Quilling -Ideas, Resources and Information

Quilling is an art form that uses strips of paper that are rolled, shaped and glued together to create a decorative design. It is a strip of paper rolled into a coil which is then pinched into decorative shapes. It dates back hundreds of years in Europe where people would decorate all kinds of projects with their "paper filigree" or quilling. It came over with the colonists who used it to decorate sconces and trays. It still remains as popular as ever, although people have added some new twists to the hobby.

Quilling Basics

Quilling is not a very expensive hobby. You just need a few tools and supplies to get started. And these are readily available.

Quilling Tools

Quilling Paper

The standard paper is 1/8 " wide. But it also comes in 1/4 inch and 3.8 inch widths. You can purchase pre -cut paper or you can cut your own. Remember, if you use thicker paper, there is is a larger chance to get creases and you will need to use a stronger glue.

It is largely available in over 250 colors. It comes in different types of paper. The most common is the solid paper. Other types of paper include two tone, acid free and graduated paper.

Two tone paper has one color on one side and a lighter color on the other side. It provides a softness to the finished piece

Graduated paper starts with a solid color paper that eventually fades all the way down to white. Or it can start with white and go all the way up to the darker color.

Acid free quilling paper is the perfect paper to use if you are quilling on a scrapbook page, a pgoto frame or anywhere where you want the work to last a lifetime.

Quilling Tools

To get the most out of your quilling experience, you will need a quilling tool. The best tools are those that are made of metal and can be handled easily. The tools are used to wind the paper around to make the coils for your patterns.

The most often used tool is the slotted quilling tool. It has a slot along the shaft of the tool that holds the paper. It's great for beginners to manage, especially when holding to turn the coil. Once you wind the coil, you slip it off the tool. The stainless steel tool is your best bet, because it will not rust or leave marks on your paper.

The needle tool is another tool that you will want to have. You roll the paper around the needle using your thumb and finger with the left hand. If you want a smaller hole left in the centre of your tight roll, it is worth mastering this tool.

Ruler

Scissors

Glue

The best glue for quilling is not always the most expensive. I personally like Elmer's Glue, gut any glue that dries clear will work. The glue is used to glue your coil together. It is very important to know that to glue the coil together, you use a very minute amount.

There are glue applicator bottles that have a small needle nose tip that help do the job. Otherwise, a needle or tooth pick will work nicely. A contact lens case will hold a small amount of glue and will help you have a solid place to dip your toothpick into.

Tweezers

A good pair of tweezers is just the right tool to place your coils on your pattern. They can also be used to hold your coil while you glue them together.

Plastic lid or other non stick surface- to use as a glue palette

T Pins

T pins or regular pins are used ti hold the coils together while they dry.

Non stick work board, cork or styrofoam-something that will allow you to stick pins into

Damp cloth or baby wipe- to keep your hands glue free

Basic Quilling Shape Board

This is a basic circle shape board. It helps you form circles of different sizes. This is really helpful especially when you are a beginner to get the right size shape every time. To use this tool, you simply cut the piece of quilling paper to the desired length. Slip one end of the paper into the slot tool and roll the paper tightly. When you are finished rolling the paper, carefully remove the paper from the quilling tool. Place a very small amount of whit glue on the end of the paper to hold it in place, Place the paper into the size of the board round that you want to use. Allow it to relax for several minutes. You will then have a round in the exact size that you need.