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Carrying a handkerchief is not common as a practice. After all, disposable tissues are easy to get hold of, readily available and considered more hygienic. But a vintage handkerchief doesn’t have to spend its last days in a thrift store. Not just pieces of cloth to blow your nose in, they are also fashion accessories, and were once used as tokens to express feelings of romance. If you want to give a thrifted napkin another purpose, try transforming it into a beautiful, decorative bowl. There is a clever DIY where you stiffen the fabric, which helps the handkerchief become a very useful container. It is a Thrift store flips that make adorable countertop decor.
Handkerchiefs come in a myriad of colors and patterns, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find one you like. You may also have old hanky heirlooms that you’ve been wanting to free from the box. While the project will really change their design, it will be a wonderful way to display them. If not, find a vintage handkerchief at the thrift store that looks very lightly used with no marks or stains. And, as with anything bought secondhand, it’s important to get home and wash it before jumping into the project. Take a fabric stiffener like this bottle Allyn’s Fabric StiffenerAlso a large bowl, plastic wrap, disposable bowl and gloves (if you want to save your hands from getting messy).
Make beautiful and charming bowls from vintage napkins
Place your supplies on a workspace that you probably don’t mind getting drips on (or put a sheet of something waterproof underneath). Now, turn your large bowl upside down and cover the bottom with plastic wrap. Set it aside for a moment. Add a little fabric stiffener to a disposable bowl (about a few tablespoons), then place your handkerchief inside. Using gloved hands, scrunch the hankie into the stiffener until it is completely covered. Gently squeeze the contents to remove any excess liquid.
Next, spread your napkin out and place it over the bowl upside down. Go over the fabric with your hands to make it easier — or, for a different look, leave the hankie draped. Either way, you’ll create a decor piece that’s perfect for one Vintage-style living room. Leave the napkin on the bowl until it is completely dry. Once that’s done, you can peel off the hard stuff and it should be in a bowl shape. Repeat this process with as many old handkerchiefs as you like.
The beauty behind this DIY handkerchief bowl is that it is both beautiful and very useful. You can store small items in one – however, keep in mind that it won’t be as sturdy as a regular container. Set your bowl in the center of the coffee table to hold your TV remote, a coaster, or (ironically) a box of tissues. Are you looking for it? Elegant jewelery storage solution? Turn your vintage napkin bowl into one. Or, use it as a catchall container in the entryway. With how easy these napkin bowls are to make, you may have another reason to thrift shop!
