Although paper filigree or quilling is a technique that has been around for over 500 years, it is a craft that is definitely not out of style. First learn the basics of quilling, then test your skills by making a delicate heart with instructions from quilling expert Malinda Johnston. Materials:
needle - Commercial quilling needles are available, but you may also use a hat pin or an ordinary tapestry needle. Just cut the top off so you have two prongs instead of an eye. Slip the paper strips into the opening.
quilling paper strips--1/8 inch or three millimeter standard quilling length
toothpick
white glue--The toothpick is handy for applying just a dab of glue to the end of the strip to secure the quilled shape.
Steps:
1. Begin by tearing off a strip of paper to the length specified in the project instructions.
2. Roll paper using a needle tool. To do this, moisten one end of the strip slightly, and place that end against your index finger. Position the tool on the end of the paper, and press the end of the paper around the tool with your thumb. Roll the paper without turning the tool, keeping the strip's edges as even as possible. To make a roll with a slotted tool, first thread the paper into the tool's slot. Slide the tool almost to the end of the strip, then turn the tool so that the paper wraps around it in a circular motion.
- Tight circle: Roll, slip the tool from the roll's center, and glue the loose end of the paper to the side of the roll.
- Loose circle: Roll, remove from tool, and allow the coil to loosen. Glue the loose end.
- Teardrop: Roll and glue a loose circle. Pinch one side of the circle to a point.
- Marquise: Roll and glue a loose circle, then pinch it on opposite sides.
- Shaped marquise: Make a marquise, and curl its two points in opposite directions.
- Half circle: Make a loose circle. Flatten one side by pinching the circle at two points.
- Scrolls: Roll from one or both ends of a strip of paper.
- Fringed flower: Cut along one side of a length of paper, keeping in mind that the closer the cuts are, the more attractive the flower will be. Roll the fringed paper (figure A) into a tight roll, and glue the end. With a fingernail, spread the fringes so that they open up from the roll's center (figure B).
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