The art of quilling has its roots in the Renaissance, when monks folded gold paper. Later it came down to us through the nineteenth century girls who kept it alive. It is a very popular hobby / passion nowadays. You just need to have the right tools, a little patience and a lot of creativity.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Learning the Basics
Step 1. Recognize the two types of paper curl tools
They are the slotted tool and the needle tool. The first is a kind of spindle with a truncated tip which is more suitable for beginners, the second has an even more tapered tip and is suitable for perfection details and for those who have a more advanced level. You can also use a toothpick to get started or an embroidery needle if you prefer not to buy these tools.
- Slotted tool: is a pencil-like tool with a slit at the tip. One of the drawbacks is that it leaves fine curls in the paper where it is threaded into the instrument head. If that doesn't interest you, the slotted tool is the best tool to start with.
- Needle tool: it is a little more difficult to use but the result is wrinkle-free (therefore more professional) and allows you to create perfect spirals.
Step 2. Prepare or buy quilling strips
The art of quilling is based on the transformation of paper into real creations. The quillers use colored strips and roll them up with the tools until they have beautiful designs. You can make your own strips by cutting sheets into identical sized strips, or buy pre-cut ones. Their length depends on the design you need to follow.
Step 3. Try rolling the paper
Before throwing yourself into a particular decoration, try making some paper spirals. To get started, insert one end of the paper strip into the thin slot of your instrument. Make sure you are doing a thorough job and that each coil is tight around the instrument. Continue rolling the strip until all the paper is wrapped.
To try using the needle tool or a toothpick, it is best to lightly moisten your fingers and then curve the end of a strip of paper around the spindle. Apply light pressure with your thumb and forefinger and roll the paper around the needle
Part 2 of 2: Paste the Drawings
Step 1. Carefully remove the paper spiral from the melt
Once you've rolled up the strip, pull it out. If you want a loose spiral, let go and it will open.
Step 2. Glue the pieces of paper together
When the spiral has reached the appropriate size, glue the "tail" to stop it. You have to use only small amounts of adhesive. Help yourself with a toothpick, a pin or a thumbtack and spread only the amount of glue necessary to block the tail of the spiral. Hold for 20 seconds while the glue dries.
Classic glue, like school glue, is great for quilling. You can also try liquid glue that dries faster. There are also water-based "super glues" that are great for paper and dry quickly
Step 3. Pinch the spiral to give it the shape you want
This step depends on the type of creation you want to perform. You may want to shape the paper rolls to give them the look of leaves or eyes. If you need to outline ears, you could press the triangle spirals. The possibilities are endless!
Step 4. Paste all the elements
Again try to be very sparing with the glue as it could make the paper soggy and ruin all the work. It's almost impossible to go wrong with glue! Remember to hold each element for 20 seconds.
Step 5. Finished
Step 6. Try a few reasons
You can go to a craft or fine art store and buy a book with some quilling designs. Don't forget the internet! The web is a resource of ideas and inspiration:
- Try making an angel. It will be a beautiful decoration for the home in the Christmas period!
- Make hearts. Nothing expresses all your love better than a beautiful object made with your own hands! Show off your quiller skills!
Advice
- Get an easy quilling book for kids to find ideas and information.
- Practice with strips of varying lengths to make your creations perfect.
- Your first quilling experience can be pleasant or tedious. Some people just aren't good at this art.
