Quilling is a kind of needlework, which involves the manufacture of compositions, crafts from strips of paper twisted into spirals (rolls). It is, in its own way, art. From such a simple material as paper, complex compositions can be made. These can be individual panels, paintings or figurines to decorate postcards, interior items, wedding accessories and more. It's amazing how exquisite things can be created using strips of paper and quilling tools - photos of finished works on the Internet can amaze even the richest imagination! Another name for quilling is paper rolling.
Simple and budget hobby
Unlike many other varieties of needlework, quilling does not require significant costs and special abilities. Anyone can master the technique of twisting paper strips. What else is remarkable about quilling - tools and materials can be either purchased in ready-made kits or made independently from improvised materials.
Paper rolling will appeal to those who have patience, lovepainstaking work, who like needlework, who enjoy the process of creating something beautiful with their own hands.
What do you need for quilling?
To create simple compositions using the quilling technique, you do not need a large number of devices. Here is a list of what you will need without fail:
- Narrow long strips of paper.
- Tool for twisting them into spirals.
- Scissors.
- Glue. Best PVA bottle with a narrow neck.
- Ruler with circles of different diameters.
- Tweezers, better with sharp ends.
With all of the above at hand, you can begin to comprehend the basics of paper rolling and create your own compositions. You can purchase a quilling tool from a craft store or make your own. There are other tools for those who have already outgrown the basic level, can create complex things out of paper or do quilling on a professional basis.
Paper strips are the main material
In the art of paper rolling, the main material is narrow strips of double-sided colored paper. They are sold in packages in specialized stores. Sets can consist of stripes of the same color or multi-colored. Sometimes paper strips are included in a quilling toolbox. Some needlewomen prefer to cut sheets of paper themselves.
Usually, quilling uses narrow strips (3 mm), medium width (5 and 7 mm) and wide strips (10 mm). far fromany paper is suitable for this type of needlework. It is important that it be of a certain density. Too thin paper does not hold its shape, and making figures from it is difficult and inconvenient. The optimal thickness, according to craftswomen, is at least 60 grams per square meter.
The device for twisting rolls is the main tool for quilling
In fact, it is a rod with a forked end. But followers of the Eastern school of paper rolling use a simple device, similar to an awl, which has a sharp and thin end. Nevertheless, most needlewomen believe that a device with a forked end, a slot, is more convenient to use. The principle of its operation is simple: a paper strip is inserted into the tip of the tool and twisted into a spiral.
It's pretty easy to make this DIY quilling tool. Most often, the basis is a toothpick, a wooden skewer or a ballpoint pen. With a sharp knife, a small cut is made in any of these items - and the tool is ready. Another option is to take a needle and break off part of the eye to make a “fork”, and then insert it into an empty rod so that it is comfortable to hold with your hands.
Why do we need a ruler and tweezers?
In the quilling technique, there is a certain set of elements that everyone who wants to try himself in this needlework has to master. Dense and loose rolls, triangles and squares, "eyes", "arrows" and much more - almost all elements are formed manually from round rolls of differentdiameter. To make them neat, of the required size, it is advisable to use a ruler with circles. This quilling tool allows you to conveniently create the desired elements. Recently, plastic stencils with different shapes have appeared on sale - hearts, squares, triangles of different sizes. They can also be used to form paper elements.
Tweezers help with fine details. When it is required to form a roll and firmly press the tip of the strip for gluing or connect the elements together, it is not very convenient to hold the blanks with your fingers. And the tweezers allow you to handle parts deftly and quickly without damaging them.
Additional accessories for quilling
You can create paper filigree with a limited number of tools. But craftswomen with experience also use other devices, thanks to which things created from paper strips become more refined and interesting. Some tools are designed to speed up the process of creating compositions, to make it more convenient.
For self-cutting paper strips, some craftswomen use a special rubberized mat with markings and a clerical knife. And others - a special machine. There is a device for cutting fringe into strips, thanks to which paper flowers are fluffy and voluminous. Using the so-called crimper, you can get corrugated paper. Can't find additional quilling tools in the free market? Internet-the store will help you get everything you need to get luxurious compositions, because today you can order anything online.
To understand if you like doing quilling, you can try to do some simple things using improvised materials, tools available for beginners of the scheme. To begin with, you will have to master the basic elements that make up the figures. If the lesson does not seem boring and tedious, but, on the contrary, there is a desire to create and create more and more complex and interesting compositions from paper, then it makes sense to purchase a special quilling tool - separately or in sets. And with its help to master the wonderful art of paper rolling further.
