New Website

Hi everyone, I've moved to a new site – I'd love to see you there!

Cecelia

paperzen.ca

My Top 10 Basic Quilling Tools for Beginners

If you’re new to quilling and you’re shopping for supplies, it can get confusing and expensive! There are so many more options than when I first started quilling in 2006. You don’t have to buy expensive quilling tools or supplies to get started in quilling.

Here are my top 10 basic quilling tools for beginners that I’ve used since 2006. You can use this list as a reference to build your own quilling kit. 

1. Slotted Quilling Tool

2. Needle Quilling Tool (or toothpick / chenille needle)

3. Crochet hook (for on edge quilling of thicker 160 gsm paper)

4. Glue: Aleene’s Tacky Glue / Elmer’s Glue All

5. Fine Tip glue bottle (or yogurt lid toothpick) 

6. Shot glass and damp tissue

7. Fine Tip Tweezers

8. Reverse grip tweezers

9. Circle template

10. Plastic cards

➡️   MY TOOLS: https://kit.co/PaperZen

  Watch the video: https://youtu.be/_KBtIlJfBOE

Interview with Charlotte of The Quilling Quarter

I had great fun chatting with Charlotte Marshall of The Quilling Quarter recently. Her thoughtful questions and insightful connections helped me see my work with a new perspective.

She's a natural interviewer and I've been enjoying meeting her previous quilling artists on her YouTube Channel, so I was honored to be given her spotlight.

She took so much time to research the directions my crafting has taken me, what inspired me to start down this path, and where it's led. 

I love how she's sharing what she's learning along her discovery of quilling, her thoughts about her progression. Seeing someone talk about their discovery reminds me of the thrill of the hunt, and gets me inspired once again.

She also reviewed my latest e-book, Quilling Phrases. I love how she showed her progression with quilled typography, and what she learned along the way. 

Subscribe to The Quilling Quarter YouTube channel for more of Charlotte's interviews, insights, and projects.

Quilling Paper Strips: Organize, Store, & Straighten Pre-cut Conventional Supplies

Let's organize your pre-cut quilling paper strips, so you can find any color or width quickly. Storage of conventional quilling paper can be done easily, while keeping it straight and tidy.

My History of Past Quilling Storage Ideas

2006: Shoe Box

My first quilling paper came from the book, Twirled Paper, by Klutz. I still recommend this book to any beginner quiller, because it comes with everything you need to get started: a slotted tool, paper, glue, googly eyes, and fun patterns. I used a shoe box for storage but I’d accidentally crimp the paper. When I bought more paper and of course, it got messy. 

2010: Push Pins on Foam Core

I decided to pin my paper to some foam core to straighten my paper. I loved how I could find any color, and have immediate access. Then we moved and I had a smaller space, so I couldn’t lie my board flat. I realized when I had to store the board vertically, the weight of gravity would make the paper split apart. (read more here)

2014: Foam Core Box

We moved again and I had more space, so I made a custom foam core box with dividing channels and notches to access trays below. It was meant to be like the cork board method without the pins. The foam core was the perfect height for protection against accidental crimping.

I liked how I could set the box on the open drawer, and make it behave like a table, and it didn’t need space on my desk, but it was a hassle to access the trays below.

In the end, my foam core organizer looks nice and works in theory, but in reality, as I reach for a strip, it would jump out of the channel, so I wrapped paper bands around them to keep them tame. Then I even used removable tape across the channels keep them fenced it. It worked ok, but I didn’t love it. (read more here)

This is also when I started using a binder for the left over strips (read more here). I love how I can find the exact left over strip. I really didn’t like it when I reached for a new strip, only to find out I already had a half used one ready to go. I could combine the similar colors together. The binder is very condensed and great for travel too, especially if you’re just travelling to your kitchen table or couch.

2020: Quilling Strip Sheet Organizer

In a previous video, I showed how I organize my 11” quilling strips with a plastic sleeve. I love how I can put them in a binder, or in a container on my desk to reach for any color. Best of all, I can store the leftover strips in the same area. This really suits the thicker paper I like using for quilling letters, which is Canson Mi-Teintes. (read more here)

2020: Quilling Paper Strips: Organize, Store, & Straighten Pre-cut Conventional Supplies

Since the plastic sheet organizers were so perfect for storing my short strips, I was happy to find a large format or 11x17 inches sheet as well. 

The conventional quilling paper I have my craft room are between 18 to 24” long, depending on the brand. I needed to extend the plastic sleeve a bit, to make sure the ends don’t flop around, so I cut another plastic sheet into thirds and added it on the right.

The plastic sheets are very thin, so it takes up less space in the drawer. I can stack several layers on top of each other in my drawer, and reach for a specific sheet, even if it’s on the bottom.

I’ve divided most sheets into 12 rows. I grouped colors in warm, cool, multi color, and wider/thicker strips. The wider/thicker strips obviously needed more room, so there are less rows on this sheet.

The clear plastic lets me find any color and check the width by turning the strips.

I plan to use Washi tape to remember the brand name and color.

As I slide the papers in, the rows help tame the strips with a few taps. Its easiest to slide the paper in from the left, because the top piece of plastic is shorter than the plastic on the bottom.

To detach a strip, pull the paper out slightly on the left, and detach on this side. Then detach the other side and slide the single strip out. The rest stays put.

Concerns

To figure out the row width, all I did was slide some paper in, and pinched the plastic to see how much friction was there, when I slid it back and forth. As you use up your paper, it won’t have as much friction because there’s more room. When this happens, the paper can skew diagonally. Other than the paper being a loose fit within the row, it doesn’t seem too bad. A loose fit in the row could result in it sliding out of the plastic sheet due to its own weight. So I do need to remember to keep the sheet level as I handle it.

You can put smaller quantities together to bulk it back up. Here I’ve put several single strips together, and as I pull on one strip, the rest seems to stay in place. I haven’t been using it long enough really to know if this is a nuisance, but so far it seems ok.

If you want a color in the middle of a multi color pack, I do find it need to pull the paper out more so I can get access to the color I need.

I would say it’s easier to detach paper from a pack that’s all the same color vs one that’s is a multicolour pack - but when you can’t decide on a single color, what are you gonna do? 

Since the pros greatly outweighs the cons, so far I’m pretty happy with this method compared to my previous organizers.

Please let me know what you think of this idea in the comments below. Giving me your feedback let’s me know if these tutorials are helpful, and it just keeps me motivated.

If you have a quilling storage hack, please share it in the comments below so we can all learn from you too!

Quilling Paper Strips: Organize, Store, & Straighten

How to Make Tutorial

Materials

1. Download free PDF template
2. Large format plastic sheet protectors (I bought a version from Canada)
3. Scoring tool (example: dried up pen)
4. 24" ruler
5. Scotch Removable Tape or MT Washi Tape
6. Scissors
7. Craft knife
8. Sewing machine

Some of the links above are Amazon Affiliate links, and I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Steps

1. Trim the right end off a plastic sheet to create a tube.
2. If your paper is long like mine, you may prefer to extend the length. Cut another sheet into thirds. This will extend your sheet by about 5.5 inches wide.
3. Since the first sheet and the extension are the same size, we need to tuck them into one another, to force it to overlap. Snip diagonal corners off the first protector on the left, about 1/4” in a 45° angle. 
4. Tuck the snipped edge into the extension and tape in place on both sides. It’s important to tuck the left side inside, not outside. If you tuck it outside, as you slide your paper into the row, it can snag against this edge.
5. After you download my template, you’ll see I have two for you to choose from.
 Page 1 is divided into 12 rows x 1” high.
 Page 2, is divided into 12 rows unequally to give you a mix between larger multi-colour packs and smaller single color packs.
 Cut your chosen template vertically in half.
6. Insert the template halves on either side of the sheet protector. 
7. Use a ruler and scoring tool to trace along the template, leaving an indentation in the plastic. 
8. Remove the template and sew along the score lines. Now you’re ready to tidy up your supplies!

If you liked this tutorial, please comment below so I know to make more tutorials like this.

Do you have a favorite way of storing your quilling strips? Please share your ideas with the rest of the quilling community in the comments below!

How to Make a Quilling Circle Template Board with Cricut - Free SVG Pattern

Learn how to make a quilling circle template using your Cricut Explore (or any SVG compatible electric cutting machine). 

How to Make a Quilling Circle Template Board Video Tutorial

Digital Files

Download my free files:

A: Quilling Circle Template - PRINT (PDF)

B: Quilling Circle Template - CUT TOP (SVG)

C: Quilling Circle Template - CUT BOTTOM (SVG)

Method 1: Cutting a Circle Template with Card Stock

Steps:

1. Print the (A) PDF template onto card stock. You’ll notice there are no circles printed on it, because I’m going to cut them out, so I don’t want any circles in the way.
2. Import the (B) SVG file into your cutting machine software, to cut the circles out of your printed card stock. The circles are the exact size shown in the printed template.
3. Import the (C) SVG file into your cutting machine software, to cut the circles out blank card stock. These circles are larger than the ones on the top layer to avoid have to line everything up perfectly when I glue these layers together. When you allow your coil to unwind, it will only touch a single top layer. Cut as many layers as you wish to build up the depth you prefer for your quilled coils. I cut mine from 6 sheets of 80 lb card stock (80 lb = about 218 gsm) for 1/8" wide quilling strips. 
4. Glue all the layers together and let the template dry overnight under a stack of books to ensure your template will not have any bowing.

Method 2: Cutting a Circle Template with Mat Board

Steps:

1. Same as Method 1.
2. Same as Method 1.
3. Import the (C) SVG file into your cutting machine software, to cut the circles out mat board.Visit the Cricut help page for more details about cutting thick materials such as mat board: https://help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/articles/360009429034-Cricut-Maker-Moving-the-star-wheels-on-the-roller-bar
4. Move the star wheels (for Cricut machines only)
5. Cut mat board 12x10 inches
6. Use the Cricut Deep Cut blade and the turn the dial to the last setting before "Custom"
7. Glue all the layers together and let the template dry overnight under a stack of books to ensure your template will not have any bowing. I cut mine from 2 sheets of mat board for 1/4" wide quilling strips. 

Quilling Valentine’s Day Card – 3 Easy Heart Pattern Ideas with FREE PDF Template

If you’re new to quilling and intimidated to start, then try this easy Valentine’s Day card, using basic quilling shapes. Watch my tutorial or read more about it below.

Page 1 has two tinted hearts ready for your quilling, and page 2 has the added message of “be mine, valentine!”, so you don't have to worry about outlines or centering elements on the card.

Steps:

Step 1:  Download my free PDF pattern, and print it onto card stock

Step 2: score vertically in half with a score board or a dried up pen

Step 3: cut horizontally, fold, then unfold so it lays flat on your desk

Paper used: conventional quilling paper, 1/8 inch wide

Card #1: Quilling hearts with S-Scrolls and C-Scrolls

This card is based on a birthday card I made for my mom in 2007, inspired by a store in the mall called La Vie En Rose. She loved it so much she kept it on her fridge for years.

Length of S- and C-scrolls: 4” long

Card #2: Quilling hearts with Loose Scrolls

Loose Scrolls look like question marks to me and are combined with easy heart outlines for this card.

If you struggle with accidental glue globs, what I do is set one end down first while keeping the other end up in the air. Then I set the other side down. This way your eyes are not struggling to look at so many crucial areas at the same time.

For more tips about glue, watch my video tutorial about Quilling Glue Basics - 5 Tips

Length of Loose Scrolls: 3” long

Length of Hearts: 1.5 and 2” long

Card #3: Quilling Flowers and Leaves

For this card, I used a die cut punch I bought at the dollar store to make easy leaves. After punching this flower,  I cut each petal loose, scored them in half with my needle tool, then folded – BAM! Your leaves are ready for your bouquet.

Length of Closed Coil Flowers: 2” and 3” long

Pillow Box Envelope

Protect your quilled greeting card with a puff of air using my FREE pillow box envelope pattern. Read more.

How to Make a Quilling Circle Template Board by Hand - 5 Easy DIY Ideas - Free PDF Pattern

My Circle Template Wish List

We quillers can buy circle templates from Quilled Creations, and dollar stores, but they all have pros and cons. So I designed my own DIY circle template with the following wish list:

• 4-6 multiples of the same size circles 
• diameter shown in both inches and millimetres
• 10 increments between sizes from 3/16 to 1 inch (5 to 25 mm)
• deep enough to prevent coils from springing out
• solid template, so it doesn’t bounce around
• ruler
• length of quilling paper strip needed to fill the circle

The paper length is my favourite feature because now I just have to write one number down when I’m designing patterns. The paper length is only a suggested length, because it’s based on the conventional quilling paper I have in MY craft room. If you’re using thicker paper, a different tool, or if you want fuller or looser coils, then these lengths might not work for you. In that case, then simply scratch out my measurement, and write down your own.

Watch my tutorial showing how to make a Quilling Circlet Template:

How to Make a Quilling Circle Template Board

Step 1: Download my free PDF template 

Step 2: Print onto card stock

Step 3: Choose a method below

Method 1: 

Make circles out of quilling paper, using a crochet hook or any other item with the exact diameter needed to match the circle. Ensure your strip width is shallower than the coil you plan to place inside, so you can still pick up your coil again with tweezers.

Method 2: 

Nylon or metal flat washers are inexpensive items at a hardware store. Match up the inside circumference and glue them down with Scotch Quick-Dry Adhesive, ideal for gluing metal or plastic embellishments. I only dab a little glue to avoid it squishing out from the bottom. The depth of the washers seemed just right for 1/8” width quilling paper strips. I even stacked two nylon washers together for 1/4” width coils, and it seemed to hold.

Method 3: 

Mat board strips cut to 3/8 wide x 5 inch long fit in between each row perfectly. Glue down these “fences”, and allow your coils to expand between them.

Method 4: 


Adhesive foam squares from the dollar store placed on either side of a circle will also act as a fence to keep your coils contained. 

Method 5: 

Circle cutters such as NT Cutter or Olfa will cut a clean circle out of your card stock. To raise the template off your work surface, simply add mat board strips underneath.

Although these 5 methods above will work, I will readily admit I prefer cutting my circle template with a Circuit Explore Air cutting machine. I plan to go into further detail in a future tutorial and video.

I hope you like my Quilling Circle Template Board – leave me a comment below and tell me what is your favourite template. If you have a way of making yours, please share your ideas with everyone in the comments below so we can all learn together.

Quilling Phrases - Patterns for Letters and Floral Borders

Quilling Phrases - new PDF E-Book

I'm inspired by quotes. They remind me of what's really important in my life. So why not make quotes out of quilling paper?

With my new e-book, Quilling Phrases, you can type your own quote and start quilling your phrase. Decorate it with floral elements and give a customized gift to your loved ones.

Every element has been pre-measured. Simply place your quilling paper on top of the template, then follow my step-by-step tutorials.

How to start Quilling Phrases:

Step 1: Choose your phrase.

Step 2: Choose your layout. Type your phrase. Print.

Step 3: Trace the template.

Step 4: Start quilling letters following the pattern.

Step 5: Glue your letters.

Step 6: Shape and glue the floral elements.

__________________________________________________________

➡️ Watch trailer: https://youtu.be/039DCCVvmyI

_________________________________________________________

➡️ Download FREE Trial: https://bit.ly/3n22BrT

_________________________________________________________

➡️ Buy the Book: Quilling Phrases

_________________________________________________________

PDF E-book includes:

• 40 pages total
• 14 Editable Pages
• Upper and Lowercase Letters A-Z
• Period, Comma, Exclamation Mark, Question Mark
• 3 Floral Designs

The making of this book took quite some time, as I had to learn so much new technology to create it. I hope you're inspired!

Download a free pattern for quilling the upper and lowercase letters A and a and give it a try!

Quilling Circle Templates Boards - How to Use and Common Problems

Quilling Circle Template Boards

Comparisons, How to Use, and Tips for Common Challenges

Do you struggle with making consistent basic quilling shapes using a circle template board? 

In my latest quilling tutorial, I’ll show you a couple of circle template boards that cost $10 and $2, and talk about the pros and cons of each. 

Learn how to use a circle template board for basic quilling shapes, such as regular coils, eccentric or off center coils, and teardrop shapes.

Avoid common problems beginner quillers face when they’re making these basic shapes, including tension, different types of quilling tools, and varying weights of quilling paper.

In all my tutorials, I share the knowledge I’ve gained since I started quilling in 2006, but I don’t have all the answers. So if you have a great tip or technique to share, please let us know in the comments below so we can all learn and improve, including me!

Watch the tutorial video here

Types of Quilling Circle Template Boards

The two circle templates in my craft room that I use for quilling are from Quilled Creations and a local dollar store. Here are some pros and cons of each:

Quilling Circle Template Board from Quilled Creations: cost $10 US

PROS

• Quilling Circle Template Board from Quilled Creations has multiple circles of same size, so it lets you make 6 of the same size coils, ideal for quilling snowflake projects
• large work surface on the back made of cork
• the dashes link the circles visually so you don’t get them mixed up
• packaging shows a suggested quilling paper strip length (see the Amazon photo 4)
  
  

  Circle Size	Length of Paper (inch)	(cm)
  Size 0	16” and over	45 cm and over
  Size 1	16” and over	45 cm and over
  Size 2	12”  to 16”	30 to 45 cm
  Size 3	8” to 10”	20 to 25 cm
  Size 4	8”	20 cm
  Size 5	6”	15 cm
  Size 6	4”	10 cm

CONS

• the plastic on top of the cork is thin, so my coils can spring out if I accidentally touch it the wrong way
• can’t make incremental circles if needed
• the difference between the two largest circles is quite a large jump in size, I find myself wishing for more sizes
• numbers are not a unit of measure and do not indicate circumference
• glue can get stuck to the cork because you can’t wrap in plastic

Plastic Circle Template from Dollar Store: cost $2

PROS

• inexpensive
• numerous incremental circles
• numbers indicate a circumference, which is needed for designing quilling patterns
• I can use with/without a cork board underneath
• I can protect my cork with a sheet of plastic wrap
• I can raise the template up from my surface using foam squares, to help my coils stay in place

CONS

• I didn't need all the increments, so it's kind of too many increments
• had to guess at the length of quilling paper needed to fill a circle
• no circles are the same size, so I can’t do multiple circles as easily
• foam squares underneath makes the template bouncy if pressed from above
• dashes indicate the circle's center – not needed for quilling

How to Use Quilling Circle Template Boards

1. How to Make Closed Coils

• After coiling a strip with either a slotted or needle tool, push it off your tool – never pull or you risk making a tornado. 
• Place the coil in the circle template and allow it to uncoil. Ideally, the coils should be evenly spaced and the outer ring has unwound far enough to fill the circle. 
• Use tweezers to pick up the outer rings, near the end, to keep the coil cinched. If you use fingers to pick it up, the coil has a greater chance of slipping, which ruins the circumference of the coil.
• Dab a small amount of glue on the end and glue the end down, closing the coil. I love using my Fine Tip Glue Bottle filled with Aleene's Tacky Glue, but you can also use a toothpick instead.

2. How to Make Eccentric Coils or Off Center Coils

• After making a Closed Coil (see above), look where the end is located on the outermost coil.
• Use a pin to push the innermost coil in the opposite direction of the end, and pin it to your cork board.
• Dab some glue across the top of the touching paper coils, smear it flat, and allow to dry.
• Lay a finger across the coils as you remove the pin, to ensure the coils are not damaged in case it's stuck to the pin.
• When gluing to your quilling project, ensure the glued side faces down and the pretty side faces up.

3. How to Make Teardrop Shapes

• After making a Closed Coil (see above), look where the end is located on the outermost coil.
• Use a needle to push the innermost coil in the opposite direction of the end.
• If needed, adjust the coils to ensure they're evenly space, using a pair of tweezers
• Pinch the coil, where the end is located (to minimize its visibility), and allow the coils to relax into a teardrop shape.

Common Problems & Challenges with Using Quilling Circle Template Boards

1. Tension

• If the coil doesn't unwind to the edges of the circle, your tension might be too tight. You can fix this by unwinding and rewinding by hand.
• If the coil unwinds and the outer rings and doubled up, your tension might be too loose. You can fix this by unwinding and rewinding by hand.
• If your disc is uneven before placing within the template, I try to flatten it with my fingers to ensure you don’t have a tornado
• After pushing my coil off a slotted tool, I hold it for a second, then place it in the template – I have found that often helps my coil unwind with more consistently spaced coils
• If you leave the coil in the template for a long time, it could continue to unwind and you may lose the even coils.

2. Tools

• An Ultra Fine Slotted Tool will leave the smallest possible crimp in the middle (the green one I show in the video is from Klutz Twirled Paper book)
• A needle tool will make a smooth innermost coil

3. Paper

• A coil made with a thicker weight of paper (ex: Canson Mi-Teintes) will look different than a coil made with conventional quilling paper, even if they are the same length. There is no right or wrong – it just depends on what kind of look the quiller is aiming for.
• Metallic Paper: I find the coating on metallic paper prevents the glue from adhering quickly, so I let the coil stay in the template until the glue has fully set. To glue a metallic coil, pick up a little glue with a needle tool. Look at the direction you picked up the glue. See how some glue coats just one side? Use the clear side to push the coil aside, slide the glue off, and let the coil spring back. Use tweezers to unwind the coil fully against the template.

How would you design your ideal Circle Template Board for quilling?

After making this tutorial, I started asking myself, "What would I do, if I could design my own circle template?" Making quilling patterns is like making a new cookie recipe – I have to write down how I made each element or else it won’t turn out exactly the same. I wish the current options for circle templates provided better numbers for quillers, noting both circumference and length of paper strip needed.

If you could design the ultimate circle template, what would you want it to look like? Let me know in the comments below. Thanks for watching and see you next time!

How to Refill Quilling Glue Bottles - Quick, Easy and No Spilling!

Refilling Glue from Large to Fine Tip Bottles

A common problem paper crafters face when refilling glue from a large bottle to a fine tip bottle, is the dreaded air bubble.

Even though my quilling glue bottle is empty, the air is trapped because the glue covers the opening, so you need to "burp" the air out before more glue can be refilled. If you don't expect it to happen, the glue can overflow onto your desk, making a huge mess.

Here is my simple technique to fixing this problem:

• Step 1: Get a plastic container (ex. sour cream) and place it under the bottle to be refilled. If you spill, there's less to clean up.
• Step 2: Squeeze the empty bottle to push the air out. The amount you squeeze tells you how much room you have for refilling.
• Step 3: As you pour glue from the large bottle, trapping the air, release your fingers and suck the glue into the fine tip quilling bottle. You can safely refill with no spill!

Refilling Glue from Large to Medium Bottles

When refilling from a large (16 oz) to medium bottle (4 oz), the natural tendency is to hold the bottle openings close to each other, to prevent any overspill.

However, if you look at the stream of glue, you'll see it's wide near the opening, and tapers as it pours.

• Tip 1: My method is to hold the openings about 2 inches apart. I can even squeeze the larger bottle and force more glue out, without worrying about the glue spilling because of the way it narrows as it falls.
• Tip 2: If you have challenges holding your bottle steady as you pour, try stacking some books as high as you need, then resting your bottle on top of the books to help keep the stream steady.
• Tip 3: When you are finished refilling, brush the two openings against each other to stop the stream, as you tilt the large bottle up.

Customize Your Aleene’s Glue Nozzle from a Pinhole up to 3/16 inches

Did you know you can customize your Aleene’s glue nozzle? You can choose how fast you want that stream of glue to flow, like I did with my 16 oz bottle. A new nozzle has a small protrusion at the tip and you can’t squeeze any glue out just yet. Here are the steps to customize it:

Pinhole

• Trim off the protrusion using an x-acto knife. Use a thumbtack to pierce the middle of the nozzle, making a perfect pinhole. The thumbtack has the perfect flat surface for you to push against.
• Pros: This pinhole nozzle can be used to smear the glue stream, because the nozzle tip is relatively large and flat.
• Cons: This pinhole nozzle can't make as fine a stream of glue as my fine tip quilling bottle

Enlarge your Nozzle

Refill your glue faster by cutting the nozzle exactly the size you want.

• 1/16 inch
• 1/8 inch
• 3/16 inch (Note: only cut this far if you are finished using all the glue, or else the cover can't be capped back on)

Watch How to Refill Quilling Glue Bottle Video Tutorial

Aleene's Always Ready Tacky Glue

I love this bottle! I remember doing a little dance of joy in the aisles at Michael's when I found Aleene's Always Ready Tacky Glue bottle! Here's why:

• The nozzle is at the bottom, so the glue is "always ready" to be used.
• The 1/16 inch nozzle is tapered, so it's very easy to control to make a fine stream of glue.
• The cap has a protrusion to prevent clogging and it works well!

I use this bottle when I want to smear my glue puddles for quilling. Why would I smear my glue puddles? Watch this video for Quilling Glue Basics:

Elmer's Glue Nozzles

Some quillers enjoy using Elmer's glue, which already has tapered nozzle. Your hand can go numb trying to squeeze the glue through that small hole when refilling.

Try this instead:

• Place tweezer prongs on either side of the nozzle cap (Elmer's School Glue 7.63 oz shown in video)
• Pry the nozzle cap up to expose an inner nozzle of a 1/4 inch diameter
• The glue will pour out on either side of the triangular piece used preventing clogging
• When you're done, simply place the cap back on and push down firmly to snap it back in place
• If you want to put the large nozzle from Aleene's onto an Elmer's bottle, simply swap them! Most nozzles between Aleene's and Elmer's are interchangeable (the Elmer's 1.25 fl oz glue bottle is smaller and won't fit the Aleene's bottles).

Easy Fill Glue Bottle Nozzles

If you don’t want to trim your nozzle, you can buy a 3D printed nozzle from Ana of Her Paper Paradise, from her Etsy shop. The Easy Fill Glue Bottle Nozzle is 1/4 inch (7 mm) wide and allows you to refill from both Aleene's and Elmer's bottles.

Mini Unicorn Pegasus Party Favor Gift Box - SVG Cut Files Pattern and Tutorial

Mini Unicorn / Pegasus Party Favor Gift Box - SVG Cut Files Pattern and Tutorial

You can make a special girl’s unicorn dreams come true – or pegasus, or winged unicorn!

After cutting these adorable gift boxes with an SVG cutting machine, they can be party decorations, or even a cake topper.

You can stuff these party favors with sweets or treats, then give them to your guests to thank them for coming to your party, and then they keep them as a souvenir of your special event.

Enlarge my SVG cutting files by 110%, cut it out of 12x12 card stock, and you can fit a gift card in the body. If you have 11x17 inch or tabloid size card stock, enlarge it by 135%, and you can turn a mini unicorn or pegasus party favor box into a center piece, and stuff even more goodies inside.

Buy the pattern here: 

• Mini Unicorn Pegasus Party Favor Gift Box

Materials Needed

• Electric cutting machine with SVG importing ability such as Cricut Explore or Silhouette Cameo (Silhouette needs extra software)
• 3 sheets of letter size card stock (body, head, and accents)
• Glue (I use Aleene's Tacky Glue with a fine tip glue bottle)
• Uniball Signo Pen

Optional Tools

• crochet hook
• bone folder
• reverse tweezers or fine tip tweezers
• Round Toothpick

Watch the trailer here:

Slotted vs Needle Quilling Tool - How to Use and Why

Slotted vs Needle Quilling Tools - How to Use and Why

What's the difference between these two tools, and which one should you get, and more importantly, why? The answers to all these questions are shown in my latest tutorial video, and I'll be breaking down the steps to achieve success with either tool.

Slotted Quilling Tool Tips:

• Slip your strip into the slot, aligning the paper end to your tool (no overhang)
• Turn your handle; either left or right, whichever direction feels comfortable
• Use your index fingers to keep edge aligned
• Use your thumb to apply gentle pressure against the coil to prevent unravelling
• PUSH the finished coil off, never PULL the coil, or else you'll get a tornado
• Flatten the coil to align the edges before allowing it to unwind
• Slotted quilling tools will show a crimp in the middle, but you can hide it by inserting a needle tool, and rubbing the crimp until it's smoother

Needle Quilling Tool Tips:

• Press the needle against the paper into your index finger
• Rub the paper with your thumb and the friction will make the paper wind around the needle until it catches itself
• If your fingers are dry, moisten very lightly to achieve friction, which will help the paper catch
• Flatten the coil to align the edges before allowing it to unwind
• Needle quilling tools will have a smooth innermost coil