What is Quilling?
Quilling is a simple technique that involves rolling strips of paper into small coils, and shaping the coils into decorative forms and groupings. The designs so formed look much like metal filigree, and indeed, another name for quilling is "paper filigree". It was most popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, and was considered suitable work for elegant young ladies. It is even mentioned in Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility." Early uses of quilling included ornamenting tea caddies, candle sconces, and deep-set floral designs made entirely of tightly coiled papers. There are some beautiful examples of antique quilling on view in Winterthur, DE, and other museums of decorative arts. The popularity faded, and today, quilling is so unknown that it is often taken as a misprint of "quilting", or confused with porcupine quill-work.
Quillers today can buy pre-cut strips of paper in many colors, ranging from 1/16th" to 1/2" wide, with 1/8th" being the standard. The paper is about 60-70 lb weight. It is rolled around a pin, tapestry needle, toothpick, or other tool of preference, or one can purchase a "quilling tool", which is like a slotted needle with a handle. "White" glue is applied sparingly and strategically.
Quilling is commonly used to decorate wedding invitations, or to make cards and ornaments. However, this technique can also be used in amazingly sophisticated ways. Work by contemporary quillers can be seen in "The Book of Paper Quilling" by Malinda Johnston (Sterling/Lark 1994). There is also an international Quilling Guild in Great Britain with an American Chapter. (See links.)
Naomi uses quilling to make illustrations of Jewish prayers, or holiday themes, or create rituals objects, such as mezuzahs and bessamin (spice) boxes, entirely out of coiled paper. The rigidity of the coils lends quilled objects surprising strength and durability. She finds Hebrew letters lend themselves beautifully to quilling, because of their fluid shape. She often cuts her own strips out of 100% rag paper, and gilds one edge with 23k gold. Naomi frequently incorporates calligraphy, illumination, and painting into her work.
What is Gilding?
Gilding is the application of metal leaf, usually some type of gold, to a surface. In my work, I generally use the technique of “oil gilding” to adhere 23k gold leaf to paper. This leaf comes in sheets of 3” x 3”, and it is so thin as to be translucent. Genuine gold never tarnishes, so it does not require any varnish or finishing coat, unless it is to be handled frequently. I occasionally work with aluminum, silver and copper leaves as well.
At left Naomi working with other Society of Gilders volunteers on the Marconi/Goddess of Electricity statue, Washington DC
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