Jan 30 2010
Beginner’s Quilling Corner
Basic Instructions/Tutorials
- Quilling Shape Chart: a convenient listing of the coils and scrolls used in my projects, complete with instructions and samples, all on one page.
…
Helpful Posts from the Archives
The following are links to past posts written with the beginning quiller in mind.
- 5 Tips Every Beginner Should Know. Hints and tips I wish someone had told me when I first started to quill: (1) your rolls and scrolls will be unique to you, (2) all quilling paper is not created equal, (3) quilling paper has a “right” and a “wrong” side, (4) neatness counts — control the glue, and (5) use the quilling tool that works for you.
- Let’s Start Quilling — Tools of the Trade. A discussion of the three essential elements for quilling (paper strips, glue, curling tool), and other useful quilling tools and supplies that make quilling easier and more fun.
- How to Quill — Beginning Instructions. The importance of conditioning your quilling strips and how to use a slotted quilling tool and a needle tool.
- Five Basic Quilling Coils. How to roll a tight coil, loose coil, teardrop, marquise, and pressed heart.
- Five Basic Quilling Scrolls. How to roll a loose scroll, S-scroll, C-scroll, V-scroll, and a Heart scroll.
- Make Your Own Quilling Workboard and Design Guide. I recommend purchasing a commerical workboard if you are going to do much quilling, but it is easy to make one to get you started.
- How to Glue Your Quilling to a Background Surface. Three common methods are discussed.
- Resizing a Quilling Pattern. An easy way to change the size of a quilling pattern to fit your specific background.
- Metallic Quilling Papers. Working with metallic quilling paper can be tricky. I offer some helpful hints to make it easier.
- Ready Made Framing Options for Quilling. Custom framing can be expensive. Learn how to spot off-the-shelf frames that will work with your quilling projects.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Kristine Debus. Kristine Debus said: Here's a great way to let someone know you care! Quill them a card! http://theartofquilling.com/beginners-corner [...]
I just discovered what quilling was a few days ago and now I am obsessed!! This website has such great ideas and wonderful instrucitons. Thank you so much for sharing!!
I’m so glad I found this site! I’ve wanted to learn Quilling, and none of the art craft supply stores in my area carry materials or instruction books. I’m hoping to learn enough to make Christmas gifts for my family.
Thank you for being here, and I can hardly wait to read my new book.
Hi,
I am new to quilling and I have a question. If I was making something that wasn’t going to be glued to some type of background, like a Christmas Ornaments, how do you keep the centers of your shapes from accidentally popping out. I have made the beginning of a simple snowflake, and when I picked it up, the middle of one of the coils popped out. I was able to push it back, but I wondered if there was a way to stop this from happening.
Thanks!
Jen
Hi, Jen,
Not knowing what pattern you are using (or if you are designing your own), here are some general tips that I hope will help:
1. Use smaller coils to form your design since the centers of larger coils tend to fall out more easily (i.e. use 3″ strips to make coils instead of 8″ strips).
2. Use a sturdier paper when making your coils. You’ll see the difference in paper weights the more you quill. I like the papers from Quilled Creations for making ornaments.
3. Use a longer strip of paper to make your coils, but don’t let it open up all the way. This will form a coil that is more dense than normal and a bit sturdier.
4. If your design does call for a larger coil, quill an eccentric version of the coil. Since the coil edges are glued together, there is no center to pop out.
I hope this info helps.