Make a Quilled Bird Pendant

Thanks to inspiration from my Twitter friend, Sharon Bennett, I created a quilled bird pendant to wear this fall.

quilled gold bird pendant on bronze silk cording

But more about the bird in a moment... first I'd like to introduce you to Sharon, an illustrator who creates template books for David and Charles, and designs projects for UK craft magazines. Not only does she draw and paint beautifully, Sharon has a most generous spirit: all of the original designs on her blog, Steady On! [edit: no longer available], may be grabbed and printed for personal use in card making or any other paper crafting pursuit.




If you like to quill, I think you'll find that many of Sharon's designs are perfect for rolled paper interpretation.



Perhaps you've noticed the popularity of bird graphics lately. They're fluttering about in so many places... on stationery, invitations, print ads, you name it. Well then... Sharon's blog entry on September 4 caught my eye. Dear, swirly little birds!



I had a feeling she wouldn't mind if I tried my hand at quilling one, but I emailed to ask. Happily, Sharon was excited about the project and loved how the bird turned out.

quilled golden bird pendant on bronze silk cording

If you would like to make a necklace of your own, here are a few tips to get you started:

In order for the paper to be sturdy enough to retain the outline, begin by gluing several strips of gilded-edge quilling paper together, one on top of the next. When the paper stack is completely dry, (otherwise it will buckle) use your fingers and the handle of a quilling tool to shape the outline. Then just add rolled teardrop coils for the wing, headdress feathers, and tail feathers. There! Something new to wear tomorrow.



Bronze colored satin cording makes a quick and easy necklace. Finish it off with an adjustable sliding knot.

Brand new to quilling? Start with this basic quilling tutorial.

Update: I've added a complete quilled bird necklace tutorial.

All Things Paper is an AWIN (Etsy) affiliate.



Ann Martin
Ann Martin

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Comments

  1. Ann, this is another great "knock-your-socks-off" design. Your quilled jewelry is just stunning! I wondered how you made this little bird sturdy enough to wear. Thank you for sharing the tip on stacking the paper to make a thicker strip.

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  2. Wow what a beautiful design! I wasn't aware you could use paper for a jewelry project like this. Very beautiful!

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  3. Wow! This is just beautiful! Thanks for the link to Steady On! too. Such wonderful creative ideas!

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  4. I love this piece! The bird is so elegant, and I love it combined with the satin cord!

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  5. Ann, wow another stunning piece!! And thank you for the tip about getting the outline to stay put, I was wondering about that! I am going to have to order some gilded strips to play with. Your desings are so inspiring!

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  6. Oh WOW! This is take-my-breath-away gorgeous. Really, really stunning, I love it!

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  7. Oh my GOSH, Ann! This is gorgeous! It is perfect. I love it :o) Thanks again for sharing!

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  8. Ann, this is gorgeous!
    Your quilled pendants never cease to amaze me.

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  9. Thanks very much for taking the time to leave such nice thoughts!

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  10. Wow! Your quilling is exquisite! I look forward to following and enjoying your future creations! Warm regards, jenn @ rookno17.blogspot.com

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  11. i love your bird pendant, what a great inspiration and thanks for the links!
    licia

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  12. That's really pretty and inspired thanks for showing us and giving some tips on trying it ourselves.

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