How to Make a Stiffened Lace Cross

Wax paper

White lace fabric

Scissors

2 3 inch x 5 inch blocks of wood

1 3 inch by 12 inch block of wood

Masking tape

Dressmaker's chalk

White craft glue

Bowl

Lay out a sheet of wax paper large enough to lay the wood blocks on it in a cross configuration, plus a little extra room to catch any dripping glue.

Spread some lace fabric over the wax paper.

Arrange the three wood blocks in a cross shape on top of the lace. Place the two smaller wooden blocks about three inches down from the top of the center rectangle on either side to form the arms of the cross.

Attach the arms of the wooden cross to the center shaft using a couple pieces of masking tape (this is just to keep them from sliding away while you work, so don't worry about making it too secure).

Use a pencil or dressmaker's chalk to draw the outline of a cross shape on the lace, around the wooden blocks. Allow a margin of two inches on all sides. Pull this and the rest of the scrap lace out from beneath the block and re-arrange them into their cross shape.

Mix a solution of one part white glue, one part water. Place the cut-out lace cross in this solution to soak, then pull them out and wring them with your hands until they're moist, but not dripping.

Lay the craft cross shape over the wooden cross, centering the lace so that it conforms to the shape of the cross. Press the margin areas of the lace down against the sides of the wood. Let dry.

Pull the stiffened lace cross shape carefully away from the wood. If any areas of the cross are soft after drying, apply some more glue solution to these places with your fingertips and let them dry.

Decorate the lace cross with paint, ribbons or artificial flowers as desired.