Quilling Tips.doc

Quilling Tips & Techniques

Tips and techniques are probably the best “frustration reducers” any artist can have. As simple as some of these ideas are (you know what I mean ~ the hit my head ~ “Why Didn't I Think Of That?” ideas), they have proven to be the most effective tools I have.

Pour some of your glue (I use PVA Glue) in a film canister and cap it when you’re not using it. This way the glue stays fresh.

While quilling, I hold the needle tool in my hand while I use the slotted tool for rolling the paper then, with just a turn of my hand, I dip my needle tool into the glue and place that small dot on the paper.

To keep your needle tool clean after gluing, wipe it on a folded damp paper towel. Roll one up and fit into another film canister for travel.

Before you fringe your paper try cutting one side of the paper with decorative scissors (Fiskars work well). Make sure that when you fringe you don’t cut the straight edge side. This gives the end result a more uneven effect and creates interesting flowers.

For really beautiful work make sure that the glued end of your work doesn't show. For instance: If you are making teardrop flower petals and you are going to glue the pointed ends together, pinch the end that has been glued. This way your flower petals won’t show any lines.

I have found some really unique sheet paper that I want to use for some of my projects. Instead of using a cutting board, run the sheet through a paper shredder. (Remember though, shredders have different cut widths, you probably won’t get that 1/8” width.) This technique is very good for the husking designs.

Storing and organizing your quilling papers.

• This paper comes in a plastic wrap with a card stapling it shut. Carefully take the card off, remove the staples and put the card inside the wrap with the paper. This helps you identify the color and size and keeps your paper clean.

• Use a large, hinged Rubbermaid storage box. Papers fit in lengthwise (on their side). Store papers numerically.

• Using No. 10 envelopes write the color and number of the paper on the upper left hand corner. Place the envelope in front of the paper and use the envelope for the “scrap” pieces.

Don’t throw away any quilled objects you have made ~ even if they don’t “work” for the project you are currently working on. You never know when you may need it.

I use a white cardboard pencil box to hold all of my “tools” together. My “tools” are: quilling tool set, tweezers, exacto knife, scoring tool, pencil, white pencil, 6” ruler and scissors.