You’re not alone if you have never heard of quilling art. The technique has become extremely popular over the past few years, and there are many different types of it, including paper quilling, paper filigree, and stems. Here are some helpful tips regardless of which type you decide to pursue. Start small. A simple project will help you develop skills and experience success and prevent you from getting frustrated.
Table of Contents
Table of contents

Paper filigree
A new book, Quilling: The Art of Paper Filigree, by Philippa Reid, will teach you the basic skills of paper quilling. Quilling involves rolling thin strips of paper using a needle point tool to create different shapes. While some shapes are created by coiling separate pieces of paper, others are formed by folding paper in different ways. It’s essential to practice these basic shapes before trying to create a complex composition.
It’s not clear when quilling first emerged, but some believe it began in China shortly after the invention of paper. The practice was first used by nuns who rolled strips of gilded paper from books to mimic the ornamentation found on precious metals. As the art became more widely used, the techniques of quilling spread from nuns to the general public. In the nineteenth century, wealthy women also began to make quilling artwork, and it became a popular pastime in Victorian England. Today, the art of quilling has become a trend, and many people are sharing their creations on social media.
Paper quilling techniques allow students to explore the creative possibilities of shapes and patterns. The techniques of quilling include combining multiple shapes to form more complex designs. For example, a butterfly can be created by assembling nine commonly used shapes. The shapes fit together like jigsaw puzzle pieces. The leaf-like shapes nestle against the circles. And the intricate designs can be made using a variety of different techniques.
Quilling is also known as mosaic, paper lace, and paper filigree. The process of rolling strips of paper into different shapes can make an unlimited number of different designs. The only limit is the artist’s imagination. You can apply this technique to almost any design. If you are not sure about quilling, try some simple designs and learn the basics. You’ll be surprised at the beauty and ease of creating these projects.
Paper quilling
You may have heard of paper quilling art but are not quite sure how to start. Paper quilling is a simple craft involving thin, lightweight paper and glue strips. A variety of tools can be used for the paper quilling process, including a bamboo skewer, a round toothpick, a cake tester, and other tools. If you are new to the craft, try cutting some practice strips from computer paper first.
Modern methods of quilling are quite different from traditional forms of art. The newer varieties incorporate curved strips of paper that are wider than the traditional 1/8″ (3mm) width. Alternatively, some quillers prefer to form highly detailed stand-alone figures. Quilling is so popular that USPS recently released a special stamp featuring a paper heart made by UK artist Yulia Brodskaya.
A beginner can purchase pre-cut quilling paper in a variety of colors, sizes, and thicknesses. Usually, the strips are 3mm to 10mm thick. However, if you want to make a small piece of paper to give as a gift, you can cut the strips yourself by tearing a thin sheet of paper (about the thickness of a copy paper). Beginners can also buy pre-cut quilling papers online.
Although the history of quilling is obscure, it is thought to have originated in China after the invention of paper. Its popularity was a common pastime among boarding schools and ladies-of-loyalty but waned in the United States by the nineteenth century. Today, paper quilling has found a renaissance, thanks to creative artists who rediscovered the craft. Yulia Brodskaya is one artist who has revived paper quilling for modern art. She uses glue and paper like paint and rolls them around to make intricate designs.
Paper filigree stems
Paper quilling has been around for centuries, and the technique involves rolling, twisting, and bending thin strips of paper into intricate designs. This craft is usually used in cardmaking, framing, and scrapbooking. You can learn the basic techniques of paper quilling by following the tutorials offered by MFA. Paper quilling kits from MFA include all the materials you need to get started.
Paper quilling became popular in the 16th and 17th centuries because nuns could not afford metal filigree stems. Art quickly became a popular Victorian hobby for wealthy women and is still gaining popularity today. Several artists have branched out from quilling and are now selling their designs on social media sites. In fact, a recent article in a leading design magazine describes paper quilling as a new trend in art.
Although the quilling process has mainly remained the same, the designs have evolved. Some aficionados focus on creating intricate 3-D figures, while others prefer to make wall-sized museum installations. However, the traditional technique has always been known for bringing personality to handmade cards. With the development of new tools, quilling artists can create endlessly intricate arrangements. And the best part is, it is very easy to learn the techniques.
To begin a flower, cut two 15-inch strips of the same color. One of them should be twice as wide as the other one. Then, use a toothpick or quilling needle to roll the thinner strip tightly. Once the strip is tightly rolled, add glue to the bottom half. Roll the other half of the strip. Finally, roll the strip tightly around the flower center. You will end up with a flower of varying sizes and shapes.
Pre-cut quilling paper
Many art and craft stores carry pre-cut strips of quilling paper. These strips are usually made of medium-weight paper, and you can find them in a variety of colors and widths. They are available in various thicknesses, ranging from 3mm to 10mm. You can also cut your own paper strips, but it is recommended that you purchase pre-cut strips at the start of your quilling journey. A rotary cutter is a safer alternative to a utility knife.
If you want to buy pre-cut strips, be sure to look for the one that is acid-free. The labels of most papers will mention this. Acid-free strips are ideal for making delicate quilling art. Using acid-free paper will prevent your creations from discoloring and turning yellow over time. They will also avoid getting spots and other issues that could arise from storing them in the open.
If you are a beginner in the art of quilling, you can buy pre-cut quilling paper online or at a craft store. It is recommended that you buy pre-cut strips, as this will ensure that the strips are uniformly wide. A slotted tool is also a helpful tool. This tool will help you control the strips and avoid the need for a hammer. It has a comfortable grip for inserting the strips and twisting them into circles. Tweezers are also useful when you need to hold a quilled piece together.
A beginner should start with a simple project and work up to larger projects as they progress. If you do not have patience, starting off with a smaller project is best. This way, you can learn the art and experience success without being discouraged. You can start by making a simple flower or decoration and then work up to a more complicated one. The key to quilling art is patience; if you want to do a larger project, you need patience.
Techniques
There are different techniques of quilling art. For beginners, it is recommended to use a slotted tool. You can also use a needle tool to avoid creating creases in the finished paper strip. Quilling begins with a circular coil of paper. Upon mastering this basic shape, you can build upon it to create other shapes like paisley, marquis, slug, tulip, or other geometric forms. You need to pinch and adjust the tension between the paper strips to achieve a perfectly round piece.
Paper quilling is a fun craft that allows you to explore different textures and techniques in a unique way. Surprisingly few materials are required to learn this art form, and it is relatively easy to pick up. They’re inexpensive and easy to find at your local craft store. Most hobby stores sell basic materials and even have starter kits for those who want to get started. You can also purchase tutorials online that teach you how to make different shapes.
There are many different types of paper available for quilling. Some of the most popular are paper quilling flowers and fancy flourishes. They’re often used for jewelry boxes, greeting cards, or other pieces. These days, quilling is an art form practiced in many countries and is accessible to everyone, no matter their budget. And thanks to the Internet, quilling is becoming increasingly accessible to artists and non-artists alike.
Although quilling is an ancient art, it has been popular for centuries. It is believed to have evolved from the use of feathers to coil paper strips. The technique is also widely used in modern crafts, such as scrapbooking, card making, jewelry, and other items. In addition, advanced techniques allow for the creation of 3D miniatures. Besides that, different paper sizes can be used to create abstract art, portraits, and more.
Thanks for reading What is Quilling Art?
One reply on “What is Quilling Art?”
[…] What is Quilling Art? […]