The first quilling tutorial I ever wrote was for a paper crafting site called Folding Trees... it no longer exists and I still miss it. My how-to featured two patterns - a quilled starfish and a scallop shell - both designed to be worn as necklace pendants. I've since reposted the quilled starfish tutorial on this blog, and today I'm happy to (finally!) share the quilled shell design, two actually, as I've tweaked the original and will show both in this post.


Tools and Supplies:


Quilling strips - your choice of color.

I used black with a metallic gold edge for the original scallop shell and pearlized gold with a metallic gold edge for the revised version, 1/8 inch (3mm) width, from JJ Quilling Design.

Tip: JJ Quilling metallic edge strips have a bright shine along one edge and are available in many color combinations. One package contains enough strips to make several pendants. U.S. online quilling suppliers, such as Custom Quilling, Quilling Supply, and Whimsiquills, carry t…

I love coming across a paper artist who is doing something completely fresh and modern. Such was the case when I spotted the lacy paper cut floral jewelry that Hong Kong artist Jeanie Ho creates in Sydney, Australia. After briefly featuring her Plucking Peonies shop earlier this season in a paper jewelry round up, this week I'm pleased to host a giveaway of Jeanie's hand cut earrings to draw even more attention to her fine work.


After completing art degrees in Hong Kong and Australia, Jeanie traveled to Japan where she was inspired to cut sakura (cherry) blossoms. She uses strong Yupo paper that is impervious to water and also tear resistant, and has gone on to cut interpretations of other flowers such as peonies, tulips, and chrysanthemums.

Jeanie's statement earrings might feature just one dramatic flower on a sterling silver wire or two, three or more flowers. Each creation takes hours to complete. She offers the option of a comfortable stainless steel clip for those wh…

Every now and then I enjoy browsing Amazon to see what's new in the world of paper crafting. Enticing books are often included in the Hot New Releases list, and this time I also spied a couple of beautiful paper collections.... they would be fun to try out while making projects from the books.


Uncommon Paper Flowers from Chronicle Books looks like a beauty. Celebrated paper designer Kate Alarcón reveals the rich histories and unique characteristics behind 30 remarkable plants alongside instructions for crafting stunning paper versions of each one. These eye-catching creations make perfect wedding centerpieces, beautiful arrangements (that never wilt!) to brighten a home, and cheerful gifts for any occasion. October 15 is the release date, but it can be pre-ordered now.


Marbled papers have always appealed to me and I'd love to learn the process... thus, Making Marbled Paper by Heather Fletcher looks right up my alley. Included are more than thirty marbling patterns and an …

With a lifelong passion for creating, artist Tiffany Budzisz developed a special interest in paper sculpture while studying illlustration at Virginia Commonwealth University. She worked as an art director in Atlanta for more than a decade before she and her artist husband returned to Virginia to open an art studio, Art in the Valley, in Front Royal, a historic town in the Shenandoah Valley.


Tiffany uses an X-Acto knife and archival paper to create exceptional works, hand cutting/scoring the pieces and gently curving them on a dowel. When assembling a sculpture, she glues foam core board between each layer to lend shadows that add even more dimension.
As you can see in these examples, she is especially drawn to flora and fauna. The beauty of the natural world is often found in the details. My goal is to inspire the viewer to slow down and appreciate the intricacies found in life (and art), that are often overlooked in our busy, everyday lives.


In addition to paper sculpture wall ar…

Would you like to enhance your paper craft skills, not to mention spend time with like-minded folks who share your passion for paper? Experienced book artist, teacher and author Rachel Hazell is ready to introduce you to a world of creative paper projects via her e-course, PaperLove.


This five week online course begins June 17 and features more than twenty projects that include envelopes, boxes, and books. Step-by-step directions are clear and supplies are readily available. There is a new theme each week: Paper, Collage, Word, Book and Mail.


A tutorial to make a Five Minute Artist Book with hidden compartments (below) can be found on Rachel's Travelling Bookbinder site. Consider it a glimpse into the type of simple, yet ingenious DIY project that PaperLove participants will be doing.


Previous class participants mention that they couldn't wait for the next day to see what Rachel had up her sleeve. Perhaps think of the course as the best of summer camp for grown-ups... in oth…