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)
Rose
Would you like to make a rose using paper quilling, where you roll strips of paper? First, use a quilling tool to roll the part that will become the center of the flower.
From there, keep rolling while folding the paper inward to create the shape of the rose.
After you finish rolling the folded section, fold and roll again, repeating the process until it reaches your desired size.
Roses are useful in many situations, so it’s handy to remember how to make them.
Try making them in your favorite colors and use them for gift decorations, wall art, or as accents for handmade accessories.
cherry blossoms
Here’s an idea for cherry blossom paper quilling, a classic symbol of spring.
First, cut pink paper into strips, wrap each strip around a thin rod, and roll it up.
Shape the coil into a teardrop and glue it, then press the rounded side inward to form a heart.
That’s one petal—make five identical petals.
Once you’ve made five, glue them together to complete the cherry blossom! Using these for spring wall displays or hanging decorations will make the space look very festive.
The method is simple, so it’s an idea that children and older adults alike can enjoy trying.
creeping plants
Vines are often used as part of decorations.
This time, we’ll introduce various ways to make vine motifs.
The basic method is to roll the paper once and then deliberately loosen it a little, but you can also add design flair by layering several sheets before rolling, or by using a longer strip and rolling it from both the top and bottom.
When layering paper, using different colors will create a colorful finish, giving the vines a striking, almost starring presence.
A quilling tool with a slotted tip is handy when rolling the paper.
For gluing fine sections, a quilling squeeze bottle works well.
Butterfly
Just roll and paste! Try making a simple paper quilled butterfly.
In this idea, you’ll create the upper and lower wings separately.
Use paper strips all 1 cm in height; for the upper wings, use one strip each from 9–20 cm in length, and for the lower wings, one strip each from 7–12 cm.
Stack the strips in order with the shortest on top, glue them together at the center, and fold back 1 mm at both ends outward.
Starting from the innermost strip, fold the turned-back sections toward the center and glue to form the wings.
Once the upper and lower wings are finished, glue them together, attach the antennae in the center, and wrap a thin strip around to secure everything.
Done!
ping pong mum
Ping-pong mums are flowers in the chrysanthemum family and originate from the Netherlands.
They’re known for their round, sphere-like shape.
Here’s an idea for making ping-pong mums with paper quilling.
Cut paper into strips, fold each strip in half, and make fine cuts along the folded loop.
Once you’ve made the cuts, roll it up tightly to form the flower.
For the leaves, roll another piece of paper, shape it into a half-sphere, and attach two of these together.
Finally, glue the flower and leaves onto a paper stem to complete the piece!