Learn the Art of Basic Paper Quilling Shapes

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Loose Coil: Roll from one end tightly. Hold until glued then loosen tension and release from tool. Glue on one end, pulling edges to one side.
Loose Coil: Roll from one end tightly. Hold until glued then loosen tension and release from tool. Glue on one end, pulling edges to one side.
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Petal: Bend the tip of a teardrop slightly to one side.
Petal: Bend the tip of a teardrop slightly to one side.
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Tight Coil: Roll from one end tightly. Hold until glued. Release from tool, and glue the end.
Tight Coil: Roll from one end tightly. Hold until glued. Release from tool, and glue the end.
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Beehive: After rolling and gluing a tight coil, push the inside up from the center with a pencil or other blunt object to contour its shape. This adds dimension. Glue inside.
Beehive: After rolling and gluing a tight coil, push the inside up from the center with a pencil or other blunt object to contour its shape. This adds dimension. Glue inside.
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Leaf: Bend one or more ends of a diamond.
Leaf: Bend one or more ends of a diamond.
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Diamond: Start with a loose coil and pinch the opposite ends. Shape with the fingers so that the center remains in the middle.
Diamond: Start with a loose coil and pinch the opposite ends. Shape with the fingers so that the center remains in the middle.
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Teardrop: Make a loose coil. Pinch one end to a point.
Teardrop: Make a loose coil. Pinch one end to a point.
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Heart: Fold the strip of paper in half. Roll the ends inward toward the center of the fold. Glue the adjoining edges.
Heart: Fold the strip of paper in half. Roll the ends inward toward the center of the fold. Glue the adjoining edges.
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V-Shape: Fold the paper in half. Roll each end outward, away from the fold. If desired, secure the V's point with glue.
V-Shape: Fold the paper in half. Roll each end outward, away from the fold. If desired, secure the V's point with glue.

Lana J. Bates explains the history and art associated with traditional paper quilling.

The Art of Traditional Paper Quilling Shapes

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.

  • Published on Jun 8, 2012
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