Basic Quilling Technique

The majority of quilled shapes can come in either closed coil or open coils. Closed coils are paper strips that are tightly wound to form a tight coil. Open coils are more loosely based. Let’s take a look at some of the basic shapes that can be achieved:

Loose Coils

A tight coil is so-called, because if you hold a tightly wound coil of paper for a minute or two, it will retain its shape. If you desire a loose coil, this is achieved by releasing the coil as soon as its wound until the desired level of looseness is achieved. You then glue this down when ready.

Teardrops

As the name suggests, you create a ‘teardrop’ shape by pinching the end of a loose coil & make a crease. Heres a tip; just pinch one or two layers of paper to achieve the teardrop shape rather than all layers. A teardrop isn’t your only option though; loose coils can be shaped into triangles, squares, hexagons and much more once you’ve mastered the basics.

Eccentric Loose Coil

Its much easier to create an eccentric loose coil if you are able to use a cork board or circle templete. Using a quilling tool or needle all you have to do, is press all the rounds of the paper to one side of the coil. Finish by then gluing the top of the coil & where all the rounds meet. Make sure that this is held in place until the glue has had a chance to dry.

Complex Quilling Technique

Once you mastered the basic shapes that you are able to create, try adding some variety to your finished design by using advanced quilling technique. One such technique is the folded paper technique. This is achieved by using a quilling comb (or onion holder if you don’t have this). Simply, fold the paper over the teeth of the comb back & forth. This creates a folded paper look which can then be applied to your finished artwork as either paper leaves or feathers. This is just an example of course, but I hope you get the idea – try to experiment with different techniques to create more elaborate designs!

As already mentioned above, the key to creating professional looking quilling cards & decorations is learning to master basic as well as advanced quilling technique. You should then apply both to your designs so that you can create more variety in your final designs & keep your friends & family continuously guessing as to what you’ll come up with next!

Interested in acquiring more skills in quilling technique and opening the doors to a new and exciting hobby? Click on the link!