The History of

Quilling/ Paper Filigree

Quilling, sometimes called paper filigree, is the art of creating designs using narrow strips of paper, which are rolled, shaped, and arranged in patterns and then glued together.  In the 13th century, French and Italian nuns used the hollow barrels of feathers to roll strips of paper trimmed from the margins of gilt-edged books — hence the term quilling or quillwork.  The term paper filigree came about because the end result had the artwork looking as if it were made of ivory or very fine wood. 

In the 8th and 9th century Chinese paper makers were captured by Moslems, resulting in their skills being introduced into the West via the silk route.  But it was the Renaissance period that brought a revival of interest in learning the art, because paper was much less expensive than precious metals to decorate churches.  It was rolled and shaped to fit mosaic and ornamental openwork.  It was used in reliquaries as well as church ornamentation.  In the late 18th century, quilling was very much in fashion among English ladies who at the time were learning the technique along with needlecraft and other manual skills.  They used it to decorate tea caddies, vanity boxes, mirrors, picture frames, ink stands, trays, screens, and furniture. But it was the English colonists who brought it to America.  Although today the craft has mostly faded, you can learn to do the fine art of quilling in just a few short hours.

With that I would like to introduce you to Quilling4Kicks.  We do just about everything in quilling–from large masterpiece paintings to little gift cards.  Peruse the buttons below to get a taste for what we do.  We also love to hear your suggestions.  We would like to add you to our quarterly mailing list as well so please be sure to email us at quilling4kicks@comcast.net

Pinatas & Centerpieces