Friday word: Quilling

[med_cat]

Quilling or paper filigree is an art form that involves the use of strips of paper that are rolled, shaped, and glued together to create decorative designs. The paper is rolled, looped, curled, twisted and otherwise manipulated to create shapes which make up designs to decorate greetings cards, pictures, boxes, eggs, and to make models, jewellery, mobiles etc. The most popular and versatile technique is that of rolling. The paper strip is rolled in fingers or using a tool. The coil is then released and then glued at the tip and then shaped. These shaped coils are arranged to form flowers, leaves, and various ornamental patterns <sup>[1]

More info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quilling</sup>

Etymology:

Middle English quil hollow reed, bobbin; akin to Middle High German kil large feather

First Known Use: 15th century

Example:

Comments

[prettygoodword.livejournal.com]

My counterpart took a basic class in that last year -- came out with a sweet little pair of earrings made of paper.

---L.

[med_cat]

Neat :) I imagine the earrings are fairly fragile, though?

[prettygoodword.livejournal.com]

Less so than you might think. The band that wraps around, holding everything in place, provides a lot of stability.

---L.

[med_cat]

Interesting :)

[wildflower399.livejournal.com]

Entomology - grr, that bugs me!
Pun intended. ;)
(Etymology!)

[med_cat]

Well, the curls, I suppose, is what makes it tenuously related to feathers :)

I have the patience, but shouldn't spend the time...and one has to purchase some tools, I saw, so...

[wildflower399.livejournal.com]

The illustration is so beautiful that it makes me want to take this up as a new hobby!
Now if only I had the time...

[med_cat]

There are some very pretty creations, all different kinds; search Google images for 'quilling', you'll see :)

And yes, time, and then also, what to do with the results, etc.