Selecting the best quilling paper for your artwork

Paper Quilling, otherwise also known as paper filigree, is the art of rolling strips of paper and giving it a desired shape. The different types of paper can be used based on the type of project you are working on currently.

As a paper-based craft, it is essential to know the different kinds of paper strips to be used in various projects.

Pre-cut strips of paper

Pre-cut quilling strips are most easily available in the market. Most of the craft stores and online stores stock them in various sizes and colors. They are usually available in sizes- 3mm, 5mm, 7 mm and 10mm (1/16 inch – 1 inch). same color packs and multi colour packs are easily available. They save a lot of time with acid free paper that would not discolor over the time.

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Cut your own strips

Cutting your own strips can take a lot of your time but you can get the desired thickness and length. Using a simple cutting board, scissors or a cutter can do the trick. You can also use a paper shredder to make the task easier or a paper trimmer which can cut multiple sheets in one go.  However, there are some drawbacks of cutting your own sheets.

• The edges are not as fine
• Buying a shredder and or a paper trimmer can be costly

If you wish to use a higher width of paper, you might have to resort to cutting your own sheets.

Weight of the paper

Quilling paper is a bit thicker than regular printer paper. It is also a bit softer. For making jewellery with the quilling strips, it is essential that the paper is rolled easily with smooth edges and finish. But at the same time, it has to be sturdy. 100-120 gsm (grams per square meter) is used for making jewellery and most of the projects. On the other hand, if you are working on projects that require more sturdy strips like those required for on-the-edge quilling or making framed quilled artwork, you are better off with a weightier paper. Printer paper usually weighs 80-90 gsm and cardstock is 170 or higher. Cardstock paper is not an ideal choice for quilling; however, it is excellent for the base of your artwork.

Metallic Quilling strips

Used mostly in jewellery to give the effect of fine jewellery. Metallic paper is gold, silver or copper edged. Over time jewelled and metallic sheets are readily available. It has the pearl-like finish to the paper and is used in giving jewellery a fine dimension. They shine when it catches some light.

Graduated Quilling strips

Graduated quilling strips are ideally to provide dimension to your work. They are fun to work with. They usually start at the lighter tone on one end, usually white and finish off on the darker side (no pun intended). They can have the darker shade in the middle as well. They are great to use in making projects with flowers as it provides the shaded effect required in unique projects.

There are different places where you can order the paper online, if you can’t find them in your nearest craft stores.

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