The centuries old craft of quilling (paper filigree) is as versatile as it is beautiful. The paper is rolled, looped, curled and twisted into shapes that can be used to decorate anything from jewelry to greeting cards and frames. The two main shapes used to create quilled jewelry are scrolls and coils. Whether you use them separately or combine them to create new designs, both types of shapes are incredibly easy and fun to work with.
Scrolls are created with strips of paper rolled tightly around a small piece of wood or other base. Coils, on the other hand, are a bit more complicated because they require more precise control. To make a coil, place the end of a strip of paper in the slotted tool, and use your other hand to guide it as you turn the tool. The paper will naturally begin to curl into a coil shape as it is shaped. Once you have the coil, place it on a non-stick surface to dry.
To finish your jewelry, you can use a variety of sealants that are available at your local arts and crafts store. I like to use crystal coat glaze, which comes in a few different colors and provides an extra sparkle to the finished jewelry. Another good choice is a clear school glue, or a non-toxic craft glue that dries clear.
To learn more about how to make these earrings and other stunning designs using paper quilling, check out Ann Martin’s book The Art of Quilling Paper Jewelry. This book has 20 stunning projects that are sure to inspire your creativity! Paper Quilling Jewelry