Quilling Instructions

Needle tools (known as professional quilling tools) are used to create shapes and to assist in applying the finished quilling product to scrapbooks. It’s best to have on hand the basic craft tools and supplies necessary to perform quilling. These tools include scissors, glue, t-pins and trimmers. You may chose to use cardstock instead of quilling paper. Cardstock is a stiffer, heavyweight paper, available in various colors and sizes, which can help extend the life of your scrapbook. Although an option, few quillers use cardstock, even in scrapbooking since it doesn’t hold up as well as regular quilling paper.

To begin an in-depth look at the craft of quilling, you need to make sure you have your tools.

First, you need a quilling tool (a needle or slotted tool, or even a corsage pin) to cover your paper. You will also need tweezers and a paper cutter. It's best to use quilling paper, not thicker papers, to ensure you have no wrinkles during the rolling process. Always make sure your paper strips are smooth and of a uniform width.

To make white flowers, follow the instructions below carefully.

Choose 6 pieces of 4” long and !/4" wide paper strips for your flower petals. Use your quilling tool to firmly roll each strip into a tight coil, and then allow each roll to uncoil somewhat. After all 6 spirals are finished, use both hands to hold each spiral between your thumb and index finger. Gently pinch each side of the spiral into an oval shape, also known as a ‘marquise’ shape, to form your flower petals. You should have 6 petals for each flower.

Before gluing your petals to the page, squeeze a drop of glue onto a piece of cardstock, then, using your tweezers, dip each petal end into the drop of glue and attach it to the page. Allow the glued end to dry completely before releasing it from your tweezers. Zig 2-way or Sailor glue are preferred by many guillers for their thin consistancy and fast drying time. PVA glue, available at most craft stores, is also popular with quillers.

Take your time with each petal and you'll be rewarded with a glue-smudge-free page!

If you’d like to make heart flowers, use at least a 4” strip, or longer, depending upon the design you have chosen. Each strip is then rolled from each end to the center point of the strip, creating two equal scrolls on the one strip. The strip is then pinched in the center, bringing the two scrolls together to form a heart shape.

Usually, leaves and stems are rounded by hand. Pull them gently through the glue with your tweezers and then place in the proper position to the flower you've created.

Always be sure to keep your scrolls equal in size and tension, to ensure a uniform appearance. You may want to use a template to size your shapes, especially if making a number of the same type of finished pieces.
Again, take your time when gluing. Use your tweezers and very small amounts of glue—and be certain of the spot you're gluing to to avoid mistakes and having to re-glue a piece.

Avoid applying too much glue. It will leave marks and spoil the beauty of the final product.

When creating snowflake ornaments, I recommend using 3/8” or 1/2” paper to make the snowflakes more rigid so they will hold up better.