
Quilling is an art form that involves rolling and gluing thin strips of paper to create beautiful shapes and compositions. When it comes to painting the paper underneath the quilling, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to paint the background before adding the quilled paper, as painting afterward may cause the paper to become wet and warp. The type of paint and paper used are also important factors. Watercolor paint, alcohol ink, or thin layers of oil and acrylic paint are suitable for the background, while the paper should be heavy and sturdy to prevent rippling. Additionally, sealing the quilling with a sealant like PPA can make it water-resistant and protect the paint from chipping. Creating a design with basic quilling techniques and choosing a background color that complements the quilled design can also enhance the overall appearance of the artwork.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paper weight | Use heavy paper or cardstock |
| Paper type | Photo matting board, canvas boards, or paper |
| Paper colour | Coloured cardstock or plain paper |
| Painting technique | Use thin layers of paint, especially if using oils or acrylics |
| Painting tools | Paintbrushes, tape |
| Painting before or after quilling | Before |
| Gluing technique | Use small amounts of glue, thicker application in fewer areas may be more effective |
| Glue type | Clear gel adhesive, PPA glue, Mod Podge, school glue, or any glue labelled as suitable for use with paper |
| Additional tools | Quilling pen, tweezers, rulers |
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What You'll Learn

Use heavy paper or cardstock
When painting underneath quilling, it is important to use heavy paper or cardstock. This is because the paper needs to be sturdy enough to withstand the weight of the paint and the quilled paper that will be glued on top.
Using a lightweight paper or cardstock will likely cause the paper to ripple, especially if you are heavy-handed with the glue. The weight of the glue and paint can also cause thinner paper to warp, so it is important to tape the paper down while you paint and keep it taped until it is fully dry.
When choosing cardstock, opt for the sturdiest piece you can find. A thickness of at least 110lb is recommended. This will ensure that your paper can handle the weight of the paint and glue without warping or rippling.
If you are creating a complex quilling design, consider using a photo matting board as your backdrop. This will provide an extra layer of support and help to keep your paper from warping.
By using heavy paper or cardstock, you can ensure that your quilling project has a strong and stable foundation, allowing you to focus on creating beautiful and intricate designs without worrying about the paper buckling underneath.
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Tape down the paper while painting
When painting underneath the quilling, it is recommended to tape down the paper to prevent it from warping. This is especially important when using watercolour paint or alcohol ink, as these will soak into the paper. Even if you are using oils or acrylics, it is still advisable to tape down the paper and paint thinly to avoid flaking caused by the weight of the paint and glued quilled paper.
There are several types of tape that can be used for this purpose, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. One popular option is artist's tape, which is designed to be used with watercolour paper and is less likely to tear the paper when removed. It is recommended to reduce the stickiness of the tape by sticking it to your clothes and peeling it off a few times before applying it to the paper. This will make it easier to remove the tape once your painting is complete.
Another option is painter's tape, which comes in a variety of colours such as blue, purple, and green. Painter's tape is designed for delicate surfaces and should not rip the paper. However, some users have reported that the blue and green varieties may interfere with colour harmony while painting. It is also important to remove painter's tape promptly, as it can become more difficult to remove if left on the paper for too long.
Regular masking tape can also be used, but it may harden and stick to the paper if left on for an extended period, potentially tearing the paper when removed. It can also leave a residue on the surface. One way to mitigate this is to use a hair dryer to remove the tape, pulling it off at a shallow angle and going slowly.
Additionally, some artists recommend stapling the paper to a board before taping the edges for a clean finish. This ensures that the paper is securely fastened and reduces the risk of warping.
Overall, taping down the paper while painting underneath the quilling is an important step to ensure the paper remains flat and does not warp. By choosing the appropriate type of tape and removing it carefully, you can avoid damaging your artwork and achieve the desired results.
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Basic quilling techniques
Quilling, or paper filigree, is an art form that involves the use of strips of paper that are rolled, shaped, and glued together to create decorative designs. Before you start quilling, it is important to choose the right tools. Lightweight thread snippers are preferable to bulky scissors, as they are perfect for fitting into any quilling toolbox and can be used to neatly snip off the glued ends of quilling paper.
Some basic quilling shapes include the tight circle, loose circle, and teardrop. To make a loose circle, place the end of a short quilling paper strip into the quilling pen and roll it up. Then, remove the small circle from the pen and let it unroll itself. If you want to glue the loose circle somewhere, you will need to do so quickly, as the shape will not hold for long.
To make a teardrop, you will need to combine the skills of making a tight circle and a loose circle, with a little bit of pinching. First, make a tight circle, ensuring that it is not glued together. Next, hold the circle between your thumb and index finger and let it loosen up a little. Then, find the end of the strip and pinch the circle as a whole, creating a raindrop shape. Finally, glue the end to the rest of the piece.
To make a perfect coil, roll with the curve, ensuring that the downward curve is facing down. Additionally, you can use a quilling comb to make shapes. First, roll a small coil using a quilling needle form, then transfer the coil to your quilling comb. This method will help to keep the centre of your coil in place.
When painting underneath the quilling, it is generally recommended to paint the background first. If you paint over the quilled paper, it may get wet. It is important to use heavy paper and tape it down while painting to prevent warping. Watercolour paint or alcohol ink is recommended, as thicker paints may flake off due to the weight of the paint and glued quilled paper. Alternatively, you can paint thinly with oils or acrylics.
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Use glue to trace your design
Painting underneath the quilling is a fun and creative project that can be done on a simple canvas. It involves putting quilling paper on a canvas to create decorative projects. Before starting, you can use some basic quilling techniques in your designs, such as tight circles, loose circles, and teardrops. These are simple to do and only require quilling paper and a quilling pen.
When you are happy with your design, you can start gluing the shapes in place. To do this, add glue to the tip of the quilling and trace the line drawing you created. Use the skills of quilling mentioned before to guide you through this procedure. You can use Elmer's Glue-All or tacky glue, as you will need something a little stickier than some glues on the market.
If you are using a coloured background, you can either use a kit or create your own design using coloured cardstock. If you are creating your own, use at least 110lb cardstock. You can also use photo matting board as the backdrop for more elaborate quilling designs.
If you are painting the canvas, choose a background colour that coordinates with the florals that you are going to quill. You can paint the edges of the canvas with white acrylic paint and then paint the front of the canvas in one direction. Once dry, paint again in the opposite direction to give a nice texture. You can use watercolour paint or alcohol ink, or paint very thinly if using oils or acrylics. Thicker paint may flake off from the weight of the paint and quilled paper glued to it.
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Framing and matting
Quilling is a fun and creative project that can be done on paper or canvas. It involves putting quilling paper on a surface to create decorative projects. Before you begin quilling, you can paint the background to create a colourful backdrop for your design. To do this, tape the paper down and use watercolours, alcohol ink, or thin layers of oil or acrylic paint.
Once you have created your quilling masterpiece, you may want to frame it to display it. There are a few options for framing and matting your work. You can choose to frame your quilling with or without glass. Using glass offers a layer of protection and prevents the quilling from getting dusty, but it is not necessary. If you choose to use glass, make sure the frame has enough depth to accommodate the quilling without pressing against the glass.
When selecting a mat for your quilling, it is recommended to use an acid-free mat board. Mat boards are available in various colours and textures, including fabric-covered options like silk or linen. A double or triple mat can add a professional look to your framing. The mat should be slightly larger than the glass size to prevent it from falling against the glass, and you can use ATG (Adhesive Transfer Tape) to secure it in place.
If you are using a shadow box frame, you can place the quilling directly on the backing or use a heavy mat board for added stability. You can also find frames with a double rabbet, which provides a space for the glass and a second lip for the mat and backing to rest.
Overall, the framing and matting options for your quilling project depend on your personal preference and budget. Taking the time to choose the right materials will ensure your quilling creation is displayed beautifully and securely.
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Frequently asked questions
Use heavy paper or cardstock.
Watercolor paint or alcohol ink is recommended as they soak into the paper. If using oils or acrylics, paint very thinly to avoid flaking.
Painting before is recommended, as painting afterward would get the quilled paper wet.
Tape the paper down while you paint, and keep it taped until it's fully dry to prevent warping. Choose a background color that complements the quilling design.
Basic quilling techniques include creating tight circles, loose circles, and teardrops. Practice these shapes before starting your project.











































