Repurpose A Vintage Doily To Create Budget-Friendly Pavers With A Clever DIY

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Fabric doilies have been around since the 17th century (they're even named after a 17th-century cloth merchant), originally they were used to preserve furniture and delicate materials including glass and wood. Still today, they still hold their own as decorative toppers for things like keepsake boxes, table settings, and even lamp shades — and this is just a fraction of the places where you may find them staking their claim in a home. Perhaps it's the timeless appeal of their intricate design patterns, or simply the nostalgic charm they bring to a space. 

Somehow, these delicate laced designs have managed to stick around for centuries without ever fully going out of style. But there's one function they can serve that you may be unfamiliar with: using them as stencils to decorate your pavers. Yes, these dainty pieces of fabric with their easily-recognizable, filigreed designs can help you bring a gorgeous landscaping idea to life. With them, you can create artisanal-themed designs on stones or bricks for your driveway, patio, or pathway. Best of all, this isn't a weekend-long commitment or landscaping hack that'll drain your wallet — it's just one of the many ways you can refresh your backyard landscape on a budget without sacrificing personal style.

Before you head to scoop up those forgotten doilies stored in your garage, do a quick check to see if you have the necessary supplies for this DIY — many of them are everyday items. Some things you'll need in addition to your pavers of choice include outdoor spray paint (one that'll stand out on your stone, like Krylon Fusion Spray Paint), an outdoor sealant (like Krylon UV-resistant clear coating), and several pieces of cardboard (or another ground cover). Also, be sure to grab a pair of scissors, a pencil, and a hard-bristled scrub brush to help prep your pavers.

After you've gathered your doilies and other supplies, prepare the ground where your pavers will be laid (if they're not already) by removing any weeds and leveling the soil. Now it's time to clean up your stones a bit. There are several ways to do this, depending on the stone type and how dirty they are. One easy way is to use the scrub brush to remove any visible dirt or old concrete debris. A mild detergent, soap, or an anti-mildew cleaner, such as Wet & Forget Moss Outdoor Cleaner, will also work to remove mildew stains and surface dirt. 

A light pressure wash is another great way to quickly remove any dirt or dead insects. After rinsing the pavers, give them time to dry completely. Then, prepare them for painting. If your pavers are already on the ground, place the cardboard over them, tracing around them with a pencil. Cut out this area, and lay it over the stone to help shield the surrounding grass from paint. If your pavers aren't already installed, then you can just put down a tarp or newspaper on your work surface. Next, lay your doilies on top of the stones. 

Then, spray each paver with an even coat of paint. To avoid smearing the paint, let it dry slightly before removing the doily. Once it dries completely, add a coat of sealer to preserve your new paver design. And just like that, you've turned those forgotten vintage doilies and a plain paver into an artful landscaping feature that costs next to nothing to make.

DIY garden paths are one of the more low-maintenance landscaping ideas. All you have to do to maintain your path is manage occasional weed removal. And now that you know the basics for this craft project, you've got plenty of options for customizing this DIY paver design.

One of the best ways to do this is to let paint do all the heavy lifting for you. For example, instead of only painting the stenciled doily designs one color, try adding a base color to the pavers as well. Contrasting colors work best to help the imagery pop, such as a dark base and a white design. Or, consider painting a multi-colored design to liven up the pavers. Another option is using complementary colors to tie the stones into your yard's theme, like a sage green base paired with a dusty rose-colored design. 

Experimenting with different doily looks can also help you to take this idea to the next level. Not all doilies are created equal, and there are many different pattern options to choose from. Visit marketplaces like local thrift stores, Etsy, eBay, and even Amazon (for vintage-inspired options) to find other types of designs. You can even mix-and-match designs to create distinctive patterns that you can't find in any store.