When it comes to paper, one of the most powerful tools in creativity is quilling—a process that involves coiling and shaping paper strips into a design. Artists like Yulia Brodskaya transform this everyday material into wondrous works of art, putting a contemporary twist on a technique that dates back to the Renaissance.

While quilling can be as simple or as complicated as you want, it’s a good idea to start with smaller sized projects. Complex designs can easily overwhelm beginners and may discourage them from continuing to practice. Practicing on small projects can help promote feelings of success and accomplishment, building up skills and confidence one step at a time.

To get started, begin by sketching out your design on a piece of paper. This will serve as your guide, allowing you to accurately place each of your pieces. It’s also a great way to keep track of your progress. Once you have your design arranged, you can begin rolling and shaping the individual pieces. When you have the desired shape, use a quilling tool or even just tweezers to create tight or loose coils. It’s important to remember that the direction in which you roll your coil can affect how it’s shaped, so take this into consideration as well.

For example, when creating a coil that mimics the outline of a flower, the direction in which you roll your strip can help indicate the direction in which a paint stroke would flow. In addition to being an enjoyable pastime, paper quilling can help improve concentration and attention to detail. Paper Quilling Art