In Renaissance times nuns used to trim the edges of the pages out of gilt edged books. They would coil the strips of paper on their quills. Using coils, twists and folds they were able to create beautiful covers on books and other religious items in designs similar to the wrought iron scrollwork of the day.
For this project instead of trimming the edges out of books, the strips or paper are going to be made using a method that is not only fast but will give consistant strips-the paper shredder.
Materials Needed:
- Colored paper
- Paper shredder
- Glue
- Gold ink pad
- Card Stock
- Toothpick
Preparation
- Put a variety of colored paper through the paper shredder.
- Take each strip and glide one edge of it over the ink pad just enough to replicate a gilt edge.
Quilling
- Single-Begin coiling one strip of gilded paper around the tip of a toothpick. When wrapping the paper around the first time, add a drop of glue at the beginning to hold the paper to itself. Continue coiling until you are at the end of the strip. Release coil just enough for the size you desire and secure with a drop of glue. (one circle)
- Double-Coil one end of a paper strip to the halfway point of the strip. Move the toothpick to the other end and coil in until you reach the center. (resembles eyeglasses)
- "S" Coil-Coil as you would a double but when you move to the opposite end, coil away from the initial coil. (creates a double is an "S" shape)
- Petal-Coil in a single coil then pinch at one or both ends into a fold.
- Leaf-Coil a single strip. Pull the center of the coil to stretch it upwards.
- Heart-Double coil a strip leaving a slight gap between the coil and the center mark. Pinch the center most point.
- Make your own variation of quill.
Making the Card
Once you have all of the individual pieces made it is time to assemble them. You can use the quilled pieces to spell out "Dad" or create a three dimensional scene. Don't be afraid to get creative. Think about the kinds of things Dad enjoys whether it be golf, fishing, sports, or any other theme. Quilling doesn't have to be flowers.
- Arrange all of the pieces on the card in the position they will hold when complete. If you are stacking pieces only lay the first layer at this time.
- One by one glue the pieces to the cardstock.
- Let each layer dry thoroughly before adding any pieces on top of existing pieces.
- Use the inside of the card to let Dad know how you feel
- You can also put the quilling on the inside and cut a window in the cover of your card to allow the quilling to show and the card to lay flat.
- You are not restricted to just paper. You can add beads or pieces of straws, buttons or trim.
