Special Paper For Successful Quilling
My very first quilling project used strips of cheap graph paper, cut with scissors, because my mom wouldn’t let me use the good stuff! After seeing how much effort I had put into my really ugly quilling, she relented and let me use her special quilling paper. It was a good lesson for both of us, because it was obvious that the right materials were important. If you’re not sure that quilling needs special paper, you could try making some ugly quilling, too. I wouldn’t recommend it, though, and here’s why:
Why even-cut paper is essential for uniform quilling designs
The magical way that quilling catches light and shadow is due to the perfectly even strips of paper, designed specifically for the craft. When all the edges are lying at the same level, viewing the curls from any angle looks beautiful. Coils can be tight and smooth, or relaxed and lacy when using the right kind of paper.
This quilled snowflake has depth and interest because of the way the even strips of paper catch light and shadow.
The weight of the paper is important for maintaining the curl and integrity of quilled shapes
After curling a strip of quilling paper, most of the quilled components allow the curl to relax again, like loosening a coiled spring. If your paper is too lightweight, it won’t open up for that lacy look. If it is too heavyweight, the curl won’t be even, but will have creases and facets, like bending cardboard. Real quilling paper is specially made to be the perfect weight to relax gently, so you can control the size of the coil.
I have purchased less expensive strips that were marketed as quilling paper, but they were definitely a lighter weight than the more costly paper. They held the coil better than just typing paper cut into strips, for sure, but I find the heavier stuff easier to use.
Real quilling paper comes in a rainbow of gorgeous colors
Quilling paper can be purchased in multi-colored packs, or in individual colors. Sometimes I purchase the colors I need for a design that I have in mind. Other times, I look at my luscious assortment of colored quilling paper and let the colors inspire my design. Of course, my very favorite quilling project is making snowflake ornaments for the holidays, and for that, all I need is white!
Often, quilling paper comes with a small template for a project using the colors in the pack. I got a beautiful pack of colored strips that included a template and instructions for making a quilling peacock.
Quilling paper is ready to go
Even if you found the right weight of paper, in a variety of colors, it’s simply not worth your time to cut strips that won’t be perfectly even anyway. Quilling paper may seem a little expensive, but it is designed to make your quilling crafts look perfect every time. You will be surprised at how many beautiful projects you can make with a single package!
