Paper quilling is an old art. Thin strips of paper from the gilded edges of books were used in the Renaissance to decorate book covers and other religious items. The craft has become very popular of late. It is not hard to see why. Paper is inexpensive and quilling results in lovely intricate patterns reminiscent of fine metal filigree jewelry (see this featured designer) without having to solder wire!

I first came across quilled paper jewelry when I stumbled upon Ann Martin's work 8 years ago.  This paper craft designer writes the All Things Paper blog. She had just begun her quilling journey and came up with two beautiful quilled jewelry tutorials which I featured here.  Paper jewelry is now so much more than glass tile adornment, origami and paper bead making.

I recently received Ann's new book, The Art of Quilling Paper Jewelry from Interweave/F+W Media for review.  Ann's 20 projects - pendants and earrings - show that very few tools are needed for this craft. Today, quilled paper comes in tons of different colors.

Needle and slotted tools are typically used as with the glue, tweezers and jewelry findings. She also suggests the different types of glues used to hold the designs together. The gilding of the edges of the coils and scrolls gives the metallic touch to her designs.
Some quillers use shape templates or special quilling boards like this one to make consistent sized structures. But Ann does not.  Her instructions show how she creates them by manipulating the coils and scrolls with her fingers. The marquis shaped designs were my favorites.


Her book also covers how to protect and care for the jewelry pieces.  Her tips on how to store and transport the are invaluable. Ann also said, " I always tell recipients of my paper pendants and earrings to treat them as they would any fine jewelry : last thing on, first thing off, and never take them for a swim."


Ann avoids glossy fixatives as she prefers the paper as it is. However she does suggest a matte varnish to brush on.  I think a spray varnish might also be possible.


One striking design is the one where the quilled paper design is attached to a metal pendant blank (below)  This combination has so much potential as the metal will not only add to the design but will also make the quilling more durable.  Thinking ahead, if you wish to embed quilled paper designs into resin, you must protect the paper with varnishes first or else the paper will become translucent.


This pair of earrings below shows how stunning quilled paper designs can be!





This book certainly inspires especially if you love beautiful intricate designs. Quilling is yet another remarkable craft which can be adapted for making jewelry.

Giveaway
If you'd like to win this giveaway for a copy of The Art of Quilling Paper Jewelry, please make a comment below. Make sure you leave contact info below if you do not have an online shop or blog.

Email subscribers need to scroll down the post they receive, click on Share Comment and enter your comment. Pick Name/URL. If you don't have a store or blog, leave the URL blank.

This giveaway is international. The book will be a physical copy if the winner is based in the US. Otherwise, it will be an ebook.

Extra entries if you become or are a blog subscriber or follower etc. If you also do shout outs about this giveaway, those will count as additional entries too! Please say so in the comments. (The exception is Facebook - just like/comment on the giveaway status there!!)

It ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Monday, October 23, 2017. I will pick the winner randomly and announce the results as soon as possible after. So be sure to leave a contact email if you don't have an online link or make sure you come back and check! Otherwise I will redraw in a week. Good luck!

Disclosure
I receive books and products for review.  I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links which are provided as resource information for readers.   This goes towards the support of this blog. The opinions expressed are solely my own.  They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation.

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