When you think of quilling, you probably envision a delicate piece of handcrafted jewelry made from small strips of paper that are rolled, shaped and glued into shapes that can be twisted, curled and bent to create the desired design. This ancient art form became popular among ladies of the upper classes, who crafted intricate designs with their hands as a means to pass the time, and as a way to impress eligible bachelors.
Today, you don’t need to be a wealthy lady to enjoy this simple craft. Using basic paper and an inexpensive tool set, you can turn metallic edged paper into exquisite earrings and pendants that are not only beautiful but also durable. In her new book, Ann Martin teaches you how to create twenty eye-catching projects that showcase both scrolls and coils.
- A paper cutter, which you can use to cut the strip of paper for your earring (paper cutters with guidance lines make it easy to get identical strips with parallel sides) – Glue – I recommend a good quality clear school glue such as Elmer’s or Scotch Clear Glue. White craft glue that dries clear is another favorite among experienced quillers. – Clay modeling tool (optional) – It helps with forming the ring coils and positioning them, but it’s not necessary. – A nonstick surface such as a Styrofoam tray to work on.
The most important thing to remember when making your own gilded paper jewelry is that scrolls and coils are created by rolling tight pieces of paper, not loose ones. The more you practice, the better your coils will become. The more you know about how to manipulate them into various shapes, the more creative you can be in your designs. Paper Quilling Jewelry