Paper Quilling for Beginners | Paper Crafts

Summary

In this episode of HGTV's 'Handmade,' the Crafty Lumberjacks, Dennis and Andrew, introduce quilling—a fun, easy-to-learn craft using rolled paper. They demonstrate various techniques, including tight coils, loose coils, teardrops, marquess, and diamonds, offering tips to achieve clean, smooth results. The duo creates a space-themed artwork featuring a planet and stars, showcasing how to add dimension with layered quilling techniques. The project is finished in a shadow box frame to enhance its 3D effect. The episode encourages viewers to explore quilling as a relaxing and creative craft to try in the new year.

Takeaways

• 😀 Quilling is the art of rolling paper into coils to create various shapes and designs, and it can be done using inexpensive kits or by making your own materials.
• 😀 The basic tools needed for quilling include precision glue bottles, slotted tools, tweezers, scissors, and quilling paper.
• 😀 When making tight coils, it's important to roll the paper evenly and avoid creating uneven shapes (referred to as 'tornadoes').
• 😀 For tight coils, use a small amount of glue to secure the end—'a little dab will do you'.
• 😀 Loose coils are created by rolling paper in the same way as tight coils, but then allowing the coil to open up and form a loose shape.
• 😀 To create teardrop shapes, quillers pinch the ends of a loose coil and manipulate the paper to form the desired shape.
• 😀 Marquee shapes are made by pinching both ends of a loose coil and shaping them into a curved form, resembling an eye or an 'slug' when curved differently.
• 😀 Quilling can involve variations such as a double curved marquee, which involves pinching the ends and curving them in opposite directions.
• 😀 Quilling shapes like squares and diamonds are created by pinching the sides of open coils to form the desired geometric shape.
• 😀 To complete a quilling project, like a space-themed artwork, glue is applied sparingly, and the pieces are arranged in a 3D shadow box to elevate the design and allow for a more dimensional display.

Q & A

What is quilling, and how is it typically done?

Quilling is the art of rolling and shaping strips of paper to create decorative designs. It typically involves rolling paper tightly or loosely, pinching, and manipulating the paper into various shapes, which are then glued together to form intricate patterns.

What basic tools are needed for quilling?

The basic tools for quilling include a precision glue bottle, slotted tools, tweezers, scissors, and quilling paper. These tools help in rolling, shaping, and securing the paper.

What is the difference between a tight coil and a loose coil in quilling?

A tight coil is when the paper is rolled tightly with no space between the rolls, while a loose coil is when the paper is rolled and then gently opened up to create a looser shape. Both techniques require gluing the end to secure the coil.

What is a teardrop shape in quilling, and how is it made?

A teardrop shape is created by rolling the paper into a tight coil and then pinching and squeezing one end to form a pointed shape, resembling a teardrop. The seam of the paper is typically placed at the top for better control over the shape.

How do you make a marquee shape in quilling?

To make a marquee shape, you start with a loose coil, then pinch both ends to create a shape that resembles an eye. This technique adds dimension and is often used in decorative patterns.

What is a double curved marquee, and how does it differ from the regular marquee?

A double curved marquee is a variation of the marquee shape where both ends are pinched and curved in opposite directions, creating a more intricate and curved design. It is sometimes referred to as a 'slug' for its rounded appearance.

What is the purpose of a shadow box when displaying quilled artwork?

A shadow box is used to display quilled artwork because it provides a 3D effect that highlights the dimension of the paper art. It protects the artwork and allows it to be appreciated from different angles.

What tips are provided for using glue during quilling?

The key tip for using glue in quilling is to use less glue than you think. A small dab of glue is sufficient to secure the paper, and it's important to apply the glue carefully to avoid excess that could seep out or affect the design.

Why is it recommended to use a damp sponge to keep the glue bottle from clogging?

Using a damp sponge under the glue bottle helps keep the glue tip wet, preventing it from getting clogged. This ensures the glue flows easily and doesn't dry up, making it easier to apply in small amounts during quilling.

How do Dennis and Andrew incorporate a space theme into their quilled artwork?

Dennis and Andrew create a space-themed quilled artwork by designing a planet using various quilled shapes like swooshes and stars. They start by quilling a circular planet, add dimension with swooshes, and finish by adding stars around the planet for a celestial effect.