Project: Unraveling Valentines

Paper doily hearts, Dollarama, Quebec


Meredith Carruthers, Unraveling paper doily hearts: attempts 1, 2 and 3, 2008

Paper can be used to propose imagined things or to duplicate things already in existence. The Valentine season at the dollar-store seemed an excellent opportunity to explore the latter. Found amongst cut-out cupids and heart shaped boxes are stacks of red filigree hearts- the seasonal paper doily. The paper doily is a wonder of material mimicry. Crocheted doilies (made popular as an alternative to more costly lace) are made from cotton wool and formed by a series of pulled loops. Die-cut, embossed and often colour treated, the paper doily represents the shape and texture if not structure of crochet.

Letter-press on photocopied doily, Concordia University print demonstration, Meredith Carruthers, 2003