The art of quilling, or paper rolling, has been around for centuries-from monks rolling gold foil in the Renaissance, to young women studying art during the 19th century. Quilling is also very popular today. All you need are the right tools, a little patience, and some creativity.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Learning the Basics
Step 1. Know the two types of paper rollers
These two tools are a punched tool and a quilling needle. Hollow tools are best for beginners, while needles will make for more perfect creations. You can also use a toothpick or corsage needle if you don't want to buy these tools just yet.
- Hollow tool: this is a small instrument like a pencil with a wedge on it. One drawback of this tool is that it produces small curls in the center of the paper when you load the paper into the head of the tool. If this doesn't bother you, you should definitely give this tool a try first when you want to try it.
- Needle quilling: this tool is more difficult to use but won't cause any frizz (meaning more professional results) and produces a perfect spiral.
Step 2. Make or buy quilling strips
The art of quilling is dependent, of course, on the paper you use to make your piece. Quillers or quillers use thin strips of colored paper, rolling them with a tool to produce extraordinary designs. You can make your own strips by cutting the paper into equal-sized strips, or you can buy pre-cut ones. The length of the strip will depend on the pattern you are following.
Step 3. Try rolling the paper
Before you can make any cool decorations, make some rolls first. To start, insert one end of the quilling strip into the hole or wedge on your quilling tool. Make sure it fits snugly, then start rolling the tool away from you. The paper should curl at the end of the glq tool, making one roll. Continue rolling the paper until all the quilling strips are rolled up on the quilling tool.
Try rolling with a quilling needle or toothpick, moisten your fingers slightly and wind one end of the strip around the needle (or other tool). Use your thumb and forefinger to press and roll the paper around the needle
Part 2 of 2: Gluing Designs
Step 1. Slowly remove the paper roll
When you have rolled the paper around your appliance, remove the paper. If you want a loose roll, put it under and let it loosen.
Step 2. Glue the paper
Once the roll is as small or as large as you want, glue the tail. You only need to use a small amount of glue. Use a toothpick, punch tool, or T-pin to place a small amount of glue inside the end (tail) of the paper. Hold for twenty seconds.
Ordinary glue, such as Elmers, can be used for quilling. You can also try sticky glue, as it dries faster than regular glue. You can also try water-based super glue, which dries very quickly and holds the paper well
Step 3. Squeeze the roll into the desired shape
Whether you do or not depends on the pattern you follow. You can massage it into an eye shape for the leaves. You can also make triangles for the ears. The variations are endless!
Step 4. Glue all your rolls
Again, skimping on glue can make the paper sluggish or glue your work together. It's almost impossible to use too little glue. Remember to hold the scroll for twenty seconds!
Step 5. Done
Step 6. Try some patterns
You can go to a craft store and buy a quilling pattern book, search the internet for quilling patterns, or try some wikiHow patterns! Here are some wikiHow patterns:
- Make Angel. This design makes for a beautiful angel that can make a favorite gift or a Christmas tree top decoration.
- Make Hearts. No more saying 'I love you' by making something nice with your own hands for your loved ones. Show off your quilling skills with this heart pattern.
Tips
- Purchase quilling books for children to help you get ideas and information for quilling.
- Experiment with different strip lengths to make your creation perfect.
- Your quilling experience can be fun or boring. There are people who aren't meant to be Quillers.