Flower Heart Gift Card
You will need:
6 Pink hearts (3”) for flower petals3 Red hearts (3”) for petals3 Green strips (1.5”) for stems3 Loose scrolls (2”) for filigree
Many quillers use tackle boxes for storage. There are numerous trays and compartments and often a removable tray with compartment lids is included. Many craft and sewing shops will have tool boxes with multiple drawers, trays and compartments. Find one that suits your needs, is easy to access and carry. You want to keep your tools clean and in good condition, and if you save back any shapes made but not currently needed for a pattern, you need storage that separates tools from supplies and shapes. Imagine how you’d feel if you created a beautiful coil and then found it had been ruined by a dirty tool.
Quillers work best in a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. Advanced quillers may be able to work in various environments, but beginners usually prefer a good, solid surface—like the kitchen table. Advanced or beginner, you need to make sure your chair is comfortable and supports your back and arms. Working near a window allows you to see your paper colors in natural daylight, as artificial light can alter colors. Be sure you have adequate lighting regardless, and consider using a lamp with light bulbs that project near-daylight quality light.
Before you start a project, read the pattern instructions carefully. Make sure you understand all the shapes required and then gather your tools and supplies.
A quick note: As you acquire more patterns, from all over the world, you’ll realize that the basic shapes and coils may be called by different names. If you get stumped, go to the Yahoo quillers group, where plenty of nice ladies will help you out with unfamiliar shape names.
Next, create all the coils called for in the pattern and separate them by color. This organizes things before you start assembly. If you have a quilling board, you can trace the pattern, and then use the traced copy on the board. This keeps your books nice and clean, and out the way. Next, do a dry-run assembly. Place all the shapes and patterns roughly where they should be without gluing them. This allows you to see if any shapes need adjusting, or if you’d prefer any different colors. If you do take any shapes out of the piece, don’t throw them away, just store them carefully for use in your next project.
When you’re ready to begin gluing the pieces together, be sure to use a glue that dries clear and use tiny amounts or your coils may shift and spoil the look of your project. If you don’t have a glue applicator, toothpicks are quite handy when gluing.
When you’re done, finish the project by framing it, include it on a card (Mothers day, anniversary, birthdays, weddings), or on the latest trend: scrapbooking! Scrapbooking is great, but that’s another story.
Paper quilling is a form of art or craft born out of creating decorative designs using thin strips of curled paper. This age-old quilling craft has emerged since the Renaissance time, and dated back to about 3 centuries old. It was during the time when all the nuns used small edges trimmed from the Bible pages. From there, those pieces were used to create simple but beautiful form of artistry. This craft was known as “Quilling” due to how the scrapped of paper were wrapped around goose quills to create “coiled shapes”.
Getting into paper quilling craft was not expensive as most of the time you will only need few inexpensive basic materials, which you can buy at most art and craft stores.
Because of this, paper quilling has created much interest in family and friends especially home makers into creating endless opportunities around this paper craft. They are some enthusiasts who are totally involved in the craft, making their own sets of designs and ornaments, and even making it big by having inventories large enough to enter into local arts and crafts show.
With hard work and perseverance, anyone can be assured that the opportunities opened up by this unusual and highly flexible medium are endless. Christmas ornaments made through paper quilling are quite common and in-demand. According to a paper quiller, Lana J Bates had earned $900 in a farmers’ market Christmas crafts show. That’s quite a good to gain.
Moreover, the tools used in paper quilling are rather simple and straightforward. Some of the common tools used in the process are slotted quilling tool, needle, glue, tweezers and pins. Just by using these simple tools, long strips of paper are wound tightly and released, and hereby forming complicated and complex shapers. To get higher precision of quilling accuracy, these tools should be made with better metal quality and made to last longer.
Here are some of the basic uses of such toolsSlotted Quilling tool – the slot that is attached along its shaft is used to hold the paper securely as you turn the tool in your hand. Generally, the knurl on the handle ensures a firm grip of your hand that will be helpful in the rolling of a neater and even tight roll.
Needle tool – Basically the needle used to used to enable a finer centre hole after rolling. This will generally produce a much tighter roll with a smaller hole in the center.
Glue – One of the most important tools in paper quilling. The glue is widely used in joining the shaped quills. In order to produce better and tighter quills, a basic mastery of glue handling is necessary ie the quantity and how you apply them onto your paper.
Tweezers – Tweezers are excellent tool to put together small bits and pieces of your paper quilling in right place. They can be used to hold the coils that have been shaped, while you put a few drops of glue on the edges you are glueing together without damaging it.
Pins – While the tweezers will help you to put together all the small bits and pieces when you are sticking them, pins are used when you are drying up the glue. The pins will allow you to put the project aside and finish it later, while waiting for the glue to dry up.
To quill a simple flower shape:
1. Make a central tight coil using an appropriate color, for example yellow for a daisy.2. Make some loose coils in the desired petal color, glue the ends to secure, then pinch one side to make the petal shape. Arrange the petals around the center with the pinched end pointing towards the center.3. Make a couple more loose coils in green for leaves, glue the ends to secure, then pinch both sides to form the leaf shape. Arrange these around the flower head or make a stem from a folded strip of green paper and position the leaves on the stem.
Fundamental Quilling:-Essentially, quilling is the act of rolling a strip of paper around a quilling tool to create a tight coil. Always work with strips of the correct length and width for your pattern requirements and for the shape you wish to produce. If you use a slotted tool, but sure to insert your strip correctly and then hold the tool firmly while turning it to roll the paper strip into a coil. Use your other hand to guide the strip and keep the coil tight. Then slip the coil from the tool and glue the end to the coil to hold it, or leave it unattached for use as a loose, or tailed, scroll.
CoilRoll your paper strip tightly using your needle tool and then let the coil release and expand slightly. Next glue the strip end to the roll. This is the most basic quilling shape that nearly all other shapes start off as, and is also known as a relaxed, filler or loose coil.
TeardropRoll and glue a loose coil, then, while holding it with the thumb and finger of one hand, use the thumb and finger of the other hand to pinch one side of the coil to a point, creating a teardrop shape—also known as a peacock eye.
MarquiseRoll and glue a loose coil, then holding the coil with both hands, pinch each side of the coil simultaneously to create double points. This distinctive shape is also known as a diamond.
Half CircleRoll and glue a loose coil, then create a teardrop. Next, pinch a second point near the first point that made the teardrop shape. The distance between the two points determines the height of the shape.
Loose ScrollRoll a loose coil, leaving a substantial portion, or whatever your pattern or desire calls for, unrolled. These shapes are also known as ‘tailed’ scrolls.
V-ScrollFold your strip in half lengthwise. Then roll a coil from each end of the strip. You may roll towards the inside of the fold to create a heart scroll, or towards the outside of the fold, to create a ‘V’ scroll.
T-ScrollsRoll a ‘V’ scroll, then glue the unrolled ‘legs’ of the shape together to create a ‘T’ shape.
Fringed Loose ScrollRoll a loose, or tailed, scroll, then carefully holding the shape with tweezers, cut the unrolled end, or ‘tail’ lengthwise with scissors. This creates a fringed ‘tail’.
Cutting Quill Strips LengthwiseThis technique, if carefully done, can reduce the bulk in your coils, and ultimately in your entire piece.
Below are the basic shapes you will use when quilling. Start out with the easier shapes, and move on to the more complicated ones as you become more confident.
The teardropPick up your coil and with the thumb and index finger pinch it together forming a shape with a point at one end and leaving the other end rounded. This is a useful shape for flower petals.
The petalTaking your teardrop shape, gently press your pointed end to one side to curve it over.
The marquise or eye shapeTake another coil and this time hold it between the thumb and index fingers of both hands. Pinch tightly with both hands to form points at each end. The marquise is one of the most useful shapes in quilling.
The leafMake another marquise but this time after pinching the ends move them in opposite directions creating a twist in the shape.
The half moon or crescentYou will need your quilling tool again for this shape. Take one of your coils and push the handle of the tool into the circle, squeezing the two ends to form points.
The triangleA slightly tricky one this time. Holding the circle between your index fingers of each hand, push the bottom of the circle up with your thumbs to create a triangle. Pinch the three corners to sharpen them up.
The tulipStart by making the teardrop shape but before letting go of the pinched end push it back into the main part of the circle to form an indentation. Sharpen up the two outside points if required but they can be left rounded.
Bunny ear or shieldSimilar in appearance to the crescent, this shape is made without using the quilling tool as a former. Holding the coil in one hand use the index finger on the other hand to push an indentation into the circle. Then pinch the two resulting points to sharpen up the shape and make the ears.
The arrowFirst make a teardrop by pinching one end. Then, holding the pinched end, use your finger to push the other end towards your other hand forming an indentation. Pinch the points to sharpen up the shape.
The starMake a marquise as before, then turn the shape 90 degrees and repeat, pinching two more points to make a star. Press hard at each point to sharpen up the shape.
The squareThis one needs both thumbs and both index fingers! Hold the circle between all four digits and gently press into a square shape. Squeeze each corner to transform your circle into a square.
The holly leafA pair of pointed craft tweezers are useful when making this shape which is, of course, great for quilled Christmas cards.
Quilling is an ancient art in the history of human society. We see different definitions regarding the concept of ‘quilling.’ To put it in the simplest terms, we have defined it as:
“Quilling is the art of creating decorative designs from thin strips of curled paper.”
Quilling paper is available on the consumer market in over 250 colors and dimensions. It can be divided into various categories, like solid colored Quilling paper, graduated Quilling paper, two-tone Quilling paper, acid free Quilling paper and other assorted parcels of Quilling paper. It is available in various dimensions, such as 1/8”, ¼” and 3/8 broad paper parcels.
Acid-Free Quilling paper:
As the name clearly indicates this is a paper that is completely acid free. The quality makes it an outstanding choice for making scrapbooks, rubber stamping, and creating frames for pictures. It assures your project will last a lifetime, without any side effects on the framed picture or album.
Graduated Quilling Papers:
This type of paper provides you an exceptional look to your decorative quilling projects. On the edges, you will have a solid, concrete color but gradually, it will fade to white. It is the nature of the quilling ring, that, when using a graduated paper, it begins with a dark shade but ends up being faded to a lighter side. On the contrary, some graduated papers begin as white, or a lighter shade, and then slowly fades into a solid, darker color.
Two-Tone Quilling Papers:
This is another important type of quilling paper. It is quite similar to the graduated quilling paper in its use. The look consists of a concrete color on one side and comparatively lighter color on the other side. Although, with two-tone paper, the color remains same, however, the intensity of color is different. The main use of this quilling paper is to provide a desired level of softness to the quilled subject. It possesses the capacity to quill many papers in a single spiral.
For an in-depth look at the concept of quilling, make sure that you possess some important tools. First, you need a quilling tool, or a toothpick, in order to cover up your paper in a rounded mode. Obtain some tweezers and a paper cutter. You can use cardstock for the cutting paper.
Avoid using a thick paper in order to avoid wrinkling during the process of rolling.
Ensure the strips smoothness and uniformity in their width.
If making white flowers, follow the instructions below carefully. Use a 4” strip that is ¼” wide for every petal. Then, roll it firmly, and allow it to loosen itself. In order to make the grip better, use Zig 2-way, or Sailor. Do not loosen the grip until it is properly dried. During the process of rolling your pieces or strips, use tweezers. After all the spirals are finished, pinch the contrary surfaces similar to a football figure. Keep the length of the core point roughly ½” You can place 6 petals on each flower.
Just before you affix them to the page, it is best to create a tiny pond of gum, or glue, on a piece of wide cardstock. With the help of tweezers, set it on the page without touching the bottom of the spiraled figure to the glue.
Place it vigilantly without leaving any paste marks on the paper.
While creating larger figures, always employ a 12” strip, rolled tight. After that, take off the pressure and let it relax a little bit. In case of a ’sun’ figure, rays must be roughly 6” strips. Roll them in a firm manner in contrasting directions on each side, nearly 1 inch. You can twist the middle area with your hands.
If you’d liked to make heart flowers, use 4” strip or larger, depending upon the specifications you choose. These strips must be in a half-twisted mode and spiraled in the interior to the core point on each surface. Now, free the spiral from pressure until they become the size you want.
Usually, leaves and stems are rounded by hand. Pull them gently, calmly by the glue and put it in the proper position.
Ensure that you use equally rolled spirals. If possible, place your finger at the peak point of the spiral during the rolling process.
Avoid pasting too much glue. It will leave marks and mess up the beauty of the final product.
If you trim the strips yourself, there is a chance of having uneven dimensions. Avoid doing that. Make sure that you have the same width so that you get the same sized flowers.
Paste the glue over the coils carefully. It will save you from unrolling the coil and pasting the glue again.
Pick a good quality cardstock in a solid color that is complimentary to your quilled pieces. Consider using a piece of foil or vellum as a front panel to further accent your quilling.
You can use rubber stamps to print your greeting, or you may experiment with various inks and paints to freehand the greeting. Be sure to use Jet Black solvent ink with your rubber stamp to ensure a clean, dark imprint.
Attach your quilled pieces to your card using small dabs of clear-drying glue. If the card might be framed, be sure to glue every piece well enough to ensure they will stay in place.
Creating a basic card decorated with quilled shapes should require scissors, tweezers, a rubber stamp of your choice, brushes or pens if you decide to freehand your greeting, and your glue applicator.
To begin this project, first decide on the size of your card. Next you need to decide on which quilled shapes you wish to use and the design for your card overall. You can arrange your quilling pieces on your board as a ‘dry-fit’, to make sure the arrangement will fit on the card attractively.
Next, decide which form of print you want to use for the greeting—stamp or freehand—and if then try both on scrap paper to make sure you can get the effect, or a clear imprint before going to the actual card. Once you feel comfortable with creating your greeting, do a final printing on the cardstock—then allow it to dry completely.
Now you are ready to apply your quillings. Have your tools ready—tweezers, scissors and glue applicator filled with glue. Carefully transfer each quilled shape from your ‘dry-fit’ area to the card, gluing each piece one-by-one, until all have been moved and glued to the card. Allow the work to dry completely. Before you move the card again, re-check all pieces to make sure your glue has set up and that all pieces are secured. Any quillings that seem loose should be carefully re-glued and then allowed to dry.
Your simple, yet beautifully decorated card is now ready to go to family, friends or anyone you wish to surprise with such a wonderful gift!
This basic card approach can be upgraded using a number of decorative techniques—adding beads, using a paper punch on paper overlays to expose the color of the underlying cardstock, using scribing tools to bring texture and depth to leaves—and many, many others. You will, undoubtedly, find techniques from other crafts that can be utilized in your quilled cards, or other, projects.
Quilling is deeply rooted in world history, popularly believed to have come into being in China, after the discovery of papermaking. Members of spiritual communities were the first inventors and users of the quilling process. Gradually, this enjoyable art form spread to other countries and eventually became an important part of the common persons’ life.
Quillings’ main concept involves the use of a hatpin, rolling fingers, or quilling tools to roll paper into desired shapes. Multiple shapes are rolled individually and then connected to one another to construct a final shape or design. Finishing touches are then made to add to the beauty of the piece and to secure it in place. These finishing touches might include using acid free matte board or shadow box framing.
Now that you’re aware of the origin and some aspects of quilling, let’s explore some details of quilling history.
Research has established that a form of quilling metals was performed as early as the mid-4th and 5th centuries. Gold and silver wires were applied to pillars, vases and other objects and jewelry was also fashioned using this technique. By the 13th century this form of metal quilling had become well-known and was practiced world wide.
The conversion from metal to paper use probably occurred as materials became scarce, or were unavailable to the lay person wanting to create pieces. Metal quilling was commonly referred to as metal filigree, and as the technique incorporated the use of paper, was commonly referred to as paper filigree. Early use of paper filigree was primarily confined to religious groups promoting their beliefs and embellishing sacred messages. The shift to the common folk practicing this art brought the term ‘quilling’ into regular use. Paper quilling implemented many techniques similar to jewelry styles, utilizing strips of paper, free rolls and edging. In the 17th and 18th centuries, quilling art expanded to tea caddies, coat of arms designs and photo frames.
There are few facts, but many stories, attributed to the origins of quilling. Some say it was developed in ancient times, not long after making paper was discovered. Others claim paper quilling was born in the 13th century when nuns were unable to purchase metal filigree due to its’ high cost. Still others believe that quilling began in the Americas. And yet, further evidence points to quilling being used in the Mediterranean region. With so many conflicting claims, no one can say for certain where quilling originated, but clearly it carries a truly international history.
Books of the Victorian Age and quilled pieces of that time indicate that proper young women practiced quilling to decorate furniture or purses and to create jewelry. Similar to the artwork of handicrafts, it has found difficultly surviving in present day times and its’ popularity has decreased. However, perhaps one day, it will regain its’ lost glory as an ancient art, practiced for centuries, since the technique can be used throughout the world for nearly limitless purposes.
Free-standing designs and wall hangings are relatively easy to create, provided you don’t rush in and instead take your time. An example from the Quilling Guild contains quilling, husking and weaving. All these technique elements are brought together to create a wonderful wall hanging that anyone familiar with the basic quilling and husking shapes could make. The weaving is in basic patterns and using this interesting technique adds dimension and depth.
The flowers are simple and eccentric marquise shapes, with yellow huskings for accents. The leaves are green husking and dark green marquise shapes. The yellow accents are tailed scrolls of varying lengths, glued together. Imagine this pretty project with red, orange or light blue flowers—or each flower a different color.
Another type of wall hanging is the wreath. This popular hanging style is well-used for Holidays, as seasonal identifiers and show up in nearly every room in many houses. The example below could be used anywhere, but uses some unique combinations of quilling techniques. The bow is a simple gathering of narrow strips, with a few lightly rolled for a ribbon effect. Leaves are husking shapes and small eccentric marquise shapes. The flowers are teardrops with points to the outside, fringed flowers with centers and fully tufted, and last the orange bunny ears. The use of different types of flower making techniques brings extra interest to this design.
Wall hangings can be quilled works suspended within metal or wooden rings, using thread or ribbon to hold the piece in place. Quillings can be attached to lacework which is clasped and held taut in a needlepoint ring as well.
Any makings for a wreath can have quilled shapes glued to it, creating pieces that can reflect and season, Holiday or area of your home. And the decorations are only limited by your imagination and determination to create something that is yours alone.
We’ll take our flowers one step further, creating free-standing designs that need neither card backing, frame or wall for support.
These designs were based on the original ebook written by Christopher Freville in Solihull, UK. They usually incorporate cork or balsa wood for bases, but anything you dream up can work as well. An integral tool in these arrangements is florists’ wire, available in craft shops. If you are unable to find such wire, you may use any fairly lightweight craft wire—just wrap it in florist green wrap, or tissue to hide the metal.
White eccentric marquise and teardrops are used to simulate a basket, so the cork appears to be the ‘foot’ of it. The flowers are twisted roses, small tufted flowers and very small bunny ears with tight coil centers. The leaves are cut-edged and scribed. All shapes are mounted to wires and pushed into the craft styrofoam.
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