In addition to beautiful shapes, one of the reasons that quilling is so popular today is its versatility. It can be used for anything from gift wrapping to making greeting cards. But what I’m really excited about is using it for making jewelry. It’s not only quick and easy to do, but it looks absolutely stunning. To get started, all you need are some 1/8″ strips of quilling paper and a few basic supplies (many of which you probably already have in your studio). Then, with the help of Ann Martin’s new book, On a Roll, you’ll be on your way to creating a stunning collection of show stopping jewelry!
Quilling is an old craft that dates back to the 1200s, when nuns wrapped paper around goose quills in order to create coiled shapes for decorative reliquaries and holy pictures. With the advent of paper manufacturing, the craft quickly became more common as nuns began to substitute paper for more expensive metal in their work.
There are two basic forms of quilling: scrolls and coils. A rolled strip that is not glued and allowed to loosen or relax is called a scroll. When a coil is glued, it’s referred to as a tight coil or pinched coil.
To make a coil, cut a length of paper and start rolling it between your thumb and index finger. With practice, your fingers will begin to take the shape of a coil with very little effort. Once your coil is the size you want it to be, gently pull it off of your hand and allow it to relax. Repeat as needed to get the desired shape. Paper Quilling Jewelry