Content Created by Tracey of Baker Street Living 
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A Lace bowl is a simple and elegant DIY project that adds a soft, vintage touch to any space. Perfect for holding jewelry, keys, or decorative items, these lightweight bowls look far more expensive than they are. With just a few basic supplies and a little drying time, you can create a custom lace bowl that matches your home décor beautifully.
WhatYou’ll Need
- Lace doilies or lace fabric (cotton lace works best)
- Fabric Stiffener or White craft glue
- A bowl (to use as a mould)
- a bowl to use for soaking
- Plastic wrap
- Small paintbrush or foam brush (optional – used for touch-ups)
- Scissors (if you need to trim the lace)
How to Make a Lace Bowl
1 – Start by choosing a bowl to use as your mould. The size and shape of this bowl will determine the final look of your lace bowl. Turn the bowl upside down and cover it completely with plastic wrap to prevent the lace from sticking to it.
2 – Prepare the lace. If you’re using a lace doily, it may already be the perfect shape. For lace fabric, trim it into a circle or desired shape that will drape nicely over the bowl. For best results, trim around the lace design elements. The look is best if there are no loose threads and the bowl edges are complete shapes, such as flowers or leaves, of the main design of the lace.
3 – Drape the lace over the bowl to check for fit and make any adjustments to the shape.
4 –Using Fabric Stiffener – In a separate dish large enough for soaking the lace, add enough fabric stiffener to saturate the lace.
Using Glue – In a separate dish, create a mixture of white glue and water. I like a 2-to-1 ratio as it results in a good stiff lace bowl. The amount you need depends on the size of the lace doily.
For a small. Lace bowl, mix 2 ounces of glue mixed with 1 ounce of water. If you find this too thick to handle, add a little more water. Some white glue is thicker than others, which means you may need a little more water.
To make clean-up easier, line the mixing bowl with plastic wrap. When you are done, you can just throw away the wrap.
5 – Soak the lace in the stiffener or glue mixture, making sure it is well saturated. If you find you don’t have enough glue mixture, mix more in a disposable cup and add to the lace.
6 – Allow some of the fabric stiffener to drip back into the bowl before placing it onto the bowl.. Drape the lace over the plastic wrap covered bowl and position it in place according to the desired look. Use a foam brush or sraft brush to apply more stiffener if you see thin spots.
7 – Set aside and allow to dry for at least 24 hours. Depending on the thickness of the lace, you may need a longer drying time.
8 – Once it feels dry, remove it from the wrapped bowl and then remove the plastic wrap.
9 – Allow it to sit a little longer so that the inside of the bowl is fully dry.
10 – If your bowl is a little lopsided, you should be able to mould it slightly with your hand.
Once you are satisfied that it is completely dry, use and enjoy your lovely lace bowl.
Helpful Tips
Adding Personal Touches
For a personalized look, you can paint the finished lace bowl with acrylic paint, add a light dusting of glitter, or brush on metallic accents. Keep it neutral for a classic feel or add colour to match seasonal decor
How to Get a Flat Bottom
If your bowl is not sitting flat and you’d like a flat bottom, spritz the bottom (bottom only) with a bit of warm water and sit some weight inside, such as hockey pucks. You could also use small round coasters with some weight on them as well. The key is to use a flat object with some weight. Let it sit for a day or two.
How to Use Your Lace Bowl
Lace bowls are incredibly versatile. Use them as decorative catch-alls on a dresser or entry table, display them as part of a centrepiece, or gift them as handmade presents. They’re especially lovely for weddings, baby showers, or vintage-inspired home decor.
Where not to use Lace Bowls
Avoid areas where there is steam, such as bathrooms or near a stove. The moisture in the air can be absorbed by the finished lace bow.
Outdoor use is not reccomended as the lace bowls are not weather or sun-friendly.
Always consider pets. If you have cats, and they show an interest in them, place them out of their reach.
Storing Lace Bowls
If packing or storing lace bowls, fill them with tissue or soft filler and add tissue around the outside to stabilize them.
Making a lace bowl is an easy and affordable craft that delivers beautiful results. Each bowl is unique, and the delicate lace texture adds charm to any room. Whether you’re crafting for yourself or creating handmade gifts, this project is a wonderful way to turn simple materials into something truly special.
This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases (at no cost to you).