Paper quilling ideas made by rolling strips of paper
Paper quilling is a craft made by combining parts created from thin strips of paper rolled up tightly.
It is said to have originated with European nuns, who created it to decorate religious items.
The name comes from the quill—the bird feather shaft—around which the paper was originally wound.
In this article, we’ve gathered ideas for paper quilling featuring cute, uniquely spiraled designs.
We also recommend arranging beautiful petals into bouquets or using them to decorate message cards.
Be sure to check out these paper quilling pieces that add a touch of elegance to home decor and gifts.
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Paper quilling ideas made by rolling paper into coils (1–10)
plum blossoms
Let’s make plum blossoms, which have flower meanings like “faithful” and “noble.” Wrap strips of paper, cut into narrow ribbons, around a toothpick or branch-like stick to create each petal one by one.
First, make square pieces from white paper, then shape them into plum petals; once shaped, attach red paper to the outside.
After gluing all the petals together, add a gold bead in the center to represent the pistil, and your plum blossom is complete.
You can glue it onto a backing to create an artwork, or use it as a component for small items and accessories.
sugar confectionery
Let’s make small, cute parts and motifs that look just like sugar candies.
Using milky-colored construction paper, we’ll create a variety of elements such as tight coils, marquises, teardrops, and fringe flowers.
By combining them, you can form motifs like flowers, leaves, and hearts.
Even with the same motif, the feel changes depending on the parts you use, so be sure to try out different combinations.
If you place the parts and motifs you’ve made into a small accessory storage case, they’ll look adorably like sugar candies.
clover
Let me share an idea for making a clover using teardrops.
A teardrop is a basic quilling shape made by pinching one side of a loose circle to create a crease, then pulling the center in the opposite direction to form a teardrop.
First, make six teardrops.
Glue two together to form a heart, and make three hearts in total.
Glue the three hearts together at the center, attach them to a stem made by folding a strip of paper in half, and your clover is complete.
Try using it in an interior frame or on a message card.
Because a clover is a simple motif, it’s easy to incorporate into all kinds of projects.
Paper quilling ideas made by curling and rolling paper (11–20)
sunflower
If you want to make a summery piece with paper quilling, how about a sunflower? Create the flower center by rolling a strip with slits around a loose circle, then attach S-shaped marquise pieces around it to form the petals.
For the sunflower’s signature large leaves, attach two crescent pieces to each side of a marquise.
Since the part sizes are precisely defined, be sure to use a quilling circle template to keep your work consistent.
crayon
Here’s a cute crayon idea that could work as both a toy and interior decor.
This one uses four tight circles to make a single crayon.
Glue three tight circles together in a stack, then glue the remaining one on top as well—but first, use a rounded tool to gently push out the coiled part into an arched shape before attaching it.
Finish by wrapping paper around the portion you’ll hold as the crayon grip.
Make it in your favorite colors and create a set of vibrant crayons!
Memo stand
Here’s an idea for a memo stand that you can make using just one type of element called the “scroll almond.” You create a scroll almond by pinching both ends of a loose circle.
Make six scroll almonds in each of two colors, then glue each set into a flower shape.
Layer and adhere these flower pieces onto the base of the stand.
Adding a bead or rhinestone in the center makes it even more elegant.
Next, take three colors of paper, fold each in half, stack them, and glue them together at the center.
Round both ends, then attach the separated edges at equal intervals.
Glue this decorative piece to both sides of the flower, and you’re done.
It’s a very stylish memo stand—give it a try if you like!
small bird
Here’s a cute motif idea for anyone looking for one: a little bird.
Make the bird’s face with a tight circle, its body with a teardrop, and use fan-shaped teardrop pieces for the tail.
Once you’ve glued the face, body, and tail together, attach separately cut wings, crest, feet, and beak.
For the eyes, add beads or anything you like.
It’s already very charming as is, but if you want to add a special touch, have the little bird hold a flower in its beak.
If you make it in blue, it truly becomes a bluebird of happiness.