Quilling is deeply rooted in world history, popularly believed to have come into being in China, after the discovery of papermaking. Members of spiritual communities were the first inventors and users of the quilling process. Gradually, this enjoyable art form spread to other countries and eventually became an important part of the common persons’ life.

Research has established that a form of quilling metals was performed as early as the mid-4th and 5th centuries. Gold and silver wires were applied to pillars, vases and other objects and jewelry was also fashioned using this technique. By the 13th century this form of metal quilling had become well-known and was practiced worldwide.

The conversion from metal to paper use probably occurred as materials became scarce, or were unavailable to the lay person wanting to create pieces. Metal quilling was commonly referred to as metal filigree, and as the technique incorporated the use of paper, was commonly referred to as paper filigree. Early use of paper filigree was primarily confined to religious groups promoting their beliefs and embellishing sacred messages. The shift to the common folk practicing this art brought the term ‘quilling’ into regular use.

Quilling or paper filigree is an art form that involves the use of thin pieces of strips of paper that are rolled, shaped, and glued together to create decorative designs.

The paper is rolled, looped, curled, to create shapes which make up designs to decorate greetings cards, pictures, boxes, eggs, and to make models, jewelry and many other things. You can visit the page http://www.myquilling.com/the-history-of-quilling to know more about this exquisite art.

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