How to Make Beautiful Paper Quilling Jewelry

Paper Quilling Jewelry
Paper filigree is a centuries-old art that has recently been rediscovered and adapted as a fun and affordable crafting hobby. With a little practice, it's easy to create beautiful paper shapes and patterns that resemble those of fine metal filigree jewelry.

In the old days, only wealthy ladies could afford to purchase and use gilded gold or silver wires for jewelry. But now, anyone with an internet connection and some eco-friendly strips of colorful paper can make beautiful paper rings and earrings.

Known as quilling, this time-honored paper-rolling technique allows for the creation of beautiful designs in the form of loose coils, swirls, loops and fringes. The shapes may stand on their own or be glued together to create intricate patterns reminiscent of metal filigree, without the expense and hassle of working with actual gold or silver wire.

Quilling can be done by hand or with a slotted tool that helps create the perfect coil shape. It's easy to get started without one, though, by simply rolling a strip of paper between your thumb and index finger (some quillers don't even use a tool). The pressure on each relaxed coil should be consistent so that all the pieces end up about the same size.

Licia Politis is an avid paper crafter who often shares her fab projects on Instagram. She used a touch of silver edge ivory paper to make these gorgeous dangle earrings that she fashioned into a lariat. This design is a bit more subdued than the glitzy Petal Power necklace in shades of purple that she made for her fab book launch party, but I love how her version still showcases Licia's love of color.Paper Quilling Jewelry