Tag Archive 'quilling paper'

Jul 17 2010

Quilling Paper Surprise

Published by under Quilling News

I was down in the basement going through some old boxes looking for something totally unrelated to crafts when much to my surprise I discovered not one, but two boxes packed with quilling paper!  The paper dates back to the 1980s and is still in perfect condition.  In fact, there are some beautiful shades of greens, blues, pinks, and yellows, that are different from the current papers I have purchased.
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In addition to the papers, there were several commercial kits, my original masonite quilling board, and a Hazel Pearson Quill Quicky (which is like Quilled Creations’ curling coach only the quilling tool is built in) and Quill Designer (which is a design board with various size circles used to make uniform sized quills).  I remember a few years ago seeing the Quill Quicky/Quill Designer on Ebay and watching the price of it go up…and up…and up.  I think someone finally paid around $65 for it.  I bought mine in the 1970s for $3.69.  I was so tickled to find it since I thought it had gotten tossed a long time ago.  I told my husband about the Ebay story and he asked me if I was going to sell it, but of course I told him no.
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I also found several original patterns I designed all those years ago — with the instructions typed on an actual typewriter no less.  I had created strawberries, lemons, a sea shell, and a sea horse.  Goodness, it brought back the memories.  They still look pretty good, though, so you will probably see a few of them on the blog or in the newsletter in the near future, so keep an eye out for them.
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Jun 26 2009

Quilling Paper Bead American Flag Pin

Published by under Quilling Pattern,Quilling Tips

quilled-bead-american-flag-pin-copyrightJuly 4th is right around the corner and I wanted to create a special quilling project to celebrate America’s birthday.  I was looking around the Internet for patriotic images when I happened upon an American flag made with safety pins and pony beads.  Now, this is not a new craft; children have been making safety pin jewelry for years.  But this time when I saw the photo something clicked and I began to wonder if I could substitute quilled beads for the plastic pony beads.   I pulled out a safety pin from my sewing basket and made a few tight coils as test beads.  I slipped them on the safety pin and realized that the idea would work.  After a trip to my local craft store for the safety pins, I was ready to make my own version of this childhood crafting classic. 
 
You will need
Basic quilling tools (discussed earlier)
Quilling paper, 1/8″:  red, white, blue
(1) Size No. 3, 2″ safety pin, silver
(8) 1-1/4″ coiless* safety pins, silver
10-inch piece of 20 Gauge wire, silver
6-inch piece ribbon, 1/4″ wide, yellow
Acrylic spray sealer (optional)
Wire cutters
Needle nose pliers
 
What to do 
Quill (9) blue 3″ tight coils, (26) red 3″ tight coils, and (21) white 3″ tight coils.  If you think that your pin will be handled a lot, spray the quills with several coats of sealer to protect them.  Next, take a 1-1/4″ long coiless pin slip on three blue tight coils, then four more tight coils in this order: white, red, white, red. When it is fully loaded, shut the pin and crimp the clasp with your pliers so it cannot come open.  Repeat for two more pins.  Load the five remaining coiless pins with seven tight coils in this order: red, white, red, white, red, white, red.  Crimp the clasps to secure the beads. 
 
Using the photo as a guide, assemble your American Flag pin by placing the eight 1-1/4″ pins on the shaft of the 2″ pin, making sure they are in the right order.  With the front of the pin facing you, wrap one end of the wire around left-hand side of the shaft of the 2″ pin several times then run it through the pin loop to secure it.  Wrap the wire several times around the handle of your quilling tool to form little coils.  Secure the remaining end of the wire to the clasp end of the 2″ safety pin.  In honor of our brave troops, tie the yellow ribbon onto the wire loop and clip the ends.
 
Wear your American Flag pin on July 4th or any day you want to show your national pride!
 
For my international readers
I encourage you to take this idea and adapt it to your own country’s flag. 
 
coiless-safety-pin*Coiless safety pins have the same basic shape as regular safety pins, but instead of having a circle loop of wire at the end, the wire simply bends. I used The Jewelry Shoppe brand coiless pins that I found at Hobby Lobby.  If you can’t find coiless pins, you can certainly use regular safety pins, but you will have to purchase them a bit longer because you will lose a bit of available space due to the coil.  Also, if you use regular safety pins to hold your tight coil beads, you will need to pull apart the double looped end of the two inch long safety pin wide enough to slide the other safety pin loops through to the other side of the pin. 
 
 
Quilling Tip:  A Google image search will bring up a multitude of wonderful pictures when you need creative inspiration.  Don’t limit your search to quilling, but look at all types of images from clip art to photographs.  You never know what you might find … or where it might lead you in your creative journey.

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May 29 2009

Quilled Ladybug — Intermediate Quilling Pattern

Published by under Quilling How-To,Quilling Pattern

I went into a local scrapbooking store yesterday and found a darling magnetic mini frame.  It came in several colors and I started pondering the possibilities.  When I saw the red one, however, one word came to mind — ladybug — and I knew that I just had to have it.  I had originally thought that I would quill the ladybug, glue it to the center frame area, and seal it with an acrylic sealer since the quillwork would be exposed.  Upon further investigation, however, I discovered that the back pulled off and there was enough space inside for the quilling if I used the thin 1/16″ quilling paper.   
 
The pattern, as written, is really better suited for an intermediate quiller since it does call for 1/16″ wide paper which can be a bit tricky to work with.  However, if you aren’t comfortable working with the thin papers, by all means, please use 1/8″ quilling strips. 
 
half-circle-coilThe ladybug quilling pattern introduces a new coil called a “half circle.”  To make a half circle, roll a loose coil and pinch it into a teardrop.  Next, instead of pinching the coil again directly opposite from the first point (which forms a marquise), pinch the paper a second time closer to the first point.  You can vary the height of the half circle by placing the two pinched points closer or further apart.
 
You will need
Basic quilling tools (discussed earlier)
Quilling paper, 1/16″:  red, black, white
 
quilled-ladybugFree Quilling Pattern — Ladybug
(2) 22″ half circle coil, red (wings) 
(1) 6″, half circle coil, black (head)
(1) 10″, teardrop coil, black (body)
(1) 1″, V-scroll, black (antennae)
(6) 1/2″-1″ tight coil, white (spots)
 
Using the photo as a guide, glue three white tight coils randomly inside the first red half circle coil forming spots on the wing.  Repeat for the second wing.  Glue the two red half circles together at the top only.  Glue the black teardrop between the two red half circles to form the body.  Glue the 6″ black half circle coil to the top of the ladybug body for her head.  Attach the black V-scroll to the top of the 6″ half circle for the antennae.
 
This little ladybug would be so cute on a card or decorating a scrapbook page.  I framed mine.
 
quilled-ladybug-frameAdditional Materials for Framed Ladybug
(1) Magnetic Mini Frame from Bazzill Basics Paper (holds a 1-3/4″ x 1-3/8″ photo), red, or similar frame
(2) 6″ pieces of 3/8″ ribbon, black with white stitching
(2) 3/8″ black buttons
(1) 1/2″ white button
Small piece of red floss
Scrap card stock:  white, green
Small leaf stamp (See-D’s or similar)
Black ink (StazOn or similar)
 
Cut the white card stock 1/4″ larger than the opening.  Stamp the leaf onto the green card stock and cut out.  Glue the ladybug to the leaf and attach both to the white card stock.  Glue the white card stock to the back of the frame with the leaf and ladybug showing inside the opening.  Tie the two pieces of ribbon together to form a decorative knot.  Referring to the photo, wrap the ribbon around the bottom of the frame, centering the knot, and secure the ends in the back.  Clip the ribbon ends at the knot on the diagonal.  Tie the red floss through the white button; clip ends.  Glue the buttons onto the upper left-hand corner of the frame.
 
Sit back and admire your quilling.  Don’t forget to sign your artwork!

One response so far

May 15 2009

Five Basic Quilling Coils

Published by under Quilling How-To

Coils are the building blocks of most quilling patterns.  They can be made in all shapes and sizes, but the one thing all coils have in common is that after the strip is rolled, the loose end of the paper is glued to itself. 
 
basic-coils6Tight Coil:  Using your quilling tool of choice, roll your strip of paper tightly, being sure to keep the paper aligned as you roll.  Place a small dab of glue at the end of the strip, glue to the roll, and hold until set.  Remove the tool.
Loose Coil:  Roll a strip into a tight coil.  Remove the tool and allow the roll to uncoil.  Glue the loose end of the paper to the coil.
Teardrop:  Make a loose coil.  Hold the coil between the index fingers and thumbs of both hands.  Using one hand, pinch your finger and thumb together catching the paper and forming a point.  Leave the other end rounded.
Marquise:  Make a loose coil.  Hold the coil between the index fingers and thumbs of both hands.  Instead of pinching the paper with one hand to form the teardrop, pinch the paper with both hands at the same time, leaving the center of the coil round.  
Pressed Heart:  Make a loose coil and pinch it into a teardrop.  With your fingernail or toothpick, indent the center of the round end to form a heart shape.
 
Next time, I’ll show you how to make the basic quilling scrolls. 

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May 12 2009

How To Quill – Beginning Instructions

Published by under Quilling How-To,Quilling Tips

slotted-quilling-tool1The first thing you want to do is to tear a strip of paper to the desired length.  Tearing the paper creates a frayed end that is less noticeable when glued down than a cut end. Your pattern instructions will tell you how long your strip of quilling paper needs to be.  For practice, a 4″ strip is a good size.
 
Now that you have your strip of quilling paper, you will want to loosen the fibers to make it easier to create a smooth roll.  Look at your paper and find the “right” and the “wrong” side (explained earlier here).  Now, gently run the wrong side of the paper strip over your quilling tool or thumbnail.  The paper will start to bend with the smooth side out which is what you want.  When using your quilling tool of choice, be sure to roll the paper in the same direction it is now bending.
 
Instructions for using a slotted quilling tool should come with the package, but it is quite easy to use.  Simply insert one end of the paper into the tool (just enough to catch in the slot) and turn the handle.  I roll paper away from me, so I insert the strip with the smooth side facing me and the curl of the paper that we created by loosening the fibers is toward the floor.  If you are more comfortable rolling paper toward you, insert the paper with the wrong side up (the curl in the paper ends will be towards you) and roll towards you.  Either way, use your other hand to guide the paper, keeping the edges aligned as evenly as possible.  Use an even tension on the paper strip when rolling your coil.
 
Quilling with a needle tool, pin, or toothpick, is a bit trickier and may require more practice, but certainly can be done by a beginner.  Place the end of the paper between your thumb and index finger and pinch the paper edge around the shaft of your tool and start rolling the paper.  If you have difficulty in beginning the roll, try moistening your finger tips or the tip of the paper.  As with the slotted tool, if you roll away from yourself, start the paper with the smooth side towards you; if you roll towards yourself, start with the “wrong” side towards you.  The beginning of the coil should be tightly wound to ensure a small round center.  Loosen your tension slightly as you roll to the end of the strip.

One response so far

May 11 2009

Let’s Start Quilling – Tools of the Trade

Published by under Quilling How-To,Quilling Tips

quilling-tools1
Are you a paper crafter who has never quilled before?   Are you curious and want to find out if you’d like it, but cringe at the thought of purchasing even more crafting supplies that might end up unused and forgotten in some drawer or plastic bin?
 

If this sounds like you, then fear not.  Basic quilling supplies are few and very inexpensive.  In fact, you probably have many of the supplies currently on hand.  If you find that you enjoy quilling and want to do more (and I truly hope you will), then you can go wild and build up your stash of quilling tools, papers, and embellishments.

 
Three Must-Haves for Quilling: Paper Strips, Glue, Curling Tool
  1. Quilling Paper Strips. As I mentioned in a previous post, the most common width of paper strip used in quilling is 1/8″. However, other widths are available. Narrower strips (1/16″ ) are used for fine, detailed quilling, while wider strips, 1/4″, 1/2″, and 3/8″, are used primarily for fringed flowers and 3D sculpting. My advice is to purchase one package of 1/8″ multi-colored strips. You will appreciate the variety of colors you have to choose from as you make your first designs.
  2. Glue. Any good quality white tacky craft glue that dries clear will work fine. Over time you will notice some slight differences and no doubt choose a favorite, but for now, use what you have on hand.
  3. Curling Tool. You will need to use something to curl your paper strips. A corsage pin, hat pin, round toothpick, needle quilling tool, or slotted tool can all be used. With the pins, toothpick, and needle tool, the paper strip is curled by rolling it around the center shaft. A slotted quilling tool grabs the end of the quilling paper and you wind the paper into a coil by turning the handle. There are pros and cons for each type. The needle tools make a smaller center to the coil, but starting and rolling the coil can be a bit tricky. The slotted quilling tool leaves a tell-tale bend in the paper at the center of the coil, but is by far the easiest tool for beginners to use. My advice is to buy a slotted tool with a long cushioned handle. Once you get the hang of quilling, you can branch out and try the needle tool or finger rolling. If you simply refuse to spend another dime on supplies, then try the toothpick. It is easier for paper to grab onto the wooden surface than the smooth shaft of the needle tool or pin.

A quality slotted tool manufactured by Lake City Craft Co. is available from Scrapbook Super Center where you will also find their brand of quilling paper (just enter “quilling” into the search menu). Custom Quilling  carries a larger variety of quilling tools and supplies from several major manufacturers.

(Note: Please avoid the strips that are sold in a tube. They are very difficult to work with and I don’t want you to become easily discouraged.)

Other Useful Quilling Tools and Supplies
  • Workboard. You can purchase one of the many nice ones available on the market today, or make your own from a sturdy piece of corrugated cardboard. A good size is 6″x8″, but any size will do as long as it is larger than your quilling pattern. Cover the front of the workboard with a piece of wax paper or clear plastic sheet cut to size and held in place with a few straight pins.
  • Straight Pins. Besides holding the workboard covering in place, pins are used to hold your coils and scrolls on the board as you work on your quilling pattern. This allows you to “dry fit” the pieces and make any adjustments before gluing.
  • Ruler. You will usually want to measure the length of your paper strips so you can form shapes that are uniform in size. Your quilling pattern instructions will tell you the length of the strip needed to form each coil or scroll.
  • Tweezers. Some of the individual shapes you create will be pretty tiny. You will find tweezers quite helpful in achieving perfect placement of your coils and scrolls into your quilling design.
  • Toothpicks.  Besides being an all around handy tool to have in your crafting arsenal, toothpicks are excellent for aplying glue to your quilled shapes.
That’s it — all of the quilling tools and supplies you need to get started. So gather them together and come on back.
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