Tutorial: How to make tendrils for paper quilling

In my quilling I often use tendrils (spirals). They are especially good for quilled tree trunks and branches, like in my Cherry blossom picture, for instance. They can be also used in cardmaking and scrapbooking for making intricate embellishments, like those on this Valentine's Day card or the pink Birthday greeting card. However, creating perfect tendrils for paper quilling is not as simple as it may look. Some of my readers asked me how I create tendrils for my quilling, so here we go, a tutorial on the subject :) In this short video I share my method of making tendrils using a needle tool and 1/16" & 1/8" strips. You can also use an awl, a thin knitting needle or even a toothpick. Don't be disappointed if you can't get it right right away, just keep practicing.

Cherry blossom, framed paper quilling art

I was writing this post when the news came about the tragedy in Japan. Like many other's, my thoughts, heart and prayers are with the people of Japan. For those looking for ways to donate to support the disaster relief efforts, here are a few links:

• Japanese Red Cross (via Google)
• American Red Cross
• British Red Cross

How to fold a rose (quilling)

It's amazing how every quiller has her own method to fold a rose. I, too, have some tricks that I've never seen before, either on the Web or in a book. So, please welcome my — yet another — tutorial on making folded roses.

Lion: 3D quilling project with step-by-step instructions

This image is available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License.

I'm inviting you to download complete instructions for making a quilled lion (2.5 MB).

Video: Quilled Poinsettia Tutorial by Ann Martin

Paper Quilling from Ann Martin on YouTube.

Somehow I overlooked this fantastic video tutorial by Ann Martin :( Eventually I watched it and enjoyed very much! Check out Ann's post with the list of supplies and instructions, too: That's Clever Video - Quilled Poinsettia Tutorial .

Quilling tips, patterns and tutorials round-up

With 200+ posts and counting, my blog has grown too large, so I'll be posting a series of round-ups in an attempt to make some order. I'll start with quilling (paper filigree) tutorials, and you are invited to suggest a subject for a next one.

How to make a beveled picture frame out of paper

Long awaited instructions and templates for making a beveled paper frame I've used for my quilling projects "Poppies" and "Dandelions and raspberries". To additionally illustrate the use of a frame like this, I've created a quilled passionflower, which isn't a thoroughly designed work, so be indulgent, please.

Pattern: Quilled bat for Halloween crafts

I've decided to write the instructions for quilling a bat in a separate post. I have also added a diagram to make it clear.

Video: An Introduction to Quilling

This is the best video about paper quilling I've found so far. It's been in my favorite links section for a long time, and I thought I'd put it on the blog, too. You might also like other video tutorials in their YouTube channel. Enjoy!

Quilled poppies step-by-step, part 3

With this post I'm finishing the three-part tutorial on making quilled poppies. If you haven't seen the previous parts, here's the full list:

1. Instructions for making quilled petals using husking;
2. How to make the centers using the fringed flower technique and assemble the flowers;
3. How to make the foliage (husking) and the dandelion flower (fringed flower).

Quilled poppies step-by-step, part 2

What I like about paper filigree is that it presents almost endless challenges, and I like challenges :) In this project the poppy centers were a challenge, at least to me.

Just to remind you, this is the second part of a three-part tutorial on making quilled poppies:

1. Instructions for making the petals;
2. How to make the centers and assemble the flowers;
3. Making the foliage and the dandelion.

Quilled poppies step-by-step, part 1

My last quilling work, two poppies and a dandelion; its size is about 7 x 7 1/2 inches (17.5 x 19.5 cm) framed. This time I'd like to share with you complete, step-by-step instructions for making it. When I say "complete", I mean that you will see how each and every part of this piece was made. Actually, this will be a series of three tutorials, due to the relatively large number of different elements:

1. Petals of poppy flowers;
2. Flower centers and assembling the poppies;
3. Foliage and dandelion flower.

Project: "Have a great vacation!" card with a quilled crab and sailboat

Another simple handmade card with elements of paper quilling (a step up from the summer card I showed). The quilled shapes require some experience in quilling (especially the crab, which is very tiny), so I can't say this is beginners level. I also tried to incorporate some embossing into this project.

Project: Summer card with a quilled slice of orange

You know, I'm not too much into scrapbooking and cardmaking, but from time to time I create greeting cards for my friends and family. This one is a pretty simple paper card with elements of paper quilling. I wrote a short tutorial on making this card, hope beginners will found it useful.

How to make paper ball ornaments

I promised to show in detail how to make paper ball ornaments for a garland, mobile or any other decoration. So, here we go.

How to make a simple paper frame

This time I'd like to share with you a simple and easy way to make a paper picture frame, like the one shown in the photo above. Personally, I like using such paper frames for my quilling.

How to make paper leaves with veins

Recently I've been asked how to make the paper leaves with veins I sometimes use in my greeting cards. Let me show you my way of doing this in a step-by-step tutorial.

How to make double fringed flowers

Another tutorial on quilled fringed flowers. This type is rather rear and I've never seen a detailed description of it. I already explained how to make simple fringed flowers earlier.

How to make fringed flowers

I was asked to explain how I make fringed paper flowers. You can find a lot of examples and tutorials on the Web, but since I was asked... Here's a detailed explanation.

Tutorial: An introduction to paper quilling

As you probably know, paper quilling or paper filigree can be used for creating greeting cards, decorating objects and even building three-dimensional sculptures.

This is a getting started quilling guide, where I'm showing the basics of paper quilling by the example of making a simple flower. The entire process should take about 30 minutes.