Miranda Dyson, Children’s Education Associate
Quilling is the process of coiling, pleating, creasing, and adhering strips of paper for decoration. Known for its intricacy and dimension, it can be applied to several kinds of art, from wall hangings to greeting cards. This art form began when bird feathers (quills) were used as the primary tool for winding thin strips of paper into a circular form. Quilling needles can be found in most craft stores, with handles and a metal top that easily grasps and winds paper.
Today, I’ll be quilling my paper with found objects that can substitute quilling needles.
In celebration of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) we’ll make a picture frame to remember a loved one who has passed away, applying quilled details. Follow along to create your own design!
You will need:
- Colored paper
- A paper cutter or scissors
- Liquid glue
- A sturdy backing for your frame base
- A quilling needle OR
- Jewelry pliers
- Paintbrush
- Toothpick
- Paper clip
- Plastic needle (with top cut off)
Similar to mosaics, a quilled artwork includes multiple individual shapes that will combine into an overall image. I’ve chosen to make abstract marigold flowers, a popular decoration for Día de los Muertos, along with other shapes to make an arch and decorative edging.
- Begin by cutting your colored paper to 1/4″ strips or purchase pre-cut paper specifically for quilling projects. Next you will coil your paper by wrapping and twisting it around a quilling needle. I’ve experimented with several kinds of quilling needle substitutes for this project—you can watch me use three of them below! Depending on what tool you choose, your coil will have a unique shape.
2. Once you have coiled a piece of paper, pull it off of its quilling tool, let it unfurl a bit, and put a small dab of glue on the end and glue it to itself.
3. After you have a good number of glued coils, it’s time to shape them! Pressing, pinching, and holding your pieces of paper will allow them to take on new forms to build your desired patterns. Experiment with different shapes, like the classic teardrop, or more organic shapes, like the jellybean-croissant shape made for the marigold petals.
4. Once you’ve decided where your shapes should be placed, it’s time to glue them onto your background! Dip the bottom half of your shape into glue and place it on your surface. Tweezers can be helpful for this step.
Now your frame is complete, ready to be filled with images of loved ones. Which step of this project did you enjoy the most? What shapes will you try making next?
Visit our display of community ofrendas in celebration of Día de los Muertos, on display at FWMoA through November 9th.
Wonderful idea to show quilling for all.