Decoupaging with Lace

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

Comments

[Suzonne]

Hi Jenn, I purchased it from a vendor on Etsy - Fabric Treasury. However, it may have been a vintage piece. I found Etsy to be the best place to find more unusual types of lace. Search "eyelet cotton fabric." Good luck with finding something complementary!

[Jenn]

I love this idea I am going to use the tecnique over cheap bathroom accessories instead of spending a fortune on them. The picture you have with the four pieces I love. Do you remember where you bought that lace? The design on the left matches my stenciled bathroom wall exactly. I have looked at Joann and Hobby lobby. Please help!

[DavidMiller]

So beautiful!

[dwdw rammou]

Excellent art job! I love it!

[Suzonne]

Camellia, I'm so sorry! Somehow I managed to miss your comment. I think that any textured fabric will change to some degree with Mod Podge, especially if it's embroidered. Here's a link to a project I did for Family Circle where I attached fabric to a nightstand using iron-on fusible web. That technique doesn't waterproof or seal the fabric, but it doesn't change the texture or color either. Depending on the type of usage you're going for, the fusible web might be a better bet.

http://www.familycircle.com/home/crafts/projects/nightstand/

[Camelia]

Hi there I'm working on a project I like to glue fabric on a furniture piece and I have done some research , people seem to use mod podge for that !
Now my fabric is beige and has different shades of embroidery on it ,
I don't want it to change I like the look and the colour .
My question is :
Will mod podge change the feel or texture or color of it ?
Or will it look exactly the same ?

[Suzonne]

Kirsten, they are water-resistant, not waterproof. So no dishwasher! I use mine for flowers and I clean the interior of them, but I don't let them soak in a tub of water or use soap on the outside. Basically, less is more, so just clean them as much as you need to for as short a time as you need to. But they're really easy to make and the Mod Podge seals the white fabric so it stays fresh looking.

[Kirsten]

How water resistant are these? Can you run them under the tap, for example?

I'm going to try this with Outdoor Mod Podge. I don't expect to be able to soak them, but I would like to be able to wash them out. Thank you for this post.

[Sandra Guevara]

Just BEAUTIFUL!!! Thanks for sharing your lovely and feminine ideas.

[Suzonne]

Thanks, Jennifer. I appreciate that! And I hope you'll try this project out - it's SO easy!!

[Jennifer Borton]

I am in loooooooooooovvvvvvveeeee with this!!! your work here is gorgeous! Thank you so much for sharing.

[Suzonne]

Thanks, Sally!

[Sally]

such a beautiful idea...and lovely creations TFS :)

[Jen]

love this idea!!

[Suzonne]

Thanks, Valerie! I appreciate that!

[Valerie]

What a beautiful result! I love how the lace looks! I used this as the "craft of the day" on our Facebook page. Check us out at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brushes-and-Thread/231012056980834.

[Suzonne]

Thanks, Adrian! My instinct is that the Mod Podge will cause a problem with spray painting (though I've never tried it, so I can't say with any certainty). Another option to consider is spray painting everything BEFORE using the Mod Podge (spray painting the container and spray painting the lace while it's lying flat, then proceeding with the decoupage part.) If you do experiment, I hope you'll come back and let me know how it went.

[Adrian]

I love this project! Would it be possible to spray paint over the lace once the modge podge is dry?

[Bellenza Bistro]

Absolutely lovely! A most dainty form of texture for a wedding table!

[Suzonne]

Hi Betty,

I have no experience with that, so I can't fully answer your question. But here's information I took from Mod Podge Rocks. I will say this - I used the regular Mod Podge for the project I did and when I need to clean the insides of the containers, I wash them - with soap and water. But I don't fully submerge them in water or let them soak. I just clean and rinse the inside, dump it, and wipe the exterior if necessary with a damp cloth. Doing that, I haven't had any issues. You could also try using Mod Podge Outdoors to give you even great durability.

........................................................................

Is Mod Podge waterproof when dry?

No. Mod Podge is waterbase and acrylic, which is great because that means it’s non-toxic. You can use it with your children without fear. But all these things mean that it’s not totally waterproof. Even Mod Podge Outdoor is only highly water-resistant. If you want to make your project waterproof, I recommend a clear, outdoor (or Enamel) acrylic sealer when your project is complete. Make sure that the final layer of Mod Podge is completely dry before spraying.

I also want to add two things:
1) Mod Podge Outdoor has been extensively tested and is very durable in outdoor conditions. It’s pretty close to waterproof, but you can’t throw an item with Mod Podge Outdoor on it into the pool and keep it there for three weeks without ruining the project. To be able to do so would make it waterproof.
2) If you get a few drops of water or moisture on a Mod Podged item, just wipe them off. You can also use a slightly damp cloth to clean a Mod Podged item. Again, the formulas are very durable, just not waterproof.

[Betty]

Could you spray them with acrylic sealer so the could be hand washer?

[lady]

ok, cylinders or squares wouldn't be a problem yes I see that now. But I'm doing a very round teapot that is not only round but tapers down, and the lace would have to be cut with many slits. But I found another solution, and will post it on my blog soon linking back to you here. I didn't use fabric lace but 'resorted' to paper doily and cutting out the solid center left a rounded lace trim that fit pretty well with little to not trim. thank you! Lady

[Meg]

My mind is blown! Amazing idea!!!

[Suzonne]

If your lace is bulky and you're having a difficult time smoothing out the bottom edge, try cutting small vertical slits in the lace all along the edge. When you press the lace down onto the bottom, you can trim off the excess fabric or just overlap those cut edges. The Mod Podge will seal it and keep the cut edges from fraying, so just mold it with your hands.

Having said that, you generally only need to do that if your container is tapered. If you're using cylinders or squares it shouldn't be a problem. You can just trim the edge flush with the container.

[Lady]

This is stunning and beautiful. I'd like to try it but have a question of how did you get the fabric so smooth around the corners? I'm trying to lay it out to see and I think I'd have to pleat it? yours dont' have pleats, please advise...thank you. Lady