Quilling Art 捲紙藝術
Quilling (捲紙藝術) is the art of rolled, shaped, and glued paper that results in creating a unified, decorative design. It is also called paper filigree. The name quilling (捲紙藝術) is thought to come from the origin of the art; birds feathers, or quills, were used to coil the strips of paper around.
The art of quilling (捲紙藝術) has been around for centuries, with a remarkably varied historical background spanning across continents. It has been popular since the 15th century. The word “quilling” refers to a goose feather (quill) tool which is initially used to coil paper strips. This had been transformed to mean paper filigree when the nuns used paper to create quilling art rather than silver and gold threads.
The birth of quilling (捲紙藝術) is a bit unclear, with opinions regarding this differing depending on the source. Popular opinion suggests that it was first seen in ancient Egypt, where certain filigree-type art inspired more modern quilling years later. Around 300-400 AD, people used the quilling techniques to roll silver and gold threads around pillars and vases, and combined them with gemstones. Later around 1800s, in Europe and England, quilling became a trend and hobby for many young women which later was taught in school. Young women could show their craftiness by quill flowers to decorate cupboards, tea-caddies, cabinets, card tables, toolboxes, wine-vases, and furniture, etc. Back then, only the upper-class women would have time and material to practice this meticulous art form.
This paper art has experienced a resurgence in popularity during the last couple of years. People can find paper quilling (捲紙藝術) incorporated into scrapbooking, cardmaking, monograms, paper flowers, jewelry and even into pieces of wall art. It is incredible how one can make complicated shapes and patterns from simple paper strips and glue!
The most attractive fact about quilling is the opposition between its limitation and simplicity. The form of handcraft is relatively easy to master. People do not need years to learn about the craft.
For our quilling (捲紙藝術) class, we aim at introducing the basic paper quilling shapes to students. With the basic skills, we will guide the students further to create complex and beautiful 2D or even 3D art pieces.