I have a strong love for lace and doilies and this love is exemplified this time of year, when many stores are decked out in doily Valentine’s Day décor.

In honor of the upcoming holiday and my lace/doily obsession, I came up with a simple how-to that puts all my pieces of vintage lace and vintage doilies to good use.

Supplies needed:

• Wide pieces of lace {I used some vintage pieces that were about 5” wide} and/or doilies {I collect these from antique and vintage shops….they can be really affordable at around $1 each}
• Corn Starch
• Plastic Wrap
• Drinking glasses
• Rubber Bands

Step One:

Bring one cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan.  While you are waiting for the water to boil, mix together ¼ cup of cornstarch with ½ cup of cold water.

Step Two:

When the one cup of water has begun to boil, mix in the water/cornstarch and stir until the mixture thickens {this will take about 30 seconds}.  The mixture will be the consistency of thick gravy.  Turn off the heat and pour the cornstarch mixture into a large bowl.  Allow this to cool for about 30 minutes.

Step Three:

Flip your drinking glasses upside down and cover with pieces of plastic wrap.  Use rubber bands to hold the plastic wrap in place.

Step Four:

Submerge the pieces of lace into the cornstarch and water mixture and then wring out excess moisture.  Drape one piece of lace over each plastic wrap covered glass base.  Smooth the lace down and then secure it with a second rubber band.

If you are also making doily cups, follow the same steps.  I used a small bowl turned upside down for my doily since it was much larger than the pieces of lace.

Step Five:

Allow the lace/doilies to dry for about five hours and then carefully remove the rubber bands and peel the lace away from the glasses.

I think these little cups would make a lovely centerpiece – especially if they are filled with tea light candles.  Or, you could use them as the base for place cards at your wedding or dinner party.