What is Quilling Art? How is Amazing Quilling Art Made?

Do you agree that not bits and strips of paper might cause a nuisance, rather, they can be transformed into marvellous handcrafted art?

Yes, paper quilling it is, where every curl and twist of the paper strip narrates a story. Are you curious to know how? Dive into this paper quilling guide and join us in exploring the origins, tools, techniques used to make quilling art  and everything that makes paper quilling artwork so stunning. 

Let’s begin the joyous and creative adventure of paper quilling!

What is Paper Quilling?

Paper quilling, also popularly known as paper-scrolling, paper rolling, paper mosaic, and filigree, is a handcrafted art created from strips of paper. These narrow paper stripes are rolled into scrolls or coils and arranged artistically to create elegant filigree. 

It is a versatile art with boundless creative possibilities that range from simple greeting cards to intricate wall hangings. 

Are you eager to discover the magic of rolling and folding paper strips? Keep reading!

Origins of Paper Quilled Artwork

Credit: Medium

Do you know that the name paper quilling is derived from the word ‘quill’, which refers to the hollow and pointed end of a bird’s feather? In ancient times, artisans used these quills to roll, fold, and shape narrow stripes of paper because the sharp and fine tip of the feather helped create elegant and intricate designs. 

This technique is primarily believed to have originated in Egypt where tombs were observed  to be designed with wire in shapes similar to modern quilling. It is also believed that it originated with the invention of paper in China in 105 AD. In the 13th century, metal filigree was extensively used for decoration across countries.

However, paper quilling technique gained immense popularity in the Renaissance during the 15th century, when monks and nuns began using paper in place of precious material like metals and threads of gold and silver, believing it replicated the elegance of fine and intricate metal filigree. 

Moreover, paper quilling is a respected craft used in religious art. It was extensively used to design portraits, architectural designs for the alter, reliquaries, and even cabinets. In these artworks, quilled paper was mixed with colourful threads, metallic beads, and other decorative elements.  

Paper not only became a cheaper alternative but also increased the scope for creativity in the designs. By the 15th century, the craft had gained immense popularity among English women as a major pastime. 

Fast-forward to the 21st century, and paper quilling has adopted advanced techniques such as 3D modelling and husking. It is combined with painting and embroidery to design an extensive range of handcrafted art, from invitations to portraits! 

Thrilled by the fascinating history of paper quilling? Excited to explore the contemporary paper quilled artwork? 

Paper Quilling Tool and Quilling Paper

To begin with quilling, you would need some key tools: 

Quilling Needle: You will find this tool very handy for quilling. It has a small centre slot that helps in attaching the paper string to the roll quilling. Do not worry about whether your paper strips are wider because you can get this tool for various sizes of paper string. 

Point Tweezers: While quilling, you would require picking the narrow paper string, shaping it, and aligning it precisely into the desired shape. This is where point tweezers will be your saviour! 

Thread Snip or Clipper: This tool will be helpful whenever you need to cut the paper strips to the desired length. Of course, you can use scissors, but if you want precision, perfection, and efficiency in your artwork, a clipper has to be your go-to tool. 

White Glue: This water-based glue is perfect for sealing the quilled shapes and organising them effortlessly and effectively on the base. 

Quilling Paper: Of course, you need quilling paper. You can cut narrow strips of paper or buy quilling paper and kits, which can provide uniform-sized strips in a wide range of colours. 

Different sizes of quilled paper can be used for creating this handcraft. The artists at Stoned Santa usually prefer 2mm and 5mm sizes, however, it largely depends on the size and details required in the artwork. 

Ready with all the tools but unable to design the desired quilled shapes? Join paper quilling workshops by the artists at Stoned Santa. 

Making Quilled Paper Artwork Step-by-Step

Designing quilled artwork can be exciting and fulfilling. If you are also eager to try your hands with paper quilling, you can follow these simple steps:

Step 1: To design this extraordinary handcraft, you will require some ordinary things, such as a pair of scissors, glue, quilling paper, a quilling needle, and a base. You can make strips of paper for quilling or buy them. 

Step 2: Select your pattern, colours, and quilling techniques for your artwork. If you are a beginner, go for simple patterns like flowers. 

Step 3: Now roll the paper strips to coil them into your desired shape with the help of the quilling needle tool. Feel free to roll the stripes into loose or tight coils and design them into triangles, hearts, squares, half-moons, marquise, teardrops, ovals, diamond shapes, and swirls as per your selected pattern.

Step 4: Dab some glue on the loose ends of the strips to secure the quilling shapes you have designed.

Step 5: Once you are ready with all the coils, place them on the base according to your selected design and fix them with glue. And voila! Your magnum opus is ready! 

If you are fascinated by paper quilling, and want to get something unique made for yourself, or your loved ones, the paper quilling artists at Stoned Santa can help you! 

Our artists are highly experienced and skilled in using advanced quilling techniques such as 3D mosaic, beehive, and husking, which helps us create intricate and fine motifs with a class finish! 

Are you eager to have one-to-one experience with quilled paper? Join our fun-filled workshops for paper quilling to learn advanced quilling techniques and create your own paper filigree artwork!

Crafts with Quilling Paper: Paper Quilling Ideas

Credit: Pinterest

Paper Quilling for Festivals:  Are you looking for some unique ideas for decorating your home for this festive season? 

Then you must explore paper quilling specially designed by the artists at Stoned Santa for your festive décor!

Whether you aspire to hang delicate snowflakes on Christmas Trees, add a traditional touch to the Diwali décor rangolis and diyas, or make your loved ones feel special with unique handcrafted greetings on the New Year, paper quilling artworks by Stoned Santa has everything to make your festivals special.

Credit: Pinterest

Paper Quilled Customised Gifts and Cards: You will agree that nothing makes a more special and meaningful gift than a handcrafted and personalised gift! 

If you are looking for such exclusive gifts, we at Stoned Santa have a stunning range of gift designs for you. We can design customised portraits, name boards or nameplates, abstract art, handmade quilling cards, anniversary gifts and more!

Paper Quilled Jewellery and Keychains:  Yes! You read it right! Paper quilling art can also be functional! 

Paper quilling earrings, necklaces and bracelets can be a stunning fashion statement. The creatively designed paper quilled keychains can further elevate your creative flair. 

And…do you know the best part? You can custom design the paper quilled jewellery to match your dresses’ colours, patterns, and motifs and elevate your fashionable look.

What! You are still waiting? Choose your favourite paper quilled artwork now!

Turn your Paper Quilling Pastime into a Side Hustle

Credit: Pinterest

What can be better than turning your beloved pastime into a rewarding job? If you enjoy working with art and have a unique skill of paper quilling, why not channelise your passion into profit making?  

Wait! Are you worried about how to attract customers and reach the target audience? You don’t need to be stressed about that anymore. 

At Stoned Santa, we collaborate with skilled artists and help them obtain orders from customers looking for exclusive handcrafted items. Today, we have a wide network of experienced and competent artists who are highly successful and very happy working with what they love. 

Do you also love paper quilling and aspire to create a side hustle? Feel free to engage with Stoned Santa and give wings to your dreams!

Paper Quilling Artists

Stoned Santa is a wonderful haven for artists eager to excel and spread joy among others through their art. Some of our most creative minds in paper quilled artwork are: 

Siddhartha Saha: Stoned Santa is privileged to work with Siddhartha Saha, a Tripura banker who transformed his paper quilling hobby into marvellous global fame! 

Yes, Siddhartha has been the awardee for the India Book of Records and the Guinness World Record for his marvellous paper quilling designs. 

He specialises in quilling 3D miniature artwork and can stun you with his skilful portal of intricate landscapes and scenery. 

Priyanka Sagar: Truly a ‘sagar’ of incredible creativity in a literal sense, Priyanka Sagar, from Gujrat, is a highly talented paper quilling artist. You name it, and she will design it for you such that you cannot help yourself admiring the marvellous skill she practised by her. 

She can create magic in any design however intricate logo design or portrait design you want!

Swapna Khade: Swapna, a highly experienced paper quilling artist from Pune, successfully transformed her passion into a profession through her brand, Mira’s Craft. 

She possesses the unique skill of designing intricate floral patterns and motifs and has had the privilege of working with renowned paper brands like Claire Fontaine and Canson. 

Sabeena Karnik: Based in Mumbai, Sabeena is a globally recognised graphic designer and illustrator, particularly known for her extraordinary paper quilling artworks. 

If you are looking to design calligraphy with paper quilling and create captions, quotes and even brand logos, you can blindly count on Sabeena. Her stunning skill could not even hold leading global brands like Adobe, Google, Porsche, Disney and Paramount becoming her clients. 

Are you seeking inspiration for designing paper quilling artworks, purchasing paper quilled crafts for décor or gifting, or aspiring to venture into paper quilling as a side hustle? The artists at Stoned Santa can meet your every need! 

Quilling the Last Coil!

Paper quilling is a beautiful artwork that unleashes your creative expression and imagination. 

Beautiful wall décor artwork for interior designers, stunning jewellery for fashion lovers, an exciting side hustle for entrepreneurs with a creative inclination, and even a memorable way to spread love and smiles through gifting…paper quilling has something to delight everyone! 

But whatever is your need…Stoned Santa is just a click away for you!