Paper quilling: rolling, shaping and your first framed piece

Quilling turns 3mm strips of paper into coils that become petals, leaves and swirls. It needs almost no kit and almost infinite patience.

Tools

A slotted quilling tool (or a needle), pre-cut 3mm or 5mm strips, PVA glue applied with a toothpick or fine-tip bottle, and a cork board with pins for holding shapes.

Basic coils

Slot a strip into the tool, roll to the end, slide off. Loose coil: let it relax, glue the end. Tight coil: glue before it relaxes.

Shapes from a loose coil

• Pinch one side: teardrop
• Pinch both: marquise
• Pinch one and curve: paisley
• Push in the middle of a marquise: half moon
• Pinch two adjacent corners: square

Scrolls are unglued strips rolled partway from each end: S scroll, C scroll, heart scroll.

First design

Sketch a simple stem with leaves and a flower on a card. Make five teardrops in one colour for petals and a tight coil for the centre. Glue in place with the tiniest dab on the edge. Add marquise leaves along the stem. Finish with a couple of scrolls.

Framing

Deep box frames show quilling best. Mount on card, don't press glass against the paper.

Post a close-up. Quilling deserves a macro shot.

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