Sunflowers
It is hard to believe another year is gone. Christmas will be over in a few days and tinsel, holiday food, guest and presents forgotten. So now we go on another year.
What is quilling? Quilling is also known as filigree.
In the 4th century Greece artisans used quilling to decorate vases and pillars. The Egyptian tombs were adorned with silver and gold wire shapes akin to modern quilling.
During the Renaissance, French and Italian nuns and monks used quilling to adorn book covers and religious items. The most common used paper was strips trimmed from the gilded edges of books, rolled and formed to create quilling shapes.
The gentle ladies (“ladies of leisure”) of the 18th century practiced the art. It was a ‘proper’ activity that would not be too hard on their minds or gentle dispositions. — Wow- how times have changed.
Quilling can be found on cabinets and stands, a wide range of both pictures and frames, work baskets, coats of arms and wine coasters, jewelry and trinket boxes.
The craft has gone through many changes and forms through the ages. New techniques, new styles, new materials, new tools, new novel papers, machine cut strips, new glues, new sealants, etc. This craft is now recognized as an exceptional art form.
