Quilling, not to be confused with quilting, is a centuries old paper craft, which is enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Quilling is the art of combining narrow strips of paper, which have been rolled into rolls and scrolls to make beautiful arrangements. It can be learned in an afternoon by almost anyone, and is a very inexpensive craft, as few tools are needed and the supplies are readily available. All your necessary tools and supplies can be kept in a small box, making it also very portable.

In quilling, a narrow strip of paper is wound around the tool, creating a shape. The most basic tool for quillers is a quilling tool, or needle. Our ancestors made beautiful quilled designs with only paper and a quill feather. Today we have it easier. You can quill with a needle tool, a special quilling tool, or even a hatpin. The easiest to learn with is a quilling tool, which is a long needle with a slot in the end. This needle is set into a handle. The paper is inserted in the slot, pulled to its end, and the tool is rotated in the hand while the other hand gently guides the paper until all is wound around the needle. The paper is slipped off the tool, either before or after adding a dab of paper glue to the end. This shape is set aside while additional shapes are created. They are then combined to form a design. The disadvantage of the slotted tool is that it bends the end of the paper slightly, and it leaves a larger hole in the finished design. Still, many quillers like to begin with a slotted tool. When one is more proficient, she may graduate to a needle tool. A toothpick works well for adding the spec of glue to the end of the paper. The larger the handle on the tool, the less strain and stress on the hand, especially if one is troubled with carpel tunnel syndrome.

Years ago quillers cut their strips by hand. Today, that isn’t necessary as many shops and Internet stores sell specialty quilling papers. Prepackaged quilling paper comes in narrow (1/16 inch), standard (1/8 inch), wide (¼ inch) and extra wide (½ inch). The strips range in length from 17 to 25 inches, depending on the manufacturer. Almost every shade and color is available, including some metallics, and assorted pearl, speckles, two toned and graduated tones. The ideal paper rolls easily and smoothly, and holds its shape well when released. Many crafters like to try specialty papers such as vellum, kraft paper, scrapbook papers and wrapping papers. Test a few pieces of the paper before beginning a large project. Although many of today’s papers are light fast, you will want to display your finished project away from direct sunlight. If you are cutting your own paper for quilling, a home office shredder makes it quick and easy. A paper trimmer also works well, and some are available with special templates marked off in the usual quilling widths. Today’s quillers are often cutting their own papers, and using wider papers to push the envelope and create amazing designs!

The glue used for quilling should be white craft glue that dries clear. A small glue bottle with a fine metal tip (.5mm) makes it easy to apply the glue exactly where you want it. While you’re working, keep the bottle upside down in a small jar with a scrap of wet paper towel in the bottom.