The Art of Modern Quilling: Contemporary Paper Techniques & Projects for Captivating Quilled Designs

by Erin Perkins Curet

Overview

Discover a modern twist on this traditional papercraft with innovative instruction and creative projects you will love to make and wear!

Colorful strips of paper and a few simple tools are all you need to create an infinite number of amazing projects with author and quilling expert extraordinaire Erin Curet! Erin shows you a host of innovative techniques and provides plentiful inspiration in The Art of Modern Quilling.

With Curet’s illustrated instructions, even first-time quillers be able to start creating modern paper crafts in no time. You’ll soon be making quilled jewelry, dazzling works of art, and colorful household items that are both practical and delightful.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781631596049
Publisher:	Quarto Publishing Group USA
Publication date:	07/27/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	474,036
File size:	25 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Erin Perkins Curet is a paper quilling artist, designer, and instructor who spends the great majority of her time in her northern Michigan studio. From this space of paper goodness, she hand rolls an infinite amount of quilling strips into all kinds of fun things that she shares and teaches through her website, Little Circles (www.littlecircles.net) and runs a small indie line of quilling paper, Culture Pop.

Read an Excerpt

CHAPTER 1

THE BASICS

Quilling, in the simplest form, requires few tools and materials to get started. Paper strips, a tool to roll them, and some glue to secure them are all you need to learn the fundamental shapes that are truly the heart of quilling. In this book, however, we are going to go way beyond the basics and take quilling to new and exciting heights.

In this chapter, you will learn about the tools that we will use to create the various projects in this book, as well as a few additional ones that are great to have in any quilling kit. Many of the tools can be purchased from quilling supply shops; however, a lot of them can be sourced from items around your home or can even be made with just a few crafting materials.

Making what you have on hand work is one of the greatest advantages of this versatile craft. After looking over all of the information presented on the following pages, get creative and see what you have lying around that can be repurposed. Using what you already have available will allow you to practice and perfect your skills before investing in the supplies that you may want to create some (or all!) of the projects ahead.

One additional note: As stated in the introduction, the following supplies and materials are not a complete list of what's available in the world of quilling. This is merely a showcase of the tools we will be working with in this book and a few other fun items that can ease your work and make your projects pop!

MATERIALS & TOOLS

Quilling Tools & Rollers

Quilling tools come in a plethora of shapes and sizes, and it's handy to have a variety. Traditional quilling was originally created by rolling with just your fingers (no tool) or a needle tool (a long, thin needle in a wooden shaft). Both of these methods work, but they can be tedious. Some genius along the way came up with a slotted tool that can make quick work of rolling up paper strips. When picking slotted tools, purchase multiple lengths to work with different widths of paper. I also like to keep a larger bead roller tool in my kit that has a larger diameter shaft and a wider slot opening that can roll multiple strips at one time.

Glue

Glue seems like a no-brainer, but in quilling it is everything! Glue is what literally will keep your projects together, so picking the right one is essential. For the majority of projects, a glue formulated especially for quilling is a great choice. Quilling glue is water soluble (for easy cleanups), thin enough to be squeezed out of a needle tip bottle (the easiest way to keep projects neat and tidy), and dries clear. For projects that need a bit more strength or the glue needs to be painted on, I prefer a white PVA glue that is easily found at any craft store. Specialty projects may take specialty glue (such as glass or wood glue). No matter which glue I need for a project, I always try to reach for one with a quick drying time.

Scissors

Scissors are another essential tool for all quilling projects. I like to have a few sets on hand. Snippers are great because they are lightweight and easy to grip. I keep a heavy-duty pair for snipping off glue or cutting through multiple strips at once.

Round & Needle Forms

Round forms are a newer player on the quilling field, but they are used frequently in modern quilling. You can use anything cylindrical as a form. When coming up with your own patterns and projects, recycling bottles, caps, pens, etc., is an excellent way to go. However, if you want to re-create a project that another quiller designed, exact measurements can be very important. For just this purpose, you can buy quilling needle forms, sets of dowels, and plastic stack forms from quilling supply shops. Additionally, you will find instructions in this book to roll up your very own tower of round forms in twenty sizes.

Shaped Forms

Much like round forms, shaped forms are a newer item in the quilling kit. These are used for a variety of projects and can be sourced from craft stores and the Internet. Cookie cutters make excellent forms for creating stand-alone outlines. For simpler shapes, make a homemade version or purchase stacked forms from a quilling supplier.

Quilling Molds

The most commonly used mold in quilling is a plastic tool that offers multiple domes and cones in various sizes. Any 3-D object can be used as a mold, however. Take a good look around your home, the craft store, nature, etc., and you will be amazed at what you find that your work can be shaped over.

EXTRA QUILLING GOODIES

The following items may not be essential to the projects that we are making in this book, but they are awesome to have in your quilling kit and can be helpful in making your projects look picture perfect.

Rulers & Coil Sizers

Quilling doesn't have to be finicky or perfect, but if that's your jam, you may find coil size guides especially helpful. After rolling up a coil, you can place it in a guide to ensure that it matches the size of all the coils to be made after. Oftentimes, coil guides come with a ruler, which is especially helpful when measuring strips of paper to replicate patterns.

Coil Guides

Some quillers find rolling coils that incorporate multiple colors and/or strips at once to be challenging to use at first, and this is where coil guides can be a great help. You simply insert your slotted tool into the hole located at the center of the guide and then roll up your coil! The plastic platform will keep the coil from springing open.

Quilling Combs

Combs are a great tool for some advanced quilling techniques. They are not featured in this book, but are often used in the craft. If you get hooked on quilling, definitely consider picking up a comb or two and trying your hand at this decorative quilling staple.

Piercing Tools

As the name implies, these tools are helpful when you need to poke a hole in something you have quilled. They are extremely useful and can sometimes be found on the opposite end of a quilling tool.

Tweezers

These come in handy when you need to pick up and place extra small pieces.

Nippers

Originally designed for finger cuticle trimming, these handy little tools are one of my favorite tricks for keeping my quilling neat and tidy. If you slightly (or not so slightly) misalign a paper strip when gluing, these nippers make a quick job of trimming it back to perfection, a task that most scissors cannot get close enough to achieve.

ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES & NOTIONS

Various Arts & Crafts Supplies

As you become more proficient at quilling, you may be ready to take it to the next level by dreaming up your own designs and projects. It's a great idea to keep some art and craft supplies on hand so you can create what you envision when the mood strikes. Many of the projects in this book will require additional supplies above and beyond the quilling staples. Paper rolling becomes even more interesting when you can incorporate other artistic mediums.

Jewelry Tools & Fastenings

Quilling makes great jewelry and small baubles. It's a good idea to keep tools and fastenings on hand so you can easily roll up a quick gift or an accessory for yourself.

SEALERS

One thing every quiller will readily agree on is that if you're going to spend the time to create a work of art out of paper, you have to protect it! Seeing that the majority of quilling projects are made mostly out of paper, this step is extremely important. The two most commonly used sealers are spray sealers and brush-on sealers, which are available in a variety of formulas and finishes. Figuring out which sealer to use for which project can be tricky. There are a lot of ways to protect quilled work from the elements and the hands of time, but the following are my two favorite options.

Brush-on Sealer

Brush-on sealer is best suited for small pieces, like jewelry, or any item that needs to be hardened from the inside out. There are a lot of products to choose from, but my favorite is clear nail enamel with built- in UV protection. Apply a generous amount to your work and allow it to completely soak in. Once dry, it will harden all the paper to which it was applied. Apply a second coat to the exterior for a polished look. Available in gloss and matte finishes.

Spray-on Sealer

Spray sealers are the appropriate choice for larger works that will not be handled frequently. Many types are available in a variety of finishes; however, be sure to choose one that is nonyellowing and has a built-in UV protectant. When applying, follow the instructions on the back of the can. Apply multiple coats, turning your work 90 degrees each time so that the entire surface of the paper gets covered and will be protected for years to come.

PAPER TYPES

Paper is what quilling is all about. The paper you choose for your projects matters, and it is not all created equal. There are more options than ever to choose from for your quilling projects. Whether you cut your own or purchase pre-cut quilling strips, it is always best practice to only use paper that is designed to last a long time. To ensure your projects will look great for years to come, be sure that all of the paper that you quill with is acid-free, archival, and colorfast. The following are some of the papers available on the market, but rest assured that many new and exciting options will follow soon! (Note that the metric equivalents for paper weights will vary, depending on the paper used.)

Solid Color Paper

This is the paper you will use in the majority of your quilling projects. Luckily today, solid quilling paper is better than ever. Colored paper can be purchased in a variety of lengths and widths, weights, and materials. For the projects in this book, we will mostly use 70 lb, 17" (43 cm) paper strips. These strips provide the strength needed to be pulled tightly without breaking, allowing them to be manipulated in multiple ways. For more delicate work, you may find that a lighter weight paper better suits your needs.

Card Stock

Pre-cut card stock strips only recently became available, but are incredibly useful. Heavier weights (90–110 lb) are used to easily outline areas or create thick borders. Light weight stock (40–60 lb) is rolled like quilling paper, but is more easily glued down on its edge, thus making it an excellent choice for quilled paper illustration. Medium weight stock is also available (70–80 lb), which is a versatile weight for both rolling and outlining.

Pulp Paper

Pulp paper strips are essentially what you may remember from your elementary school days as construction paper. Pulp paper is not archival quality, nor colorfast. It should not be used for any project that you hope to last for generations to come. That doesn't mean it doesn't have a place in modern quilling! Pulp strips are great for children and practice due to their inexpensive nature. They are also extremely useful to create a lightweight "core" in projects that incorporate a lot of paper (such as the Stacked Quilling Form Tower).

Prints Paper

Printed paper has been available in craft stores for a long time, but it is a recent addition to the quilling world. Now available in both one- sided and double-sided prints, printed paper is great for adding a touch of flair and whimsy to the outside edge of jewelry and for a variety of other projects.

Metallic Paper

Metallic paper strips are available from most quilling suppliers and can be found in dozens of colors. Metallic paper is somewhat difficult to glue. You can either scratch the surface a bit where you intend to apply your adhesive, or merely allow yourself additional time and patience to wait for it to adhere.

Glitter Paper

This exciting paper is a little trickier to come by, but you can easily cut your own at home. Some varieties are simply paper covered in colored glitter on one side. This paper can be very visually appealing, albeit a bit messy. This issue can be rectified by additional sealing after the project is complete. Another option is Glitz quilling paper, which looks like glitter, but is made of a plastic material over paper that does not shed. Glitz is nearly impossible to glue with regular quilling glue, however, so try a glass or plastics glue.

Wood/Cork Paper

Wood and cork paper come in a variety of shades and grains. The best use for this type of paper is as an outline or decorative feature. Depending on how the grain is cut, some wood strips can be rolled, while others cannot. Special glue may be needed.

Recycled Paper

Recycled paper is pretty self-explanatory, and so much fun! Every set is one of a kind. From music sheets to comic books, these strips are a must for the creative quiller. Keep in mind that strips made of recycled paper are rarely acid-free or archival, so quill with care and protect your finished work with a good sealer.

Bead Paper

Bead paper comes in a variety of prints and solids, and is cut into triangle shapes to be rolled into paper beads. Bead paper can be purchased pre-cut in both loose or bound sheets and in multiple widths and lengths. A greater variety can be created by cutting your own strips at home.

Edged Paper

Edged paper is your common solid quilling paper, but edged on one side in a metallic or colorful coating. Some varieties are painted on, can be smudged off, and are a bit messy to use. Foil edged strips, although more expensive, are usually a better option.

For the sake of simplicity in this book, all of the projects will be made using quilling paper that measures 17" (43.25 cm).

HOW TO CUT YOUR OWN QUILLING PAPER STRIPS

While quilling paper is readily accessible online and in many popular craft stores, sometimes there is a need for a special paper or an uncommon width. Learning how to cut your own paper strips in a pinch is a must for any creative quiller!

Step 1

Line up your paper on your cutting mat to ensure a perfect cut.

Step 2

Secure your paper down with a straight edge. Be sure the straight edge is lined up exactly to the width of the paper.

Step 3

With a fair amount of pressure, cut along the straight edge, beginning from the upper edge and working to the lower edge.

That's it! It's really that simple to cut your own paper strips for any quilling project you may be moved to roll up.

CHAPTER 2

QUILLING SHAPES

Hands down, the most important skill to learn in quilling is how to roll the basic shapes. They are the foundation of quilling as an art form and will be used in many of the projects in this book, as well as in the good majority of quilling projects in general. Learning how to roll up coils and manipulate them into shapes is a pretty simple process, however, the goal is to be able to re-create them consistently time and time again.

As is usually the case, practice is the key to becoming a proficient quiller. Take extra care to keep the tension even as you roll each coil, and pay attention to how the inner coils react as you press the paper into shapes. This extra attention to detail will show in your finished projects and make you a better quiller.

Once you have rolled and shaped numerous coils and feel as if you could make them in your sleep, it's time to try out your first project. This chapter offers four projects that can be made using just these skills alone. My suggestion and hope is that you will try your hand at making all of them in succession. By making all four, you allow yourself the time necessary to practice the shapes in earnest, without the boredom that comes with rolling for no reason. If you can quill excellent shapes every time, you will become an excellent quiller.

Closed & Open Coils

Coils are the foundation of all quilling shapes. It is important to learn how to execute them perfectly time and again to ensure that each piece of whatever project you are working on will look its best when completed. Good-looking coils equal good-looking shapes, which in turn will make your projects look fantastic.

When inserting your quilling strip into your slotted tool, it is important to get the edge of the strip lined up as close to the outer edge of the tool as possible. If you insert too little of the strip, it will pull out as you roll; if you insert more paper than needed, the paper that hangs over the edge will create an unsightly crimp that will make your coils look messy.

(Continues…)

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Excerpted from "The Art of Modern Quilling"
by .
Copyright © 2019 Erin Curet.
Excerpted by permission of The Quarto Group.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION,
1. THE BASICS,
2. QUILLING SHAPES,
3. ROUND & NEEDLE FORMS,
4. SHAPED FORMS,
5. QUILLING MOLDS,
RESOURCES,
ABOUT THE AUTHOR,
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS,
INDEX,

Editorial Reviews

"A warm cozy welcome to the world of paper quilling. Whether you are a complete beginner or ready to expand your paper craft practice, there are plenty of easy-to-follow ideas and tips for everyone. From each chapter readers can really feel the author's dedication and love for quilling and this amazing material - paper."

—Yulia Brodskaya, author of Painting with Paper

From the Publisher