Quilling is a beautiful papercrafting method which can be picked up by any crafter with the right tools. It’s simply the art of manipulating and sticking paper strips in a filigree-style pattern. There are many quillers experimenting with the craft in contemporary ways, from making quilled flowers to a simple filigree pattern, or to evoke a quilled scene, face or figure. In the last few years, quilling has become increasingly popular with papercrafters, cardmakers and paper artists. Find your quilling FAQ answered below and browse the full quilling range Homecrafts has to offer here!
1. Where did it come from?
Quilling was first reportedly used during the Renaissance when monks in France and Italy discovered that they could use it to adorn religious items and book covers. In the 18th century, it became a hobby particularly enjoyed by women in higher society.
2. What does it involve?
Using a special quilling tool, thin quilling papers are wrapped tightly around a narrow nib at the end of a hand-held tool. This creates curled coils that can be folded, pinched and stuck into whatever shape you choose.
3. What do you need?
There are two types of quilling tools; a needle tool or a slotted tool. The slotted tool holds the paper in place while the handle rotates to avoid it unravelling, but it can leave a sharp crimp in the centre of the coil. For perfectionists, a needle tool is the preferred option. With this method, the coil will be perfectly round in the centre but it can require practice. We like this pack of ten, £1.49 from Homecrafts, which suits both methods.
4. What about the papers?
Ready cut strips of quilling paper are widely available in all sorts of colours -we like this pack of strips, £1.49 for 500 from Homecrafts - but you can use any paper you fancy simply by cutting long strips with a guillotine. Ensure your strips of paper are all the same length to ensure the quilled curls you create will all be uniform.
5. What can I make?
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Want a lovely handmade card? Quill butterflies and flowers and glue together on the front of a greeting. Alternatively, make sweet loveheart shapes, spray with a water resistant adhesive and transform it into a delicate necklace pendant. The possibilities really are endless!
Quilling has become a much loved papercraft all over the crafting world, having been embraced by those who wish to adorn their handmade cards or scrapbooks with beautiful designs. It’s a craft form that requires practice to master, making it brilliant for helping to pass the hours in your craft room or from your lap tray. Happy quilling!
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