Basic Paper Quilling Techniques

Paper quilling is a unique craft that involves rolling thin strips of colored paper into coils and then assembling the coils together to form a design, pattern or picture. While often used to create art pieces or wall hangings, quilling is also gaining popularity with people who scrapbook or make their own greeting cards since it adds an element of depth and interest unlike any other.

Here are some basic paper quilling techniques to help you learn how to paper quill.

Supplies

Colored paper - Light card stock or construction paper works best

A Quilling Tool - This can be an official quilling tool or something as simple as a toothpick. If you plan to make roses you will need a quilling tool designed to do this that has a little slot in it where you put the paper.

Glue - You can use white glue or super glue. If working with children use white or non-toxic glue. Keep in mind that if you choose to use super glue you should take care not to get it on your skin and may want to use tweezers to hold the paper to avoid coming in contact with the glue.

Getting Started

The first thing you will need to do is to cut your paper into strips. The strips can be whatever width you want, although most people cut them between 1/8" - 1", depending upon their needs for the particular project they are working on. Feel free to experiment with different widths of paper while you are learning and see what works best for you.

Next, once you have your paper cut you will want to start forming coils. If you are using a quilling tool, insert one end of the strip into the slot in the tool and begin tightly wrapping the paper around it. If you are using a toothpick, lightly moisten the end of the paper, place it on the toothpick and again begin to tightly wrap it.

When you get to the end of the paper you will want to slide the coil off the tool or toothpick and place a small dab of glue on the remaining end, attaching it to the coil. Hold the coil until the glue is dry. Before gluing the coil you can also adjust how tight it is to form looser, larger coils if you so desire. To do this just let the paper go a little when you remove it from the tool and it will spread out. Glue it when it reaches the size and tightness that you want for your project.

You can leave the coils as circles or bend them to make oblong shapes. Either working as you go or once you have some coils made you can begin gluing them down to another full sheet of paper and start to form the design or picture that you want to make.

Play around with this and have fun! When it comes to paper quilling your imagination is your only limit.