How to Create Quilling Paper Art

Quilling, or paper rolling, is a centuries-old art form – from monks rolling golden paper scrolls during the Renaissance to women of the 19th century learning this craft. Today, quilling is more popular than ever. All you need is a quilling tool set, some patience, and a touch of creativity.

It's important to understand the two different tools used for paper rolling, which include the quilling tool and the quilling needle. The quilling tool is ideal for beginners, while the needle is better suited for those with more experience and skill. If you prefer not to use these tools, you can also substitute them with a toothpick or a pin.

• Quilling tool: shaped like a pencil with a narrow slit at the tip. The downside is that it creates small twists in the center of the paper when you move the paper towards the tip. If this isn't a major issue, this tool is great for beginners.
• Quilling needle: this tool is more difficult to use but produces smooth, tight spirals (and looks more professional) that are perfect for advanced quilling.

Create or Purchase Rolling Paper. It’s no surprise that the art of paper rolling is based on the paper you use to craft your masterpiece. Artists use colored paper strips, rolling them into such intricate designs that they almost seem unbelievable. You can either create these paper strips yourself by cutting them into uniform lengths or buy pre-cut paper. The length of the strips will depend on the patterns you wish to create.

Try Twisting the Paper. Before shaping your creation, prepare plenty of smooth, twisted rolls. To start, insert one end of the paper strip into the small slit of your rolling tool. You need to hold it tightly, then begin to twist the paper strip away from the tool. The paper should wrap around the tool to form a spiral. Continue twisting until the entire paper is used up.

• For twisting paper with a pin or skewer, moisten your fingers, wrap one end of the paper strip around the pin (or other tool), and use your thumb and forefinger to twist the paper around the pin’s tip.

Gently Remove the Twisted Roll from the Tool. Once you've finished twisting the paper strip, carefully remove the twisted roll. If you want a loose twist, set the roll down and let it unwind naturally.

Glue the Paper. Once the twisted rolls are ready, it’s time to glue the tail ends. Use only a small amount of glue. Apply the glue to the inside end of the paper using a toothpick, a paper piercer, or a T-pin. Hold it for about twenty seconds.

• Regular glue is sufficient for rolling paper. You may also want to try thicker glues, which dry faster than regular ones, or super adhesive liquid glue, which dries incredibly fast and holds well.

Shape the Twisted Roll. This depends on the design you wish to create. You may want to mold it into the shape of a leaf, or you could form a triangle. The possibilities for shaping are endless!

Glue the Twisted Rolls Together. Once again, use just a small amount of glue – too much glue can make the paper soft or distort your artwork. But don’t use too little either. Remember to hold the twisted rolls in place for about twenty seconds!

Try Some Designs. You can visit a craft store and pick up a book with paper rolling patterns, search online, or even try the patterns available on Mytour! Some patterns on Mytour include:

• Angel-shaped Paper Roll. This beautiful angel design would make a meaningful gift or an excellent decoration for a Christmas tree.
• Heart-shaped Paper Roll. Nothing says "I love you" better than crafting a lovely, handmade gift for your loved one. Show off your paper rolling skills with this heart-shaped design.
• Ear-ring-shaped Paper Roll. Learn to create paper rolls in dome, cone, or flat shapes, and then connect them to form an earring design.