Paper Quilling

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To gain confidence, begin by experimenting with the basic shapes illustrated here. As the photos show, you can combine individual shapes to form an endless variety of flowers, snowflakes, butterflies, birds, and abstract art. When you're satisfied with the design, glue the shapes together. Let dry, then lift the artwork from the Con-tact; it's ready for use.

My larger creations, mostly one-of-a-kind originals, I put into three-dimensional frames that I buy wholesale from Intercraft Industries Corp. (P.O. Box 1227, Statesville, NC 28677; 704/873-2591; free catalog). I sell these pictures for $10 to $35.

I also make delicate quilled Christmas ornaments to which I add small beads. My minipictures I frame in wooden curtain rings. They are pretty additions to the wall or Christmas tree, or I can hang them as a mobile. These rings come wholesale and unfinished from Gould Mersereau Co. (P.O. Box 1231, Long Island City, NY 11101; 718/361-8120; free catalog). When they arrive, I sand and stain each, then place a small screw eye at the top. The snowflakes and minipictures sell for $2.50 and up apiece.

Once you've mastered the basics and made a few pieces, you'll probably want to come up with some curls of your own.

Business Advice

For those who decide to turn quilling into cash, here are a few words of wisdom.

First, make sure you've built up a substantial inventory before you apply for acceptance into an arts or crafts show.

Second, order attractive business cards. I can't stress enough how valuable this investment can be. I've gotten more orders than I can count by having cards available for browsers at all crafts shows. I also enclose one with any purchase.

Finally, since many people have no idea what quilling is, it's wise to type up a little sheet on the history of this unique craft and run off copies for those who are interested. (See "The Traditional Art of Quilling" sidebar.) I've framed one and hang it wherever I have my work on display.

Lana Bates, who considers herself a self-taught craftsperson, has also taken art courses at the Universities of Connecticut and Hartford, as well as the Wadsworth Atheneum. She has experimented with sculpting, painting, collage, pastels, drawing, and, during the past decade, quilling.

The Traditional Art of Quilling

Quilling, first known as paper filigree, is the art of rolling thin strips of paper, bending and molding these curls into shapes, then putting the shapes together to form designs.

In the 4th and 5th centuries, extremely intricate, lacelike filigree work of fine gold and silver wire was found on ancient pillars, vases, and tombs in various parts of Europe. Around the 13th century, similar ornamental work became popular in Spain, Italy, and France, but by now the artists used strips of paper, rolled loosely, placed on edge, and gilded to resemble precious metal. It supposedly fooled even experts at first glance. During this period, paper filigree was almost exclusively the work of nuns and monks, who decorated religious articles with it.

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