Quilling tips, patterns and tutorials round-up

With 200+ posts and counting, my blog has grown too large, so I'll be posting a series of round-ups in an attempt to make some order. I'll start with quilling (paper filigree) tutorials, and you are invited to suggest a subject for a next one.

I think I should begin with quilling paper and quilling tools as they are the basic supplies for this wonderful craft. In the article about quilling paper I wrote what kind of colored office (for copying or printing), and construction paper I use to cut strips for quilling, the most popular width is 1/8" (3mm). Don't read it if you can buy paper for quilling easily :) Cutting quilling strips yourself instead of buying them can be a good idea if you can't shop for quilling supplies (in some countries they just don't sell anything for quilling). Another case is when you're new to quilling and just want to try your hand at this craft to make sure you like it, before purchasing good supplies.

Then, you will need a quilling tool. I don't use needle tools, but only slotted ones. I find them good enough for most of my projects. When I was really new to quilling, I used a wooden toothpick (cocktail stick) with a slit cut into its end. Later I made a few homemade tools from sewing needles. You have to snip the end off the eye using a pair of pliers and stick the needle into a wine cork, felt-tip pen cap, or similar. Here's my homemade quilling tool. Not long ago I've purchased a slotted tool from Quilled Creations, but been still using my good old needles when I need particularly fine coils.

Now, when you have the basic supplies, you must learn the basic principles of quilling. Following these simple instruction, try rolling coils and shaping them into quilling shapes. I'm not showing any of the advanced techniques in this tutorial, but just things you need to get started with the craft. There are also two easy-to-make quilling flower designs.

Usually the first design a new quiller creates, features flowers. There are many ways to make beautiful flowers with quilling. Spiral roses is just one of them. This technique is extremely easy, but produces impressing results. I've also published a short video tutorial on YouTube: Three-dimensional paper roses.

If you have ever wondered how to make quilled spirals (tendrils), then you'll probably find my video tutorial on making spirals for quilling useful. I often use them for tree trunks and branches, and to decorate greeting cards.

There's another, more complex, method of making folded roses. It requires some effort and practice, but the results are well worth it, since you get naturally looking neat flowers that can be used almost anywhere: quilled cards, embellishments, framed pictures, three-dimensional miniatures, etc.

Another popular technique is the fringed or tufted flowers. You may make one with or without center. This quilling technique require some skills, but I'm sure you'll eventually be good at it as well.

Double fringed flowers is a similar, but a bit more advanced technique. You have to practice it, but the results you get are well worth the effort. There are special tools on the market called fringers for easy fringe cutting, at an angle of 90 or 45 degrees, but I make my fringed flowers using scissors.

Speaking of tools, you'll need a crimper if you want to try using crimped strips in your quilling designs. I'm describing an easy method of making one in my post about do-it-yourself paper crimpers. Check it out if you can't buy one of those machines for some reason.

Husking is another advanced quilling technique. You can see it in use in my three-part Quilled poppies step-by-step tutorial. Actually, this project uses a combination of quilling techniques (alternate side looping among them). Take a look, hope you'll find it helpful.

I have also a few short tutorials. If you're trying to make a quilled apple for a greeting card design, then you'll probably want to read how to quill apples. I've been using this simple pattern for many of my cards. Just to remind, you're free to reproduce any of my original designs, but only for personal, non-profit use. And please, give me credit where it's due.

Another pretty simple pattern is for a quilled bat that can be used for Halloween craft designs. There is a detailed diagram, so that you can easily make one. Check it out, it also gives you additional ideas on how to do husking.

For three-dimensional quilling you can find these downloadable instructions. This is a lion project with step-by-step directions. It includes basic 3D-quilling shapes and techniques, so that you get the idea how three-dimensional quilled miniatures are made. I believe it can give you everything you need to start doing 3D quilling and further developing your skills.

Finally, there's an article that features 10 quilling tips for children. In this article I've collected some useful information based on my personal observations, and listed some of the simple quilling ideas that can be found on my blog.

There's a lot more to know about quilling, but for a newbie what I've written would be sufficient, I believe. I'd also suggest checking my posts with the label quilling, usually there's an explanation of how I created each of my quilling pieces, even if it isn't accompanied by step-by-step photos. Also, you can find some useful links on quilling in the sidebar. On the other hand, neither my blog, nor the Web in general is a substitute for a good quilling book, of which there are many. I can recommend some of the books that I own, check my Amazon list and my book reviews.

Happy quilling!