Cottage Quilling

For years now, the girls and I have been meaning to try our hand at quilling, the art of rolling and arranging narrow strips of paper into graceful and intricate designs. Now, needless to say, none of us knows the first thing about quilling, but we here at Cottage Blessings try not to let little things like a total lack of competence hinder us. Perhaps that is why, during a recent trip to the craft store, Agnes, Theresa, and Margaret each approached me separately to suggest the purchase of a quilling kit, only to learn that I already had the kit, plus extra paper and quilling tools in our cart!

Here are our materials, quilling patterns, needles, rollers, and enough paper to amply supply the North American Quilling Guild for a year:

We found the craft to be surprisingly easy to learn, at least on a basic beginner level, and fun for ages 8 and up. Six-year-old Marie did not try her hand at rolling the papers, although she had tons of fun gluing our cast off rolls and swirls to a scene of a meadow and lake Margaret prepared for her earlier.

Needless to say, given our Marian theme for May, our first quilling projects were created to honor Our Lady:

Cost per project: Well, I'd rather not say, lest you think I am not a good steward of our family's resources. Next time, I would skip the fancy kit and stick to the basics--a rolling tool ($5.00), quilling paper (about $2.00 per package, but you do not need much), and tacky glue (99 cents). Online instructions are all you need to get started on a simple and satisfying project to adorn Our Lady's Altar this May.
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Please do not miss this amazing freestanding cup, saucer and spoon, created by a North American Quilling Guild member.

Comments

[Dawn]

Alice, these are beautiful projects. My mother did paper quilling when I was young, and I have very fond memories of watching and helping her. Thank you for reminding me of this lovely art form!

[Mary G in Greenville]

Alice --

you're so good to craft with your kids so much....do you have a frequent craft buyer card?

The projects are beautiful!

[Theresa]

Those are great! (And that cup and saucer-WOW!)You ladies are inspirational, as always, but I think all those paper strip would make me nuts!

[Christine]

Oh, thank you so much for sharing! You are a true inspiration. I know one little girl in my house who would love to learn the art of quilling. I can't wait to show her your post. May God continue to bless you and your family!

[Rebecca]

Beautiful, Alice. You inspire me to make beautiful things with my children more often.

[Jennifer]

Wow! Your daughters did a gorgeous job: teardrops, marquise, S-scrolls, all so well done. Beautiful!

[Amy]

One of my absolute favorite memories (lol, I first typed mammories, I think I've got breastfeeding on the brain!) is being in 2nd grade, and we did an entire wall mural in quilling for the bicentenial. It was so much fun, and looked great for a bunch of 8 year olds!

[Jennifer]

I think that is quill-nanimously beautiful! The art work that you did to honor our Lady was gorgeous!
Marianna

[Agnes]

Hello, Marianna!