Quilling Art History

The Story

Quilling is the delicate art of rolling, shaping, and gluing narrow strips of paper to create intricate, decorative designs. Each element is carefully coiled and arranged to form a beautiful, unified composition — all by hand.

The name “quilling” comes from the early days of the craft, when artists used bird feathers — or quills — as tools to roll the paper. Though the tools have changed, the artistry and patience behind every piece remain timeless.

The art of quilling has been practiced for centuries, with a rich and diverse history that spans continents. While its exact origins remain uncertain, many believe it dates back to ancient Egypt, where early forms of filigree-like art laid the foundation for what would later become modern quilling.

Over time, quilling evolved through different cultures and eras, yet its essence remained the same: transforming simple paper into intricate, meaningful designs — one delicate coil at a time.

Quilling has gracefully stood the test of time, leaving its mark across generations — especially in the Western world.

During the Renaissance, monks and nuns used quilling to decorate religious items by rolling gold-gilded paper trimmed from old manuscripts. These delicate designs were meant to imitate expensive gold filigree, adding a sense of sacred beauty using humble materials.

As time went on, quilling became a beloved pastime among women of nobility throughout Europe. It was seen as both an elegant hobby and a form of artistic expression — with quilled patterns used to embellish picture frames, jewelry boxes, baskets, and more.

Today, quilling is making a beautiful comeback — embraced as an accessible, relaxing, and creative hobby for people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether as a craft or a form of self-expression, it's a timeless art that continues to connect hands, hearts, and stories around the world.

And Now

Today, quilling artists have access to a variety of tools and papers — in different weights, textures, and qualities. But at QuillingMade, we stay true to the heart of the craft while refining our process for both artistry and consistency.

Each artisan is assigned a specific design. By focusing on one, she can become intimately familiar with its details, allowing her to replicate it with precision and emotional continuity across every card.

The process begins with a hand-drawn layout that maps out the finished card. Using a slotted needle tool, the artisan threads in laser-cut strips of Kishu paper — a premium Japanese paper known for its softness and durability — and coils them tightly into small circles. These coils form the building blocks of every shape.

Once coiled, the paper is gently released and shaped by hand or tweezers into forms like teardrops, scrolls, or petals. Each piece is then carefully placed and glued onto the card. This process is repeated, shape by shape, layer by layer, until the full design comes to life — a tapestry of emotion, detail, and craft.