Quilling is a very old form of papercrafting that uses thin strips of paper rolled and creased here and there to create an image or object.
Quilling is great because it allows for every age and level of ability to create something wonderful.
Materials Needed:
Papercutter (or scissors if you are the patient type)
paper
glue
needle with a 1/8th inch eye
needle with a 1/4 inch eye
pencils
ruler
There are actually tools available for quilling but I like using the eye of a needle because I find it allows for control and helps with detail. For our sample we will make a trivet. Once you have quilled once, you can take the idea and make all different designs and items. You are only limited by your imagination.
Decide on what colors you want to use. I use paper rather than card stock because it rolls with out creasing when I want it smooth.
Using a strip of paper, insert one end just barely into the eye of the needle. Fold slightly. You are using the eye of the needle as your fingers. Now holding the other end of the paper, spin the needle, rolling up the paper into a tight circle. Remove needle. Glue.
You can also make your circle looser depending on your pattern.
Repeat the process until you have enough circles in the desired colors. Lay out your design. Now one by one glue the pieces side by side until they are about the size of a small plate.
Try different styles. You can fold the end of each side of the paper and bend the center.
You can create a looping pattern by folding the paper over about 1/2". Now create a loop right next to that by folding a loop again. Now create a third loop the same way. Use the remaining strip to fold all the way around the design and encase it. This will give it strength. Get creative and try folding here and there while rolling in other places. When you find a design you like, repeat it. You will be amazed at what you can create.
Don't forget to use different color combinations.
Most of all, just have fun.
