New Concepts in Paper Quilling: Techniques for Cards & Gifts

by Marie Browning, Inc. Prolific Impressions (Producer)

Quilling—also known as paper filigree or scroll work—is the art of rolling very thin strips of paper into elegant shapes, turning them into beautiful designs, and then gluing them onto a base for display. This new guide from the prolific Marie Browning presents a range of techniques, both traditional and new, that will delight and intrigue crafters. In addition to offering 28 unique shapes, it introduces some contemporary quilling possibilities such as husking, fringing, crimping and sculpting. Even beginners will enjoy creating simple but very attractive greeting cards and measuring their progress on more involved projects, including home décor items (like a Wedding Tin and Framed Botanicals) and beautiful jewelry.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction

128 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2008

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why I Read the Book: It's been on my wish list for a while, and I wanted to see if I was still interested in it.
Format: Hardcover; borrowed from Henrietta Public Library.
Synopsis: As per the title, New Concepts in Paper Quilling has new concepts. Most of the projects apply the quilled pieces to non-traditional mediums, or incorporate unusual (to quilling) decorative elements
What I Thought: I have a bit of a love/hate thing going on with this book.
What I liked: I really liked the unique project ideas. The methods for incorporating brads, bling, and other elements traditionally used for scrapbooking were really neat. The supply lists for the projects were very thorough, which I appreciate. There are few things as annoying as realizing mid-project you need to go hunt up more supplies. The project instructions seem to be quite thorough as well; I didn't notice any places where steps were omitted because the author assumes you are experienced enough to complete that step without any reference to it in the instructions.
What I didn't like: The book started with the obligatory 25 pages of how to quill, which I always find annoying. Some of the projects didn't involve quilling at all. For example, there are about 5 card designs that use no quilling at all, only what the book refers to as "shaped paper". The "shaped paper" is created by using a paper punch, or rubber stamping a shape and cutting it out. Some of the project instructions frequently require referencing the beginning how-to pages. Since I am familiar with the techniques of quilling, I probably wouldn't need to reference most of the pages. However, I find it very frustrating to have to flip back and forth between pages in instruction books.

The Bottom Line: If I had fewer hobbies and more time for quilling, I might consider purchasing this book. I would use it would be more for the inspiration, and less to actually make any specific projects. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys quilling, but not necessarily the traditional method of simply glueing completed quilling to paper. Also, I think that prior experience with card-making and scrapbooking would be handy, but not necessary to get the most out of the book.

[LadyS · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a new quilling rookie, I found this book to help me generate ideas and improve my techniques. I feel that I don't ever have to buy cards anymore. After going through this book, I made 2 cards one of which I was very proud of. Quilling is quite calming and the results are beautiful and creative.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book, instructional but inspiring too. Some of the designs are so intricate and beautiful, they are little pieces of art in themselves. This is a book that I would want to own a copy of so that I could refer to it often and on my own time.