I love to make doilies! Small ones, big ones, bright colored ones! I have been crocheting for more than 30 years. There are many things you can do with doiles. Of course you can put them on tables and dressers, but you can also:

• Frame them and hang them on a wall
• Stiffen them with starch or fabric stiffener to make lovely decorative hats and bowls.
• They make great gift wrap for special occasions, tie with a pretty ribbon.
• I once used one as a doorstop, simply cut a circle of fabric, wrap around a small plastic bag of floor dry or clay litter and wrap the whole thing with the doily and tie with a pretty ribbon.
• Some of my doilies can be put into an embroidery hoop and hung in a window or on a wall.
• Use them as a background for a special photo in a large frame. Center the photo and secure, either with pins or double-faced tape, then place trim around the outside of the photo.
• Wrap one around a vase of flowers and tie with a pretty ribbon.
• Sew them on throw pillows.
• Line baskets with them for flowers or food.
• Smaller doilies (coaster size) can be made into lovely ornaments with fabric stiffener. While the fabric is wet try sprinkling with glitter!
• Make a sachet! Cut a fabric circle 1" smaller than the doily. Layer the doily on the bottom, fabric, place your scent in the fabric circle and bring all edges together. Tie with ribbon.
• Make a doily bag with fabric lining and strap.

Hand wash in warm soapy water, rinse well. Starch

lightly, dry flat. Iron on cotton setting to set the starch.

Choose the size and shape bowl you want for your finished craft. Cover all surfaces with plastic wrap. Wear disposable plastic gloves.

Soak your damp doily in FABRIC STIFFENER (available at craft shops) and lightly wring. Stretch over the bowl, if you want a hat shape make your "brim" around the edges, be sure you center your doily. Allow to air dry completely. Brush any remaining dried stiffener out, decorate with ribbons and flowers! Remember that fabric stiffener is PERMANENT and will not wash off your bowl or work area, be sure to cover all surfaces.