Paper Lace...
For a feminine effect.

Do you like the look of lace on your cards?

Well making your own paper lace is a cheaper option than the real thing, and just as effective.

There are many ways to get the look of lace and one to consider is  this paper alternative.

Or maybe you have a lace punch that will make plain paper look really special.

The next time you go the supermarket or the local store look for a packet of Paper Doileys.

They are very cheap and you will get lots of them in one pack.

They usually come in a mix of sizes in the pack too, and because all the patterning is done for you it is easy to create the rest of the look.

Choose the pattern and size that you want and remove the centre of the circle to enable you to curl the paper round

Then ink the edges carefully to avoid tearing the paper.

Carefully cut one side so that you can open up the circle.

Cut yourself a strip of card to fit the size of the card that you are making either the length or the width depending on which way you want the lace to run.

Then carefully pleat the doily and with some wet glue stick it to the strip.

Although the doily is curved it will straighten out as you pleat it up.

Set it on one side until the glue is dry.

Once your glue is dry add a piece of ribbon across the top of the strip to hide the untidy edges.

The lace is now ready for you to add to your card.

If you need to you can always repeat the process and then join on the other strip to make it longer.

Adding an image and other embellishments to your card can make it really special and the look of lace all adds to the richness.

Use the different patterns and sizes for another look to your cards.

Here is another way to use the smaller doily's in your pack.

Remove the centre as before and ink the edges carefully, but this time don't cut into the circle.

With some wet glue carefully pleat it onto a small punched circle.

Then into the centre of the lace,  glue in a small paper flower.

Match the inking to the colour scheme of your design, or ink it green to recreate some leaves.

The flower will be surrounded by the paper lace and the effect is very pretty.

I am sure that this idea is sure to please both you and the recipient and this will be a card you are proud to give.

Or you could just pleat it to the back of your images to make a very pretty topper for your cards.

Making Paper Lace is a far cheaper option than buying the real stuff and you can make as much as you like from the doileys in your packet.

Or consider dies that will create the lace look for you over and over again and there are lots in the Card Making Magic Collection at 
Craft Stash