Quilling Art

Quilling art is a unique art-form which uses small rolls and delicate strips of paper to shape intricate designs. This art dates back to the Renaissance period and quite possibly to the Ancient Egyptians (who used thin metals). It is said that the early quillers used a feather or quill to roll papers and that's how it gets its name. Though there is no definite evidence but it is said that quilling art must have taken shape fairly soon after the invention of paper. Paper was a highly precious commodity in those ages, as such quilling was an important art form. It was very popular during the Victorian ages where young women were taught quilling along with sewing. Monks and nuns also decorated religious artifacts with this form of art. Over the decades, it has been known as paper-rolling, paper-scrolling, filigree, and paper mosaic as well. This elusive art form has remained in the shadows and not gained the popularity it rightly deserves, but it is definitely not dead.

Turning strips of paper into a beautiful design be extreme fun. Paper art has an almost old-world kind of charm. It uses a simple material to create complex and intriguing designs. It requires patience, adeptness and minute detailing, not to mention immense creativity. It is a timeless and inexpensive style of paper craft which can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a bit of imagination, you can create innumerable designs and give wings to your creativity.

Designs
Quilling designs are basically made by rolling, bending or crimping delicate papers strips to create various forms. You can begin with simple, uncomplicated designs and move on to intricate pictures. These designs also tend to make unique gift ideas. There are a few basic designs used in this form of art and once you master this art, you can use your own imagination to create endless designs.

A few basic designs of quilling are:

• The Tight Roll - This is simply done by tightly rolling a strip of paper. It is used as centers and can also be used to elevate other shapes.
• Loose Roll - This loosely rolled strip of paper is used to create other shapes by pinching in different directions.
• Diamond - The shape is acquired by pinching the loose roll on both sides.
• Tear Drop - This shape is acquired by pinching the loose roll at one end.
• Square - This shape can be made by pinching the diamond into a square.
• Heart Shape - A heart shape is acquired from the tear drop shape. Push the round end of the tear drop inwards and pinch the paper so that it stays that way.
• S-shape - Coil up the ends of the paper strip to make the S-shape.

Basic designs like a butterfly, flowers, etc., can be made with the help of these shapes. You can also make flower baskets, innovative Christmas crafts like a Christmas tree or holly leaves, birds, etc. You can incorporate brass/metal embossing or paintings with the quilling designs. Using recycled material is also an innovative idea. You can even use these designs for making kitchen magnets, cards, scrap books, decorative arts and crafts items, picture frames and whatever you can think of. The sky is the limit!

Tools
Quilling doesn't need a lot in terms of tools. You can make do with simple instruments around the house itself. Some of these tools are as follows:

• Needle - This is an essential tool used in the art of quilling. It is used to roll the thin strips of paper. To make the work easier, you can moisten the end of the paper and then start rolling it. If needle is not available, you can try rolling the paper with the help of a toothpick, hat pin, etc.
• Paper Strips - The most common width of paper used for the art of paper quilling is 1/8 inch or 3 mm. Paper strips that are generally available in the market range from 2 mm to 10 mm. You can make the strips yourself from colorful paper with the help of a paper trimmer. But it is important to remember that the strips should be cut accurately. You can also make use of the paper shredder. There are many beautiful types of quilling paper available in the market. You can buy gold/silver/bronze edged paper, as these make gorgeous designs for occasions like Christmas or weddings. Pearlized paper also gives a stunning effect. Paper that fades to a lighter shade or to white in the middle or at both ends can also be used.
• Glue - The best adhesive is transparent glue. It will not be seen prominently in case there is excess glue. You can also have a fine tip applicator. A cocktail stick will also work fine, which you can dip in the glue and use.
• Boards - A board is an extremely useful tool for quilling. It is usually made of firm foam. It has a template with holes of various sizes, which is attached to the foam. These templates help the coils to open to the right size when they are left in the holes.
• Fringer - When paper is put through the fringer it comes out unevenly cut, ready to roll and be used. Sharp scissors can also be used to cut the paper, but the fringer is a quicker option. Such paper looks very attractive while making fringed flowers.
• Onion Holder - This kitchen aid can be used to cut the paper. It is used to get a unique effect on the paper. This is done by wrapping the paper around the selected teeth of the onion holder.

Other items like scissors, ruler, bulldog clip, crimping machine, tweezers, etc. should also be kept handy.

With the help of these tools, basic knowledge of quilling art and loads of creativity, you are all set to explore this unique and timeless art form. You can include this art form in your kids' craft ideas and see them enjoy it as well. So, go right ahead and give your creative instinct a new direction with the quilling art form.