Paper Quilling Tools

Those who enjoy paper crafts may wish to try their hand at quilling. This craft involves wrapping paper strips into tight circles and combining them to form a picture. It's simple to learn and provides a quick project when you're running short on time. Before you start quilling, it's important to understand the quilling tools available. Using the wrong tool will leave you discouraged and take the joy out of this craft.

Function

The paper quilling tool is used to wrap strips of quilling paper into tight circles. The paper is wound tightly around one end of the tool while the user holds onto the handle with one hand and twirls the paper between the thumb and first finger of the free hand, or turns the tool itself to wind the paper. Once the paper is rolled up, slide it off the tool and allow it to unroll slightly to the desired size. All quilling tools serve the same function though some are easier to use than others.

Types

Two types of quilling tools exist, according to Alisa Harkless's "Classic Paper Techniques for Greeting Cards & Gifts." The first is the slotted quilling tool. The end has a small slot into which the end of a paper strip is inserted. This slot holds the paper in place as the user turns the quilling tool to wind the paper strip.

The second is the needle quilling tool and is slightly harder to use. The end is smooth and pointed like a needle. The paper is wrapped around this end and the user rolls it with her fingers until the paper is wound around the tool.

Advantages

The slotted tool has the advantage of being easier to use. The paper stays in place and it can be easier to roll the paper strips around the tool since the tool itself is turned. The needle tool has its own advantages, however. When applying glue, the end of the needle tool can pick up a tiny drop of glue and cleans up easily afterward. It also doesn't leave a crease in the end of the paper which the slot in the slotted tool tends to do.

Disadvantages

Each tool has disadvantages as well. The needle tool is typically harder for beginners to use and makes the process more complicated. Additionally, the slotted tool leaves a small crease in the end of the paper where it is wrapped around the slot. The slotted tool cannot be used with glue like the needle tool. The glue gets caught inside the slot and is hard to wash out.

Considerations

If you're just starting out in the art of quilling, consider a slotted tool for its ease. It doesn't hurt to buy both tools and practice on the needle tool after you've used the slotted tool a few times. Determine whether a crease in the end of the paper will help or hurt your project. Alisa Harkless recommends the slotted tool for certain projects, such as folded paper roses, because they need to have several creases in them. When using the needle tool, always wipe glue off immediately after use before it has time to harden.

References

• Classic Paper Techniques for Greeting Cards & Gifts; Alisa Harkless; 2005