Paper is a powerful tool in creativity. It can be folded into intricate sculptural shapes, coiled into 3-dimensional designs, and shaped into dazzling works of art. One artist who has mastered these techniques is Yulia Brodskaya, whose stunning paper quilling art is making waves online and in museums across the country.
The art of paper quilling dates back hundreds of years and is still practiced today. It had its heyday in the 18th century, when it was often taught in boarding schools and to young ladies of leisure as a way to display their handwork and show off their patience and skill. However, once papermaking machines became available, the craft fell out of favor. Many examples of dazzling and elaborate quilled pieces can be found in museums throughout the United States, including the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the Essex Institute in Salem.
There are many different types of paper that can be used for quilling, but a few standard sizes work best for beginners. The most common is 1/8’’ wide, which gives you more control when creating coils and can be used to create a wider variety of shapes. You’ll also need a quilling tool (often called a needle tool) and glue for your creations. The most basic type of glue is Elmers, but you can also use tacky glue, which dries faster and holds the paper more tightly.
Once you have mastered the basic rolling technique, you can begin to experiment with other elements of the art. For example, using contrasting colors can make your creation pop and pair well with various textures to add dimension and depth. Another option is to use two strips of the same color stacked on each other and roll them together, resulting in a dual toned look. Paper Quilling Art