New Quilling Book - The Art of Paper Filigree

There's a new quilling book in town! Quilling, The Art of Paper Filigree by Philippa Reid, whose work I, and undoubtedly many of you, have known for years via the online paper crafting community, is a British publication from The Crowood Press. While the paperback and e-book versions are already available in the UK, both can be pre-ordered on Amazon here in the U.S. where they will be released on July 22 [edit: postponed to March 1, 2020].

quilling book cover with colorful, circular pattern

When Philippa first wrote to tell me about her book, she explained that it is unlike other quilling titles in that it does not contain patterns or projects. Instead, it is a compendium of highly detailed information about traditional quilling techniques, some of which date back hundreds of years, as well as modern applications. Containing 112 pages and 173 photographs, you will find quillwork created by Philippa with only her fingers, paper strips, and glue.

quilled design made with silver metallic edge paper strips on a purple paper circle

She further explained:

Quilling, for me, has always been about exploring creative possibilities. The numerous different shapes that can be formed using rolled, pinched, looped and moulded paper strips all have a natural fluidity that allows them to fit readily together, and I personally think this offers almost infinite potential for the creation of designs.

When I was approached by Crowood Press to write a comprehensive practical guide to paper filigree techniques, I was very excited by the prospect of exploring and demonstrating all the processes involved in quilling in a very detailed, hands-on way. I wanted the book to reflect the approach I take with my workshops, in terms of encouraging students' own innate creativity through mastery of the skills required.

Philippa shows another way to use the same shapes that are in the previous design.

My aim was to inspire readers across a very broad potential audience, ranging from general crafters and novice/experienced quillers right through to mixed media artists who work with collage techniques. Having learned so much on my own path towards attaining Higher Level Accreditation with the UK-based Quilling Guild in 2016, I could see the writing of this book as the culmination of that journey.

I loved every minute of the writing process. It felt as though I was pouring my heart and soul out onto the pages, passing on - and in some instances reviving - information that has nourished the development of paper filigree art over the centuries. Now it is for readers of my book to take that knowledge forward.

Philippa is a dedicated finger roller who encourages this method of rolling coils without the use of a typical quilling tool. You'll also find instructions for forming vortex coils, pixie-hood loops, huskings, multi-strip open coils, fringed flowers, ring coils, and more. She shows her technique of creating a single strip outline with the aid of straight pins (image below), on-edge letters, abstract designs, and 3D models constructed from solid coils.

sample quilling book page showing a number outlined with a paper strip held in place with pins

And now an INTERNATIONAL giveaway, courtesy of The Crowood Press. To enter to win a copy of Philippa's book, leave a comment below.

Note that Blogger does not allow me to see the email address you type in at first, so you must also include an email address within your comment so you can be contacted if you win. Concerned about spam? Type your address like this: janedoe at gmail dot com

Two chances to win! A separate, but identical giveaway is underway on Instagram. You may enter both places to double your chances.

The winner of each giveaway will be chosen separately via a random number generator on Sunday July 21, notified, and announced at the end of this post and on Instagram. Good luck!

Quilling, The Art of Paper Filigree is available directly from The Crowood Press and can be ordered from Amazon.

Philippa blogs at Quilliance and is on Instagram.

Congratulations to Lorrie, giveaway winner!