Quilling is the art of modelling paper into intricate and interesting shapes, which is achieved by rolling strips of paper, and pinching or curving the resulting curls into various forms. Here's how:
Get set up with the right tools
• Paper quilling strips come in a range of different colours and are lightweight so they are easy to roll, glue and attach to your designs.
• A slotted quilling tool allows you to place one end of the paper through the tool when you turn it to make your coils.
• A quilling board helps you to make shapes that are the same size. You can roll a coil and then let it open up to be the size of any of the circles on the board giving you neat and consistent styles.
• Liquid glue enables you hold everything together and you should look for a glue with a pen size opening to offer easier application.
• Toothpicks are handy for applying the glue and also for helping you to roll your paper strips.
Learn the basic shapes
There are over thirty basic quilling shapes, most of which are based on a coil shape. Popular shapes include a heart scroll, an s-scroll and a teardrop shape. The basic quilling shapes are created by winding, pinching and curling and are used to form other shapes from simple closed coils. Once you have mastered the basic shapes, combine a variety of them to make pictures and decorations or to attach them to homemade cards. The possibilities for design are endless.
Control of the glue is key to creating a neat look You only need a small amount of glue to attach your designs together, and it’s always better to start small and apply more if necessary, rather than over-applying and ending up with a messy piece of work, with bits of glue on show. Make sure your hands are clean when you start, and keep a wet towel handy to wipe your fingers as you quill.
Practice makes perfect
Don’t be disheartened if you can’t quite create the shapes you want to straight away. Quilling is a very delicate art form which requires patience, persistence and dedication. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day.
You can purchase your Quilling beginners kits from Hochanda, ranging from £11.99 for a Quilling Tool Accessory Pack to £16.99 for a Complete Beginners Quilling Workbox Kit.
Alternatively, tune in to Sky 663, Freeview 39, Freesat 817 or stream live in HD at Hochanda to see how it’s done by the experts.