest and easiest projects I've ever undertaken.
I started with white containers, cut a strip of eyelet lace wide enough to cover it, applied a layer of Mod Podge in matte finish, and wrapped the eyelet band around the container. I let it dry, trimmed the edges with sharp fabric scissors, then dabbed on another layer of Mod Podge (matte finish) with a foam brush and let it dry thoroughly. That's it! A single coat of Mod Podge over the fabric lifts the weave a bit and gives it a rough, textured feel and look that's not too rubbery. (In fact, I tried two coats and didn't like the look nearly as much).
Since then, I've moved on to different shapes and tried my hand at tapered containers (Cutting small slits around the bottom edge of the fabric helps when you're dealing with a tapered shape. You can then carefully overlap those cut edges without making much difference in the look of your lace). I've also started working with flat objects (to be used as trays) and introduced containers in different colors. Mostly I'm using cotton eyelet fabrics, but I've found that lace trim works as a nice embellishment as well.
I think there are a lot of possibilities here. Eventually I think I'll branch out and try eyelet lace over bright, modern colors (red, yellow, turquoise) and I'd love to create a grouping for a table (wouldn't these make great centerpieces for a bridal shower or casual wedding?). They're so easy to make - I hope you'll try them!
I decoupaged this deep bowl with a piece of embroidered cotton. Because the cotton fabric was tissue thin, the overlapping areas on the bottom are almost invisible.
Containers can feel modern or more romantic, depending on the lace you choose and the shape of the container.
Lace trims work just as well as fabrics. I don't apply Mod Podge to the entire container - I brush it onto the area that I'm applying the trim. Q-tips are good for cleaning up excess Mod Podge around the edges.
Decoupage lace onto the surface of plates or trays to make decorative catchalls.
Resources: I've been finding lots of cotton eyelet fabrics on Etsy, along with lace trims available in small amounts.
Title photo by Rob Brinson for BHG
Is there any reason I couldn't use these to hold votive candles? I'm thinking I could try Goodwill for a collection of containers....
Posted by: Irene | 16 June 2011 at 04:28 PM
Incredible. What a great idea to combine the softness of lace with the permanence of porcelain. Lovely!
Posted by: mel mccarthy | 11 June 2011 at 01:19 PM
How AWESOME!!! I am just not that creative to come up with stuff like this!! Thank God for talent like yours or my life would be a very dull and boring one!! :)
I do have a quick question, I hame holding a tea sitting in my home and they would look great on some tea cups...do you think I can put hot liquid in the cup without messing them up??
Posted by: Tammy | 03 June 2011 at 12:07 PM
OMW! How did I miss this??? It really makes for some stunning display ware and very attractive catchalls. Love the lace on...
Posted by: Betty aka ZacksNana | 03 June 2011 at 07:54 AM
Craftsmumship - The containers are water resistant, though not necessarily waterproof. Basically, I clean the interiors with soap and water and rinse them, but I don't let them soak in the
sink. So far, no problems at all.
Posted by: Suzonne | 31 May 2011 at 08:19 AM
The result is fantastic :) I never knew that decoupage could be made with lace.
Posted by: rent holiday apartment london | 31 May 2011 at 01:05 AM
Looks very pretty. I have a question though. How do you wash them?
Posted by: Craftsmumship | 27 May 2011 at 05:24 PM
This is amazing! I can't wait to try this out :)
Posted by: Kristen | 27 May 2011 at 01:38 PM
I LOVE it...leaving right now to start my own lol!
Posted by: Theresa | 24 May 2011 at 07:58 PM
Love these. What a simple and sweet way to dress up a container. Just perfect!
~Heidi
Posted by: Simply Bungalow | 24 May 2011 at 06:22 AM
I love this idea! I have tons of vintage lace in my craft room and I think I'll make a bunch of little lace planters to give as gifts :)
Posted by: Adrianne | 24 May 2011 at 04:17 AM
I am so in love with this! How amazing!!!
Posted by: Jen Caputo | 23 May 2011 at 09:24 PM
This is gorgeous!!! Thanks so much for sharing!
Posted by: Chris | 23 May 2011 at 08:09 PM
LOVE this idea! Thanks for sharing your technique!
-Sarah from Create Studio
www.createstudio.blogspot.com
Posted by: Sarah from Create Studio | 18 May 2011 at 06:58 PM
These are so beautiful! I loved it so much I put it on my blog also to share what an amazing project you created! Thanks so much for sharing this.
www.ourchildrensearth.wordpress.com
Posted by: Stephanie Howerton | 17 May 2011 at 06:41 AM
well... you have just totally given me a new craft.. I love lace and texture and modge podge too.... love it!!! thanks so much yours are beautiful
Posted by: deedee | 08 May 2011 at 07:07 PM
Congrats Suzonne on your spread in BH&G, wonderful… and you look stunning! :)
Posted by: teresa granath | 27 April 2011 at 01:12 PM
Suzonne, I just wanted to let you know that I featured you today over on our blog! Love your site, keep up the good work and hope the coverage brings some added readers your way! Creative hugs, Morgan @ CasaCullen
link: http://www.casacullen.com/2011/04/sweet-site-urban-combort.html
Posted by: Morgan | 21 April 2011 at 07:50 AM
I saw this on the cover and snatched the magazine right up! Love the look. I was surprised BHG didn't do more coverage of the technique. That gorgeous pot is worthy of more than just a tiny blurb. Beautiful!
Posted by: Marisa | 20 April 2011 at 04:50 PM