Arts and Crafts: Quilling

Quilling is a form of art that involves the use of strips of papers to be rolled, pinched, shaped and glued to create decorative designs. There are many techniques used to manipulate strips of different types of paper into 3D designs. It is thought that birds’ feathers, or quills, were used to coil strips of paper, hence the name ‘quilling’ .

Although the origins of quilling are unclear, it is thought that this art form may have originated in Ancient Egypt, where forms of filigree art inspired more modern quilling years later.

QuillingQuilling waswas practicedpracticed asas anan artart formform inin RenaissanceRenaissance FranceFrance andand Italy,Italy, wherewhere nunsnuns andand monks would use quilling to adorn book covers and religious items. Quilling often imitated ironwork of the time. In the 18th Century, quilling became a popular leisure activity for affluent women.

Today, quilling is regaining popularity, as an accessible and affordable hobby for all ages. It can be seen used on greeting cards, wedding invitations, gift boxes/bags, jewellery boxes, coasters, picture frames, etc.

QuillingQuilling isis anan easy-to-learneasy-to-learn artart form,form, whichwhich requiresrequires basicbasic techniquestechniques andand a a fewfew tools.tools.

• Paper Strips – varying in weight and thickness • Slotted Tool – used to insert paper strips and twist into tight coils • Needle Tool – used to apply glue • Tweezers – used to hold shaped pieces and to relax tight coils • Crimper – used to add texture to paper strips • • Glue