Quilling Tools
Essential Tools For Paper Quilling Success
To
get the best of your paper quilling experience, you will need high quality
METAL Quilling tools that are easy to hold, set with precision accuracy
and made to last!
The top tool is the Slotted Quilling tool... this slot along it's shaft
holds the paper end securely as you turn the tool in your hand and is
often easier to manage for beginners. The knurl on the handle ensures
a firm grip, no slipping... assists in the rolling of a neat, even tight
roll.
Some procedures such as a "folded rose" will benefit from the
tension that the tool holds on the end of the paper also and make them
so much easier.
The bottom tool is the Quilling Needle tool.. the same high quality handle
with a specifically chosen needle that enables a fine centre hole after
rolling.
This needle style Quilling tool is held still in your right hand( if right
handed!) and you roll the paper around the needle using your thumb and
finger with the left hand. If you want a smaller hole left in the centre
of your tight roll, it is worth mastering this tool.
GLUE
We've found that the best glue (and it's inexpensive too) is
Elmer's Glue All. It is a white glue that dries clear. It's important
that you try other glues and decide which glue works best for you.
This can not be stressed enough. Use a very small amount of glue when
joining your shaped coils. Too much glue may cause buckling or may show
thus spoiling the professional look of your finished project.
If not using a glue bottle/applicator, you'll need toothpicks or a needle
to apply the glue to the shaped coil. Place your glue into a small open
container (a contact lens case is excellent for this purpose) so you
can dip your toothpick into it easily. Stir the glue often to keep it
from forming a film or drying out. You can also put a damp sponge over
it to keep the glue from drying out. HINT: A Contact lens case is very
handy for holding your glue and the lid can be closed to keep your glue
fresh.
In my opinion the best method for applying glue is to use an ultra fine
glue applicator. Again use tiny drops of glue. HINT: A small glass with
a wet sponge placed in the bottom will keep your applicator/bottle free
flowing and prevent the tip from drying up. Place the bottle upside
down with the tip touching the sponge.
TWEEZERS
You'll find that a good pair of tweezers are excellent for
placing those small pieces in the right place. I have several pairs.
For more information on tweezers and the different types and their varied
uses refer back to Chapter 2 - USEFUL QUILLING TOOLS AND SUPPLIES. Try
several types to see which one works best for you. See Figure 61 which
shows the different types of tweezers.
Tweezers can be used to hold your shaped coil while you put a few drops
of glue on the edges you're gluing together without damaging it.
Tweezers are useful to pull the center to your coils edge when creating
concentric coils.
PINS
T-Pins or regular pins will help hold your pieces together
while the glue dries. The pins will also allow you to put the project
aside and finish it later should something come up ( something unimportant
like preparing dinner LOL). I use several different T-pin sizes. For
more information refer to Chapter 2 - USEFUL QUILLING TOOLS AND SUPPLIES.
WORK SURFACE
2007 Quilling Resources