Once upon a time doilies ruled the civilized world. They were everywhere: on end tables, night stands, shelves and other locations around the home. In case you don’t know what a doily is, it’s a knitted or tatted circle, oval or other shape that was used to protect tables or just look pretty.
In the old days, Grandma had to spend hours starching the doilies and shaping them just right. There are new methods, though, which make having the retro doily decor a simple task. Never again must you stand over a hot ironing board and shape, starch, shape the doily.
To shape doilies now, simply mix together three-fourths cup of sugar, a fourth cup of water and boil. Allow the mixture to cool, then dip the doily into the liquid. When you remove it, set it on a towel and shape. Allow to dry completely and you’ve got the same look as Grandma – with less time and effort.
The mixture doesn’t necessarily have to be used strictly to shape doilies. Lightweight fabrics can be molded in the same manner. After molding the fabrics they can be used as a bowl-type catch-all for the dresser, the bathroom or even the kitchen.
When using heavier fabrics it may be necessary to reshape the object several times as it dries. Lightweight fabrics will generally hold their shapes, though, even while wet.
The sugar water technique makes it easy to create unusual and one-of-a-kind designs for all around your home. You can use shapes you already have as molds for the fabrics and doilies, too. Dip them in the starch water, then allow them to dry by draping them over upside-down bowls, serving trays, cups – even gelatin molds.
When the doilies or fabric creations become soiled, simply throw them in the washer then boil some more mixture then dip and shape once again. Do several pieces at the same time to prevent having to waste most of the mixture, and to prevent having to make the mixture again and again. The mixture can also be cut in half – or doubled – depending upon your needs.
Make unique decor items by dipping some unusual items in the mix. Try a baby sock. After it becomes stiff it can be used to hold things in the baby’s room like diaper pins, velcro hair bows and more. Or, dip a knit cap, allow it to set up, then use it in a boy’s or girl’s room to hold small items and accessories.
You can really have a lot of fun with the sugar starch recipe, and at the same time, create all sorts of gifts, crafts and home decor items. Make doll dresses, unique place mats, all sorts of potted plant holders, interesting picture frames, cool accessory holders, great gift holders and much more.
Oh, it deserves a mention that, upon drying, the doilies or fabric decor pieces will not feel sticky to the touch. Also, you don’t have to knit or tat the doilies yourself. You’ll still find doilies at department stores, craft stores – even dollar-theme stores.
Try making some doily or fabric decor pieces using the sugar water method. You’ll really enjoy the ease and the beauty of the many pieces you can make.
Reference:
- Purchase starch online: www.drugstore.com
