What Is Quilling Anyway?

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?

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!