The Craft Of Quilling

Day 173: The craft of paper quilling has been around for at least 500 years, but you'll draw raised eyebrows from most of your friends if you mention it. Some may recall a grandmother or aunt who made little pictures out of rolled-up paper, but they won't be able to tell you what the art form is called. The craft experienced a renewal of popularity in modern times during the early part of the 20th Century.

The name derives from the fact that originally strips of paper were rolled around an actual feather quill. Later, use of a bodkin or quilling needle allowed quillers to have finer control over the dimensions and tightness of the coils. Once rolled, a coil is set aside to relax and open before being shaped. If accuracy is desired (like for making the white snowflake), coils may be put in a quilling frame with holes of a specific dimension. After the coil has relaxed, the loose outer end of the paper strip is glued down and then the coil is ready to be pinched into shape. A variety of different shapes can be made: circles, teardrops, ellipses and so on, or they may be loosened to form leaves or stems. Finished coils are glued together to form flowers or patterns, and the finished piece may then be affixed to paper or cardstock for display.

Quilling supplies are readily available on line and paper comes in a wide variety of colors and widths. Some craft stores carry paper and basic tools, but if you want to try it with little monetary outlay, just cut 1/4" strips of colored computer paper and use a tapestry needle or large sewing needle for your quilling tool. The only other items you'll need are tacky glue and some cardstock for mounting your artwork!