It's been some time since I posted a new quilled jewelry design, so over the weekend I got rolling again... quite literally! I experimented and came up with a few designs that passed muster, and today I'm excited to share this swirling circular pendant. I'll explain how I went about making it, so if this minimalist design appeals to you, you can make one too.
First, I absolutely must give credit to fine jewelry artist, Kathrin Sättele, whose beautiful work was my direct inspiration. Isn't the piece shown below lovely?
While Kathrin's website is currently undergoing a refresh, the Art Aurea page shows more examples of her gorgeous jewelry. Her minimal style is exactly what appeals to me when it comes to conceptualizing quilled jewelry designs.
Of course, quilling paper doesn't entirely lend itself to the sculpted lines that Kathrin is able to achieve when working with precious metals, but I had a good time trying to capture that essence.
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| gel adhesive, JUYA slotted tool, clay modeling tool, long tweezers, glass head pin, detail scissors |
Prepping for Strength: the Quadruple Strip
The very first thing that must be done is to add strength to quilling paper strips... to quadruple one, in fact.
I did this by gluing four full-length, gilded-edge ivory strips together (each one measures 17.5 inches in length and is 1/8-inch wide), one on top of the next. Working with a clear gel adhesive, I used my fingers to smooth a thin layer of glue along the entire length of the strip. I then carefully adhered a second strip, and repeated the process with a third and fourth strip. If any glue seeped from the edges, I ran a damp cloth down both sides of the strip to wipe it away.
It was absolutely essential to set this ultra-thick strip aside to dry completely. I recommend waiting 24 hours so that the glue will fully cure. If you get impatient and try to work with it too soon, the layers will buckle and separate. (Ask me how I know this, ha!)
Shaping the Curves
I've often said that one of my favorite quilling tools isn't actually a quilling tool at all - it's a clay modeling tool. I find so many handy uses for it, including forming ring coils by wrapping a strip around the metal shaft, and using the pointed tip for applying the tiniest amount of glue.
For this design, I ran the fully dry strip across the tool's shaft a few times to form a graceful, organic curve. The motion was exactly like curling paper ribbon with scissors.
While I couldn't snap step-by-step photos of the process (as I needed both hands to shape, glue and hold the paper while the glue set), hopefully the photos of the completed design are clear enough so you can recreate it by studying where the swirls connect. That's one of the great perks of quilling... it's usually possible to visually dissect any design.
Look closely to see where the joins are. I didn't make the pendant with one continuous strip; instead, I worked in a small section at first, starting with the innermost circle, letting its curved tail extend upwards. Next, I created the small oval-like shape near the small circle with a short strip. Lastly, I looped the remainder of the strip twice around the inner circle and oval. The completed design measures approximately 2 inches in diameter and used up the quadrupled strip almost entirely.
Sculpting the Domed Centerpiece
To roll a single strip (3.5 inches) for the domed tight coil, I used the fine slot JUYA tool. To give the coil a rounded surface, a standard glass head pin works well. Gently press the ball against the coil's underside, and insert a bit of glue into the dome with the clay modeling tool to preserve the curve.
Lastly, I glued the remaining piece (about 1/4 inch) of the quadruple strip to the tight coil. After the join had set, I used long tweezers to position the coil within the small circle.
After allowing the pendant to rest overnight while the glue fully dried, I used a pair of jewelry pliers to attach a jump ring and added a golden necklace chain I had on hand.
Embracing the Process
I seriously doubt if I would be able to recreate this exact pendant myself a second time, so please don't stress if yours doesn't look identical to mine. I'll also assure you that the quadrupled strip of paper actually seemed to want to shape itself into the circles you see in the finished pendant. It was like it had a spring in its step and wanted to give me a helping hand!
While I would have loved the pendant to have more dimension like Kathrin achieves with metal, I decided it was risky business to attempt it. As strong as the finished piece is - and it truly is surprisingly sturdy - having short lengths of strips protrude outside the larger protective circle would most likely be an invitation for disaster... there's a good chance they would break off while wearing the necklace.
Recommended Supplies
I hope you'll give this technique a try. Perhaps practice first with non-gilded paper, but then do yourself a favor and order a package or two of the Quilled Creations metallic edge strips. They are so pretty (the shine is more pronounced in person than these photos show) and are available in quite a few colors with gold or silver edging. You'll find them via the Quilled Creations website or on Amazon (where shipping is currently free, even to non-Prime members).
Each package of metallic edge strips contains thirty strips. Because this pendant only requires four strips, plus several inches from a fifth strip (to make the domed tight coil), you'll be able to quill a half dozen pendants from just one package - so amazing.
I promise you they will definitely be wearable, durable, and unique. Give them as gifts to surprise and delight your friends. "It's paper?" It certainly is!
For additional ideas, here are quite a few more of my paper jewelry tutorials.
