When I was a child, my favorite Valentine’s Day craft supply was paper doilies. We kept a whole cabinet full of them, and I loved finding new ways to use those delicate lace-like circles. If you also have a soft spot for paper doilies, here are five easy, charming projects to try. Get the kids involved for quick, last-minute Valentines or prepare these ideas ahead of a party that needs a touch of lace.
1. Embroidered Paper Doilies: Simple and adorable. Use baker’s twine or thin embroidery thread to stitch heart shapes, initials, or scalloped accents along the doily’s edge. The stitching adds texture and makes each piece feel handmade and special—perfect for gift tags, place settings, or framed keepsakes.
Embroidered doilies make sweet, personalized touches for parties and gifts.
2. Paper Doily Cones: Roll a doily into a cone and you’ve got an instant confetti holder or favor cone. They’re quick to make and look elegant at any celebration. Fill them with paper confetti, small candies, or flower petals for a pretty presentation that’s also practical.
Doily cones are ideal for favors, confetti, or little treats.
3. Paper Doily Parasols: Make delicate drink parasols by attaching a doily to a wooden skewer or small stick. These are a charming upgrade from store-bought paper umbrellas and add a vintage, feminine touch to iced tea parties, bridal showers, or dessert displays.
Doily parasols add a pretty vintage flair to beverages and desserts.
4. Paper Doily Envelope Liners: Add a sweet surprise to your Valentine envelopes by lining the inside with a paper doily. Trim the doily to fit, spray or dab on adhesive, and slide it into the envelope for an instant upgrade. It’s a small detail that makes a big impression when the recipient opens the card.
Doily envelope liners lend a delicate, unexpected accent to cards and invitations.
5. Paper Doily Gift Wrap: Use doilies as decorative accents on packages and gift bags. Attach a doily to the top of a wrapped present or tuck it under ribbon for an elegant finish. Heart-shaped doilies are especially fitting for Valentine’s Day, and this idea can easily be adapted for birthdays, holidays, or any gift-giving occasion.
Doily accents instantly elevate simple wrapping into something special.
If you’d like to add color to any of these projects, dyeing doilies is an easy way to customize them. Use fabric dye, diluted food coloring, or watered-down acrylic paint to tint doilies before assembling your crafts. Pick your favorite hues and experiment—dyed doilies can be used anywhere you’d use white ones, from party decor to stationery details.
Want to see another item featured in the “Five Things to Do With…” series? Tell me your idea and it might be included in a future roundup!