by Shoshana Jackson

Created on: November 18, 2010   Last Updated: April 27, 2012

The art of quilling dates back generations, it was the pastime of ladies of liesure, now it has once more found a mass appeal, this timeamong modern crafters. Quilling entails coiling thin strips of paper around a needle or quilling tool. These small paper rolls are going to be formed and arranged to create a filigree picture. The paper rolls can be coiled tightly or loosely based on the sought after effect. Loose coils make larger shapes and the tight rolls produce smaller more defined shapes.

How Do You Start Quilling?

To start quilling you should have a number of thin strips of paper, about 1/8 inch wide, a quilling tool and some glue, one that dries clear.First, you need to learn how to make the shapes, the loose or open coil and the tight or closed coil.The tight coil is made by coiling a paper strip onto the quilling tool and gluing the end to keep it closed. The loose coil is made the same manner but before gluing the tip you allow it to release itself to your preferred shape.

What Can You Do With These Shapes?

Planning a quilling pattern is the most difficult part of quilling, that's why  there are so many  quite a number patterns for sale. Besides learning the way to  put these coils together, you must be able to make use of your creativity to create the design you want. Keep in mind, be patient, after a while your designs will come to be more intricate and involved as your abilities and confidence increases. Both 2D and 3D art could be created with quilling so the possibilities are endless.

What Can I Do With My Quilling Projects?

While quilling is a great pastime, it can also be a great craft business. You can produce Christmas and Holiday cards using your quilling patterns and sell them on Etsy, eBay, or at local flea markets. You can also make wonderful Christmas decorations in 2D and 3D patterns. You could also make pieces of art, such as 3D sculptures, that you can sell. But you don't need to sell everything you make, these projects make excellent home decorations and wonderful gifts.

Essentially quilling can be both fun and profitable. As your talent and skill improves and your patterns come to be more wonderful, plenty of people will want to buy your quilling masterpieces.

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