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What is Paper Quilling? Examples from Quilly Nilly

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What is Paper Quilling?

Today I’d like to introduce you to an art form that was completely new to me until recently. It’s called paper quilling. Here’s the definition, courtesy of trusty ‘ol Wikipedia: Quilling or paper filigree is an art form that involves the use of strips of paper that are rolled, shaped, and glued together to create decorative designs. The paper is wound around a quill to create a basic coil shape. The paper is glued at the tip and the coil shaped, these shaped coils are arranged to form flowers, leaves, and various ornamental patterns similar to ironwork.

Sound like a fun hobby? You can get started very easily with a few key resources! I recommend checking out the beginner quiller kit on Amazon, as well as a great book with fun quilling designs!


what is paper quilling? example I recently got to know a Memphis quilling artist named Tracey. Her creations are on display at the Etsy store Quilly Nilly. Go take a quick look around; I bet you will be surprised at the amazing things that Tracey makes out of paper. In fact, her business logo is, “Yes, it’s paper!”

Tracey says that she loves quilling because there are so many different ways that paper can coil and be combined to create larger shapes and designs. She enjoys every quilling project she takes on, but she’s particularly fond of making owls, and she’s enjoying her new ventures in making 3-D miniatures and paper sculptures.

what is paper quilling? example on a frame I knew that the results of quilling were cool just by looking at the items for sale at Quilly Nilly. When a package arrived from Tracey, however, and I got to see a finished product for myself, I was absolutely delighted by how unique, fun and positively precious her items are! Tracey sent me this beach-themed picture frame. Notice the sun, pail, the super cute shovel and beach ball, all made from quilled paper! Everything about this frame is so cute, and it looks professionally done (while also looking like something you can’t find anywhere else). I am thrilled with it, and can’t wait to get a picture of Darah in her swimsuit in the frame.

In addition to making perfectly precious frames, Tracey also makes the perfect note cards for special occasions, very fun magnets to dress up your fridge, and many other cool things! If you have an idea for something that could be made more lovely through quilling, convo Tracey…I bet she can make it for you! Her creations start at just $3.25, and I guarantee you that you are going to fall head over heels for anything she makes for you! Tracey is also offering my readers a 10% discount on any purchase you make just by entering “STP Blog” in the comments section when you make a purchase (money will be refunded via paypal).

what is paper quilling? Tracey is a really organized artist (which is a bit unusual!), and I know this because of her design process. She says, “Typically when I’m starting a new project I will sketch out what I hope for it to look like, as I work I write down how much paper it took to do each section; if I decide a year from now I want to create a butterfly to go on a smaller note card I’ll know how many strips of paper it took and it makes things a little easier.” Wow!

Originally from Connecticut, Tracey has been calling Memphis home for 16 years now, after coming down to go to college. She loves that this city has a terrific and accessible mix of art and music. She also said that our zoo and our botanic gardens are wonderful places to visit, and I have to agree. Of the people, Tracey says, “You can walk into almost any store here and strike up a conversation with a complete stranger and walk out feeling like you’ve got a new friend.” She’s absolutely right. Memphis may technically be a big city, but really its just a humongous small town! 🙂

Edit: Giveaway CLOSED

what is paper quilling? Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need Reader is going to win a summer-inspired frame that will have fruit on it. It is going to be so cute! The contest will run until Tuesday, May 25th at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States.

Mandatory Entry:
Tell me your very favorite item at Quilly Nilly!

Additional Entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog via RSS, email or Google friend connect (only one extra entry, even if you subscribe more than one way)
2. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter (leave your Twitter ID)
3. Subscribe to or follow Tracey’s blog
4. Add Quilly Nilly to your Etsy favorites
5. Become a fan of Quilly Nilly on Facebook
6. Suggest an item you’d like to see Tracey make using quilling
7. If you left a Memphis in May comment on this post before May 2nd, leave a comment for an extra entry

Disclosure: I received a complimentary product for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

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Comments

  63. I think mirrors with quilled flowers around the edge would be beautiful.
    yeloechikee at hotmail dot com

    Reply

  66. Never heard of quilling before–thanks for educating me!
    I like the Personalized Name Magnet.
    yeloechikee at hotmail dot com

    Reply

  68. I would love to see Tracey make quilled fruit!
    Thank you for the giveaway 🙂
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply

  70. I added Quilly Nilly to my Etsy favorites – my Etsy username is Hurdler4eva
    Thank you for the giveaway 🙂
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply

  71. The Happiness Owl Wall Decor is my favorite!
    Thank you for the giveaway 🙂
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply

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