We are getting increasing number of enquiries on how to begin quilling and thus we came up with this to help beginners plan and decide what to purchase:
Q1. What is quilling?
Ans: Quilling, or filigree work, is the result of rolling or coiling thin strips of paper into delicate-looking shapes and using these pieces to form a design. Projects can range from simple gift tags and cards to elaborate pictures, 3 D models or the decoration of boxes. This art form is very old and is traceable to the 15th century and possibly as early as the 13th or 14th century.
Ans: Quilling, or filigree work, is the result of rolling or coiling thin strips of paper into delicate-looking shapes and using these pieces to form a design. Projects can range from simple gift tags and cards to elaborate pictures, 3 D models or the decoration of boxes. This art form is very old and is traceable to the 15th century and possibly as early as the 13th or 14th century.
Q2. I want to learn quilling, please advice on this?
Ans: If there's any quilling classes or workshops offered in your community, go join one! Learn from the more experienced quillers and save your time and energy (even money) researching. Get advices on the Do's and Dont's of quilling, where to get better bargain craft stuffs etc. We do offer quilling classes from time to time, or if you could gather at least 3 persons, we could have class. Email us to check on availability of classes.
Q3. What if I prefer self-explore/self-learning?
Ans: Get a beginner/ starter kit! These kits include basic quilling instructions (with patterns), a slotted tool and paper strips to get you kick start. Our beginner full kit includes a needle tool, corkboard, ruler, glue, cardstock... all the necessary supplies for you to start quilling! Save the trouble of researching what to buy! If you have extra budget, go for our deluxe starter kit which comes with everything - in a hand carry case! It makes quilling while traveling a lot easier!
Q4. If I have limited budget, what are the basics that I need to get?
Ans: #1. A sloted tool! Although you can always go for finger rolling, it's a lot easier to start quilling with a slotted tool. Plus, it is also necessary for making fringed flowers and curled roses. Invest on a good quality one as it is the most frequently used hand tool (it also lasts longer, as long as you don't break it or lost it). The one that comes with a rubber handle makes it more comfortable to work with. #2. A pair of fine tip tweezers! It's not a must but having one will make picking and assembling quilling pieces easier.
Q5. Why do I need a needle tool if I already have a slotted tool?
Ans: Although it's easier to work with slotted tool, expert quillers prefer using a needle tool because it allows one to make small and perfectly round center coils, unlike the slot that leaves a small crimp in the center of each coils.
Q6. Can I cut my own paper strips?
Ans: Ya. Just make sure that you use papers of at least 80gsm or else it would be too soft to coil. Standard width that we recommend for beginners are 1/8", which is about 3mm. Alternatively, there are machine cut, ready-to-use paper strips available on the market. It saves you the time on cutting paper strips to enjoy the process of quilling.
Q7. I would like to know more about the quilling strips that you sell?
Ans: They come in a wide variety of colours and choices and some specialty papers can produce interesting outcome. The standard weight is 90-110gsm so it's easier for beginner to practice rolling than the usual print text weight paper; and the standard length is 17-24" (the one we sell is mostly 24"). Not only it's easier to quill with these paper strips, they are also acid free, meaning they are archival safe (colour lasts longer, do not harm your photos eg used in scrapbooking and environmentally friendly) and produce neater and smooth-edged quillwork. The paper strips come in different width, as narrow as 1/16" or as large as 5/8". The 1/4" to 5/8" are normally used for fringed flowers and folded roses.
Q7. I would like to know more about the quilling strips that you sell?
Ans: They come in a wide variety of colours and choices and some specialty papers can produce interesting outcome. The standard weight is 90-110gsm so it's easier for beginner to practice rolling than the usual print text weight paper; and the standard length is 17-24" (the one we sell is mostly 24"). Not only it's easier to quill with these paper strips, they are also acid free, meaning they are archival safe (colour lasts longer, do not harm your photos eg used in scrapbooking and environmentally friendly) and produce neater and smooth-edged quillwork. The paper strips come in different width, as narrow as 1/16" or as large as 5/8". The 1/4" to 5/8" are normally used for fringed flowers and folded roses.
Q8. What adhesives/glue should I use?
Ans: Any water based, not too tacky white craft glue that dries fast and clear. You can get them from any stationary or art shop. (Or any paper glue that you have as long as it sticks!) If you want to give additional protection to your quillwork, check out our glaze coat.
Q9. Is it necessary to get myself a corkboard, quilling comb, fringer, crimper....?
Ans: These tools can be very handy if you quills a lot. Of course it's a bonus if you could afford them. We do carry quilling designer board which is useful when you need to make a lot of same size coils for flower petals or when you are working with eccentric coils. The other side of the corkboard can be used as workboard for husking and patterns. However, one could always buy a circle template ruler from stationary shop for alternatives. You could use a Styrofoam or paperboard for workboard instead of a corkboard. We also sell quilling comb and crimper if you like to explore different quilling techniques. Alternatives to quilling comb would be any comb with wide teeth (some suggested dog comb). And unless you need to fringe a lot, fine tip scissors will give similar outcomes.
Q10. Is there any source of reference that you could recommend?
Ans: Basically, just google 'quilling' on the web and there you go a whole list of links and videos to explore. But if you are the book type of person, there are many quilling books available on the market. Books that we currently carry are listed HERE. If you happen to come across any book that you are interested with but it's not listed, you could always write to us for suggestion. Or you could check our quilling resources page and our quilling tutorials.
Everyone can quill!
