Using a slotted tool, a small pair of scissors and colorful paper quilling strips, Licia creates a pretty lariat. The tassel ends are glued to a circular base to secure the shape. Licia also adds a little bit of bling with gilded accents and metallic rick rack to give her design extra sparkle.
Paper quilling was originally used to mimic metal filigree when that traditional material became scarce and expensive. The craft was a favorite pastime of genteel ladies in Europe during Edwardian and Victorian times. Special recesses were even made in tea caddies, baskets, portraits and screens to accommodate intricate coiled shapes and designs. Detailed instructions and templates were published in the era’s magazines.
The beauty of the craft lies in the subtle, symmetrical designs and the ability to mimic more expensive materials without the expense of real gold or silver wires. With the introduction of the first paper mills around 1495, the art of paper quilling flourished as a more affordable alternative to costly metal work.
Specialist quilling paper comes in a variety of colors and dimensions, including graduated, two-tone and acid-free. The former is similar to regular craft paper, however it is designed to last much longer and will not cause damage when glued to surfaces or framed for pictures. Two-tone and graduated papers have a concrete color on one side with a progressively lighter or darker shade on the other. Choosing the right type of paper for your project is essential to getting a professional and polished look. Paper Quilling Jewelry