Just Quilling

Coils, scrolls, and zig zags. Waves, marquises, and diamonds. All basic shapes, but when I viewed them together the designs they formed appeared to be very intricate. Which in my world equates to difficult to create. Whether they were flowers, snowflakes, or mosaics, I was intimidated by their creative patterns. I like art that is simple to do and allows me to just chill. But the more I saw these three-dimensional decorations adorning greeting cards, ornaments, and even as stand-alone pieces of jewelry, I knew I had to give this ancient art form a whirl…or in this case, a twirl!

From my journal: February 15, 2021, Newbury Park, California

“Nina gave me the best birthday gift ever…my first quilling kit! I can’t wait to get started! Just ordered a book so I can learn the basics…”

Quilling, also known as paper filigree, is the age-old art of paper rolling. It may date back to Ancient Egypt, or perhaps it originated in China. No one knows for sure. But what is known is that during the Renaissance Period, nuns and monks honed their quilling skills using the golden edges of book pages. And in the 18^th century, noble European women took to this pastime. Not long after, paper filigree became popular in America.

I am always open to trying anything art-related, however not every type is suitable to me. Butter sculpture, sticky note art, and fumage are big NOs. Sculpturing anything with butter doesn’t give me enough time to make decisions before it softens, and there’s always the chance I may be tempted to swipe a piece of it, slather it onto bread, and well…eat it! Sticky notes, I love them and use them all the time, but as art? I find them just too flappy on one end and just too sticky on the other. They’re too hard to handle. It’s embarrassing when one inadvertently adheres to say the back of your head, and you only discover it the next time you shower. And fumage? Lighting a candle and holding it to the underside of a canvas?  I’m just not good with open flames. Either my excitement or nervousness, call it what you will, leads to my breath extinguishing the flame. And on the off chance, I am able to keep the candle lit, I end up burning the piece, yes, as in lighting the canvas on fire! No, I need an art form that allows me to go all Zen. I need to play with the supplies, then let my senses take over and guide me. After just one 15-minute rolling paper session, I made my decision. Quilling was a definite YES for me!

First, it’s the feel of narrow strips of parchment between my fingers that I enjoy. Second, it’s selecting the thickness, length, and color of the paper that is interesting. Depending on my project or design, I may choose 1/8-inch, 1/4-inch, or 3/8-inch strips. Usually anything between eight and 17 inches long is what I like to work with. And third, it’s choosing the colors that is so pleasing. Such an abundance! Will it be a pastel, a neon, or maybe even a metallic hue? One color on both sides of the strips, or two? Solid or ombre? Preparing is almost as much fun as the actual creating!

Once a strip is inserted into the slotted quilling tool that looks similar to a sewing needle, it’s relaxing to wind it round and round until it is a tight coil. Popping it off and holding it between my index finger and thumb is when the real magic begins! This is the time to decide – what shape will it be? Will my design consist of one shape or more? How many of each shape will I need?  The possibilities are endless!

Molding coils into various shapes does take a little practice, some patience, and lots of pinching. Dexterity is a real plus here. Then comes gluing the end of the paper so it keeps its structure. Once all pieces are complete, it’s time for the finale, assembling them into another work of art! To date, I’ve created seasonal cards, framed mandalas, and earrings using this technique. 

Quilling, the paper craft that once seemed daunting to me, is now one of my favorite hobbies. Relaxing and expressive, I enjoy each step of the process. Another bonus is I can combine it with my love of painting, drawing, and collaging. In essence, quilling allows me to unleash my creativity in new ways and… it keeps me rolling along!