The Art of Paper Quilling
Paper quilling is an art of rolling, twisting and bending thin strips of colorful paper to create a variety of shapes. It has been around since at least the 15th century and is crafted all over the world! It is especially popular in the US where many museums exhibit quilling pieces, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and Colonial Williamsburg.
While quilling requires a steady hand and precise control of your fingers, it can be a great way to relax and de-stress. This type of crafting also builds your fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. In addition, it can be a wonderful creative outlet that encourages self-expression with an endless array of colors and designs to choose from.
Quilling is also an inexpensive and accessible craft that can be used for a variety of purposes, from gift wrapping to home decoration. It’s a perfect activity for kids and adults alike and can be enjoyed by the whole family.
The history of this craft dates back to Renaissance times when French and Italian nuns used rolled paper filigree to decorate religious objects at impoverished churches. They would often add gilding to the resulting paper work, which could be indistinguishable from much more expensive metal filigree. The technique spread to England where it became a popular pastime for gentle women alongside embroidery and other needlework. In the Victorian era it gained popularity as a fashionable hobby and a craft that was taught at boarding schools.Paper Quilling Art