How to Make a Starched Doily Basket

Did you come across some beautiful doilies at a local vintage shop and would like to do something with them that is unique and beautiful? What about turning them into baskets? They can hold flower petals or little soaps or pretty rocks. Starched doily baskets also make wonderful gifts. Read on to learn how to make a starched doily basket.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Crochet doily
• Waxed paper
• A box of starch
• Large bowl
• A tall glass
• Ribbon (optional)

1. Find a tall glass and turn it upside down. This will be the form for the basket. Make sure the doily fits over the bottom of the glass and has enough left to form the sides of the basket.
2. Spread waxed paper over your work surface. Mix the starch, according to directions on the box, to make a stiff recipe.
3. Submerse the doily into the starch. Make sure it is completely saturated. Wring out the excess starch.
4. Spread the wet doily over the upended glass. Smooth across the bottom of the glass and down the sides. Shape the sides of the doily to form curves. Take small crumbled balls of waxed paper and fit into the curves so the doily can hold its shape.
5. Let the doily dry completely. Remove from the glass and carefully remove the waxed paper balls. As an optional decoration, tie a small ribbon around the doily.

Tips & Warnings

• With a little supervision, a child can make a starched doily basket as a gift for Grandma.