How to Cut Dies for Quilling

Quilling is a paper construction art that uses thin strips of paper.

Quilling is a paper art that uses thin strips of paper to make shapes and flowerets and it is widely used for scrapbook projects. It is a great way to add dimension and personalization to any paper craft because, rather than sticking pre-manufactured decorations on your creation, you make your own decorations. A quilling die is a template pattern which is used to cut quilling paper into particular shapes. The paper is simply inserted between the two sides of the quilling die and compressed in order to cut out a ribbon-strip of paper suitable for ornate quilling projects.

Things You'll Need

• Quilling die
• Quilling die press machine or rolling pin
• Thin (quilling) paper
• Flat surface
• Two thin, flat boards (such as clipboards)
• 3 to 4 large rubber bands

Instructions

1. Place the sheet of paper between the two sides of the quilling die.

2. Place the quilling die, with the sheet of paper in it, between the two thin, flat boards.

3. Secure the boards against each other with several rubber bands.

4. Place the secured boards on a flat surface and roll them through the quilling die press machine or with the rolling pin. Press the rolling pin down very firmly and move slowly over the board in order for the quilling die to cut through the paper.

5. Remove the rubber bands from the boards, remove the paper from the quilling die, and, very gently, tug the cut-out away from the rest of the paper.

6. Twist the strip of shaped paper into your design of choice, such as a flower or leaf, and glue it to a larger sheet of paper or to whatever project you wish to adorn. This part of the process is the actual art of quilling.

References

• TheArtofQuilling.com: How to Quill