Whenever I am writing patterns for others, I try my hardest to be in their shoes. I ask opinions and for others to test before I make my patterns public, and am constantly asking for feedback to improve my next pattern. Here is a review of my first YouTube instructional video and pattern of "Paper Quilling a Bird":
The video for quilling a bird greeting card with a box is a great way to begin learning how to quill. Seeing each step is easier to follow than written instructions and the thicker card stock is much easier to handle than the usual narrow paper strips. The gluing tips and methods to keep the paper even helped me with my problem of messy glue spots showing and uneven edges. I like the friendly casual tone of the video "Hey, you got a good hold there." and the pattern is fun and cheery to see after it is completed. The box was a little tricky. The tabs from the top needed a little help to insert into the bottom openings. I have done some quilling before but I still learned useful tips from this video. Seeing the steps would make it easy to make even for a beginner, I think. JM
Thank you so much for sharing your work and thoughts with us JM!
My friends celebrated their 15th anniversary recently, and this is the card I quilled for the love birds. I didn't have time to capture the entire process, but thought I'd show a bit of how I work anyway.
Instead of using standard quilling paper, I decided to cut them 1/4-inch wide out of Canson Mi-Tientes paper, using an electric cutting machine (such as Cricut Explore or Silhouette Cameo / SD). I enjoyed quilling with the substantially thicker paper (160 gsm), and I really liked how all the colors went so well together, especially how the colors are earthy without being drab.
To create the tiniest coils, I used a quilling needle, but I always pre-soften the paper strip beforehand to soften the fibers.
As you can see in the video, I am using a crochet hook to rub the paper into the shape I want for the dragonfly. I prefer using the greater circumference of a crochet hook rather than a quilling needle because I want a gentle and soft curve. A quilling needle could also be used if you prefer.
Please leave a comment and let me know what you think. If you enjoyed this video, please do take the time to give it a thumbs up.
... and a shot of my messy desk after I'm done a project.