Paper quilling is a favorite crafting pastime but is by no means new. This paper art has existed since the invention of paper. Paper quilling is the art of cutting paper into long thin strips, rolling and pinching the pieces into different shapes, and then gluing the shapes together to form decorative art. Paper quilling projects can be used to decorate cards, boxes, gift bags, picture frames, or even be made into 3D stand-alone art pieces.

Your imagination only limits the possibilities. The decorative pieces can be simple or complex, but one thing is for sure, paper quilling can be mastered in an hour or two. Quilling is the perfect craft project beginners. It is easy for a novice paper crafter to get good results, and another plus is the fact that this craft costs almost next to nothing to make.

The History of Paper Quilling

The origins of this artwork are not known. Some people believe that quilling was started in China after the invention of paper, and others think the craft had its origins in the 13th century. Nuns would imitate the iron decoration that was used as metal ornamentation in home decor. They would roll strips of gilded paper cut from books. The paper filigree designs were then used to decorate books and religious objects.

Paper quilling then resurged in popularity in the 18th century as a "suitable" pastime for the women of the aristocracy. The art of quilling spread from Europe to America and was favored by the American colonists as a decorative method. Quilling has had a resurgence in popularity, and it has been raised to an art form today.