| One glance at a paper quilling project and you | | | | A related shape that is also very popular is the |
| might decide it's all a little too complex for you. | | | | loose coil. Instead of pulling the paper tightly into a |
| This is particularly true if you've never delved into | | | | coil shape, with this technique you allow it to be |
| the world of crafts before. Fortunately paper | | | | looser. The result is a lovely shaped coil that can |
| quilling is actually fairly basic and you don't really | | | | used in all kinds of projects including flower images |
| need any skills at all. This is a fun project that | | | | and even hot air balloon pictures. |
| anyone, of any age can do and with just a few | | | | Once you've got these two basic techniques |
| simple instructions and tools you are well on your | | | | mastered, graduate to something a bit more |
| way. | | | | challenging. The teardrop shape is a variation of |
| When you are first learning how to do quilling with | | | | the loose coil. Before you glue the loose coil into |
| paper, it's important to get a grasp on the basic | | | | place, pinch one end of it between two fingers. |
| shapes that many patterns call for. One of these | | | | Then apply the glue to the pinched portion of the |
| rudimentary designs is the tight coil. This is exactly | | | | coil. Voila - you've just created an elegant |
| as it sounds and involves taking a strip of paper | | | | teardrop. |
| and rolling it into a tight shape. The easiest and | | | | For someone just learning the basics of how to |
| most effective way to do this is with a special | | | | do quilling with paper, these three techniques are a |
| slotted tool. These are incredibly inexpensive and | | | | great way to start. You'll soon discover what |
| can be picked up at any craft retailer. You'll soon | | | | other quillers have known for years; this is an |
| discover how invaluable it is to have one of these | | | | easy and fun way to create handmade crafts |
| on hand when you start any new quilling project. | | | | that others can enjoy for years. |
| It's really important to guide the paper strip as | | | | Before long you'll be creating even more shapes |
| you are coiling it. This is easy to do and just | | | | and utilizing one of the many quilling patterns that |
| involves making certain the edges line up. Once | | | | are available. The sky is the limit when it comes |
| the tight coil is completed all that is required is a | | | | to this paper craft so let your imagination and |
| spot of glue and you've completed your first | | | | creativity by your guide. |
| quilling shape. | | | | |