Moxie Fab World Challenge: Diggin' on Doilies & Lace

Doilies and lace. It's a trend I've been watching for quite a while now, and it hit the ground running at CHA Winter this past January. Naturally I'm just thrilled at the timing of this, as the March/April 2010 Moxie Fabs article in Paper Crafts magazine just happens to focus on doilies and lace as our trendy inspiration. (You can find it on pages 24-26.)

And as with all things trendy, if it is, indeed, a true trend, you're going to see it in many, many other moxie fab places as well. And, you'll probably find yourself muttering somewhere inside that inspirable brain of yours, Ooo, that's really cool. Check it:

Sunshine Apron from hankypankyaprons on etsy

Lela Rose Dress from Net-a-Porter

Doily Banner from Apartment Therapy

Heidi Lace Shoes by Georgina Goodman via Polyvore

Doily Home Decor from Apartment Therapy

Chatting Garden Rug from Anthropologie

Doily Wall Decor from Apartment Therapy

Michael Kors Lace Shift Dress from 25 Park

Thomaspaul Gothic Dinner Plate Set from 2modern

Handprinted Sachet by inkihandmade on etsy

Chantilly Oxfords from Anthropologie

Cameo Lace Chair from Anthropologie

Ebony Lace Wallpaper from Anthropologie

Debonair Doily Top from Anthropologie

Snowflake Apron from hankypankyaprons on etsy

Lace Lamp Shades from Apartment Therapy

See what I'm sayin'? I'm sayin' Ooo, that's cool somewhere in that inspirable brain of mine, and I'm pretty sure you are, too.

The supah fun fun begins when you find ways to incorporate this trend into your paper crafted projects as these Moxie Fabbers who happen to also be Paper Crafts Go-to Gals did for the March/April column:

Absolutely Fabulous Card by Jessica Witty, p. 25

Moxie Fab Alert: In this gorgeous card, Jessica has layered a variety of products from Hambly Screen Prints to accentuate both lace and doily looks that completely accentuate the trend focus.

Merci Beaucoup Card by Betsy Veldman, p. 26

Moxie Fab Alert: In this dainty and delicate card, Betsy has used stamps to achieve her doily effects as both the focal point of her design (red on white) and as the background (white on kraft.)

Old Friends Doily Card by Kim Kesti, p. 25

Moxie Fab Alert: In this moxie fab card, Kim has combined Hambly Screen Print doilies (Hambly is always ahead of the trends) with vintage photos and a lot of white space to create a distinctively retro-modern look. Supah cool!

Are you ready to give this a try? A couple of key points to think about as you get started:

1. The doily/lace should be the focal point of the design. It won't be enough to just put some lace on your project, for example. If you notice in all the images above, the doily is the focal point and/or the lace completely covers whatever is in the background.
2. With doilies and lace, the element of contrast is the key. It's really hard to see white lace on pastels. If you notice, most of the doilies and lace in the examples above pair opposites (white and black) or highly contrasted colors (yellow and black, red and white, etc.)
3. By the same token, if you prefer not to use highly contrasting colors, for maximum impact, go with neutrals or complimentary colors. The effect is powerful, yet soft.
4. Don't be afraid to break the rules and come up with something that totally pops. Wow-factor is always a combination of surprise, balance, and fine execution.

Here's how to play: create a project you love, post it to your blog, then click on the post title and upload that URL to Mr. Linky below. If you don't have a blog, link your projects to this flickr group so we can all make comments. You have until midnight on Monday, March 22 to submit your masterpieces. I'll show the five most moxie fab projects on this blog on Wednesday, March 24. Winners will receive an "I'm Moxie Fab Challenge Winner" badge for the sidebars of their blogs and a delightful prize as well, but the real fun is in stretching yourself and doing something you might never have tried before.

I can't WAIT to see what you do with this fun challenge, friends. To see the rest of the projects in the March/April Moxie Fabs column, pick up your copy today!

Diggin' on doilies and lace,

~Cath