Make A Lace Roller

Lace has such a lovely texture we simply had to find a way in which to use it everywhere. With this method you can cover everything from giftwrap to fabric and even a wall with a lace design.

You will need:

• large wooden rolling pin
• remnant of lace
• fabric paint (for fabric) or craft paint (for wood, paper, and so on) in the colour of your choice
• small sponge roller and paint tray
• 4mm sponge paper (to create a soft surface)
• graph paper (or plain paper)
• wood glue
• craft brush
• masking tape
• measuring tape
• pencil and ruler
• scissors

To make:

1 Take your measuring tape and measure the length and circumference of the rolling pin. Add 10mm to the circumference (this is the thickness of the lace) and write down the measurements. Our rolling pin is 185 + 10 = 195mm in circumference and 300mm long.

2 Mark out the measurements on your graph paper or plain paper and draw the block. Arrange your lace pieces inside the block and see how you can use them. If you use more than one, like we did, the pattern will need to repeat neatly. Remember, the top and bottom edges are going to meet on the roller. If you are planning to do a large area, you will also have to consider how the side edges match up.

3 Now cut out your lace and trim away the sections around the scalloped, zigzag and other edges. Fold the lace loosely around the rolling pin to make sure everything fits neatly.

4 Paint wood glue over the rolling pin and stick the lace in place. Press it firmly all over to make sure it adheres properly.

TIP If you use very thin or stretch lace, you can stick it to a sheet of adhesive plastic film before you stick it to the rolling pin. Then it won’t move around or stretch when you glue it in place.

5 Allow the glue to dry and check that the lace is adhering properly everywhere. You can hold it in place with elastic bands to make sure it sticks properly.

6 Pour a little paint into the paint tray, roll your sponge roller in it and then roll the paint all over the lace. Repeat with another layer. The lace absorbs the paint, but after the first layer you will need a lot less paint.

7 Work on a flat surface and place the sponge paper under the fabric or paper that you want to decorate. Stick masking tape over the corners so it doesn’t move around.

8 Press down hard on the rolling pin and roll it over the fabric or paper. Leave to dry. If you use fabric paint, heat set it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Contact details:

Website: www.ideasmag.co.za or www.idees.co.za