Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      Kick-start your day by making habits out of these mood-boosting tips. Read More
    • Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      It's one of your favorite fruits, but does it belong on the counter or in the refrigerator? Read More
    • This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      A few easy-to-find ingredients are all you need to create a powerful formula that squashes weeds. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    Show your love of country by displaying these varieties on America's birthday.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    Make gathering with loved ones a priority.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We asked the experts to weigh in on this popular home design concept.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    Confused about when to do what to your favorite flowering shrubs? We have you covered.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Pillows

    How to Wash Pillows

    They're an essential element of a comfortable bed, so keep yours fresh and in their best shape ever with these expert-approved tips.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Get the traditional rules for who pays for the wedding details.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    Our easy melt-and-pour method saves the last bit of this home essential.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    This buzzy ingredient is a star player in many new-age hair care products.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. DIY Projects & Crafts
  3. How to Make Quilled Cards

How to Make Quilled Cards

August 28, 2012
Skip gallery slides
Pin
la99155_0202_flowercards.jpg
Credit: Gentl and Hyers
Quilled motifs such as flowers and hearts express sweet sentiments for Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, but they also add an elegant touch to cards for any occasion.
Start Slideshow

1 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
la99155_0202_flowercards.jpg
Credit: Gentl and Hyers

Quilling, or paper filigree, is the art of creating intricate shapes from strips of paper. The technique is simple: After a long, narrow ribbon of paper is rolled around a needlelike tool, the strip is slipped off, arranged with your fingertips into the desired shape, and then glued to a background of contrasting paper, fabric, or wood.

In this tutorial, we'll show you how to make the shapes necessary to create several types of quilled cards.

1 of 13

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

What You'll Need

la99155_0202_supplies.jpg
Credit: Gentl and Hyers
  • 5/8-inch multicolor quilling paper (No. 356), from Lake City Crafts, quilling.com
  • 1/8-inch quilling paper in color of choice, from Lake City Crafts, quilling.com (You can also use medium-weight paper, such as vellum or stationery)
  • 8 1/2-inch paper trimmer, from Martha Stewart Crafts available at Michaels (You will need this if you are making your own quilling strips.)
  • Round-headed pin Slotted quilling tool (No. 171), from Lake City Crafts, quilling.com
  • Fine-pointed tweezers (No. 177), from Lake City Crafts, quilling.com
  • Small sharp scissors, by Martha Stewart Crafts, available at Michaels stores

2 of 13

3 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Step 1

la99155_0202_supplies.jpg
Credit: Gentl and Hyers

Don't let the elaborate effects fool you; quilling is simple. You need only a few basic crafts items.

Clockwise from top: A round-headed pin is useful for precise glue application. A slotted quilling tool lets you create coiled shapes with ease. Fine-pointed tweezers are essential for tiny shapes. Use small sharp scissors to cut fringe.

Quilling paper comes in a variety of colors and widths; most of our projects can be made with standard precut strips. If you prefer, use a paper cutter and medium-weight paper, such as vellum or stationery, to make your own; construction paper is too heavy and will not roll easily.

3 of 13

Advertisement

4 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Step 2

images/content/pub/ms_living/2002Q1/la99155_0202_glossary_text.jpg
Credit: Gentl and Hyers

Experiment with basic techniques before starting a project.

Loose Circle: Create a tight circle, but do not glue. Instead, lay it on a flat surface, and let it expand. When satisfied with the shape and size, glue the end of the strip to secure.

Loose Scroll: Form a loose circle, but do not glue closed.

Marquise Fashion: and glue a loose circle; pinch each end.

Connected Scrolls: Make several loose scrolls; position with unrolled ends pointing the same way. Curve each over rolled end of next scroll; glue.

Open Heart: Fold a strip in half, and crease. Roll each end toward center.

V Scroll: Crease paper at center; roll ends outward.

S Scroll: Form an S shape by rolling one end toward center, and the other in the opposite direction.

C Scroll: Roll both ends of a strip toward the center.

4 of 13

5 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Step 3: Open Hearts

la99155_0202_heartcards.jpg
Credit: Gentl and Hyers

Open heart shapes are used in the quilled heart valentine. To make open hearts, fold a strip in half, and crease. Roll each end toward center and glue to card.

5 of 13

6 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Step 4: Tight Circle

la99155_0202_ht1.jpg
Credit: Gentl and Hyers

Tight circles are one of the most basic quilled shapes, and are used to make the quilled frame cards.

To make a tight circle, slip paper into the slot on the quilling tool, placing paper's end flush with edge of slot.

6 of 13

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Step 5: Complete the Tight Circle

la99155_0202_ht2.jpg
Credit: Gentl and Hyers

To complete the tight circle, turn tool until strip is rolled into a firm cylinder. Remove paper from tool, and glue closed to complete your tight circle.

7 of 13

8 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Step 6: Teardrop

la99155_0202_ht3.jpg
Credit: Gentl and Hyers

Another common shape is the teardrop, which is also used in the quilled frame cards. To make a teardrop, create and glue a loose circle; pinch one end to form a point.

8 of 13

9 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Step 7: Frame

la99155_0202_frameht.jpg
Credit: Gentl and Hyers

If you want to design a frame or border for your card, create a freehand pattern that incorporates several of the basic shapes you've learned. Alternatively, you can purchase a published pattern, many of which are available in clip-art books.

Here, we arranged a series of fleurs-de-lis, each made from three V scrolls of graduated sizes, and one teardrop. Form and glue individual shapes, using the pattern as a guide. Then use a ruler to draw a rectangle on the card. Dab points of glue on undersides of quilled shapes and position them, standing on edge, along the pencil line. Hold in place for 15 seconds to allow glue to set.

9 of 13

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Step 8: Fringed Flower

la99155_0202_fringeht1.jpg
Credit: Gentl and Hyers

Fringed flower shapes are used in the quilled floral cards. To make a fringed flower such as a daisy or a zinnia, scallop the top of a strip of paper, and then cut fringe. (To create flowers with centers, glue together two strips of paper, each a different width and color, end to end; then fringe.) Roll entire length of paper into a tight circle, as shown here.

10 of 13

11 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Step 9: Complete the Fringed Flower

la99155_0202_fringeht2.jpg
Credit: Gentl and Hyers

Glue closed. With your fingers, spread the fringe and separate it into petals. Curl the petal ends outward and downward with tweezers to achieve desired shape.

11 of 13

12 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Step 10: Bells

la99155_0202_bellht.jpg
Credit: Gentl and Hyers

Bells are used to make the quilled lily-of-the-valley card. Roll and glue a tight circle. Using your finger, push center of circle to create a cone. Secure the end with glue. If desired, spread a light layer of glue over surface of bell; this will help the bell keep its shape. Or spread glue inside to hide the glued area. Positioned along four leafy stems made from strips of green paper to complete the lily-of-the-valley.

12 of 13

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Step 11: Script

la99155_0202_typeht.jpg
Credit: Gentl and Hyers

Quilled script is used to make the scripted valentines. You can write a message in your own hand, adapt one from a calligraphy book, or create one on a computer. Lay short strips of quilling paper along the curves of each letter you want to form. Shape ends with quilling tool, or use scissors to curl paper as you would a ribbon; cut strips to correct length. Trace message onto paper. Glue at intervals, one letter at a time. Turn quilling paper on edge; use tweezers to hold it in place for 15 seconds to allow glue to set.

13 of 13

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 13
    2 of 13 What You'll Need
    3 of 13 Step 1
    4 of 13 Step 2
    5 of 13 Step 3: Open Hearts
    6 of 13 Step 4: Tight Circle
    7 of 13 Step 5: Complete the Tight Circle
    8 of 13 Step 6: Teardrop
    9 of 13 Step 7: Frame
    10 of 13 Step 8: Fringed Flower
    11 of 13 Step 9: Complete the Fringed Flower
    12 of 13 Step 10: Bells
    13 of 13 Step 11: Script

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    How to Make Quilled Cards
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.