A Case for Lace

SPY SOME OF THIS VINTAGE TEXTILE? HERE ARE FUN WAYS TO PLAY WITH AND DISPLAY IT!

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CURTAIN CALL

Dress up a lonely window with this ethereal curtain panel, opposite. Begin by hand-stitching old lace doilies onto the lower half of a length of cotton or synthetic voile, which has the transparency needed for this project. Fold the remaining half of voile behind the half with the doilies. (Doilies will be on the outside of the fabric at this point.) Sew the two long sides together.

Turn inside out, encasing the doilies in the two layers. Finish the top with a hem and rod pocket; hang. The effect is very special—translucent, diaphanous and very pretty.

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

These lacy votive candleholders, above, provide big impact for little effort. Wet short strips of lace; squeeze out excess water. Press damp strips to the inside of any colored-glass votive holder; the lace will stick in place. After the lace dries, insert a second, smaller glass votive holder of similar height. The glow of the candle will show through the lace and create a beautiful ambience.

FRONT AND CENTER

Lace can be used to add gorgeous texture to furniture, right. Coat the front of a vanity drawer with a gloss or matte paint. Press the lace into the wet paint so it lays flat. (Wear plastic gloves.) Add one or two additional coats of paint. The pattern of the lace will show through the paint. See that brooch? Antique lace was pressed into clay before the piece was fired and glazed.

FIT AND TRIM