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.
**UPDATE: I'VE CREATED A PHOTO TUTORIAL HERE.
Title photo by Rob Brinson for BHG
There are just lovely! I love the overall effect, the texture that the lace adds to an all-white vase or bowl. Just lovely - makes me want to attempt this, even though crafts are really not my forte!
Posted by: Elisa | 29 November 2011 at 05:04 AM
What a great project! :) I've featured this post on Craft Gossip here:
http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/decoupaged-lace-containers/
If you would like a "featured by" button, you can grab one here:
http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/grab-a-craft-gossip-button/
Posted by: Amanda | 29 October 2011 at 06:02 AM
Love this inventive way to use lace. It almost looks like antique milk glass from a distance. I posted it on my blog http://therusticalley.blogspot.com/2011/10/repin-wednesdaysdiy-projects.html.
Posted by: The Rustic Alley | 25 October 2011 at 10:26 PM
My daughter used lace from my wedding dress to refashion my veil. The leftovers will be perfect for this project and will make a great memento of both of our weddings. Thanks!
Posted by: pendy | 27 September 2011 at 11:41 AM
Got the mod podge, gonna go raid the kitchen now!!! Thanks for sharing such a cute and easy project.
Posted by: Amberly C. | 23 September 2011 at 09:14 AM
Love love this will certainly try this genius
Posted by: Vernice Duford | 04 September 2011 at 06:10 AM
Clap, clap, clap! This project is LOVE!
Posted by: claire | 01 September 2011 at 05:39 AM
hey i just found this through oh hello friend and this is hilarious! i totally want to make one right now! can i share your project on my blog, is that ok? of course i link back to you!
Posted by: internodiciotto | 31 August 2011 at 03:11 AM
Absolutely brilliant! I will be trying this later today!
Posted by: Mitzi Curi | 15 August 2011 at 01:07 AM
These are gorgeous! What a wonderful idea.
Posted by: Theophanie | 22 July 2011 at 11:57 AM
Wow, this is gorgeous! You are inspiring me to go home and make something right now!
Posted by: Van | 22 July 2011 at 10:40 AM
That is so elegant. I have to try this technique!
Posted by: Tanya Ruffin | 22 July 2011 at 06:58 AM
These are gorgeous - and would look awesome in any setting!
Posted by: Mod Podge Amy | 17 July 2011 at 07:38 AM
I'm going to be sharing this on a lace round up on my blog tomorrow! Thanks for the beautiful inspiration.
Posted by: Amie {Kitty Cats and Airplanes} | 29 June 2011 at 07:24 PM
How GORGEOUS is this??!! I c-a-n do this! I've become such a girlie-girlie and can't wait to apply this to my bedroom makeover.
Thanks for the tutorial!
Posted by: Tracy | 26 June 2011 at 07:02 AM
Absolutely LOVE this lace project! I wanted you to know I featured you today on a few of my favorite crafts of late!!
http://threeyearsofdeath.blogspot.com
Kitty
Posted by: Kitty | 16 June 2011 at 07:12 PM
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