You know how the phrase “it is so easy” is commonplace in this weekly crafty segment? Well, not so much this week! All in all, I spent a few hours delicately wrestling with tiny strips of paper!
This paper art form is also called “quilling”. The French and Italian nuns used quilling to decorate religious items and the covers of books during the Renaissance. It became popular in the 18th century throughout Europe. The effect of the curled paper is ornate and oh so delicate! I would love to make a few more of these pretty little snowflakes to decorate for my daughter’s first birthday!
All you will need is a paper cutter, cardstock, Mini Glue Dots® Dispenser and a quilling tool-I just used a Stampin’ Up Stylus.
You will also need the step-by-step and beautifully done tutorial by Tresa of the Reese Dixon blog. She does an amazing job of breaking down the project and showing each piece. The snowflake is fit together like a puzzle.
Word of warning: measuring is important! I tend to be a “look at the picture and then go for it on my own” kind of gal. This resulted in frustration and a snowflake with parts that didn’t fit together properly! So measure and count the teeny pieces! Once I got the hang of curling the paper around the tiny stylus it became much easier. Tresa says that she put together 35 of these snowflakes last year. THIRTY-FIVE!

These would make gorgeous handmade ornaments to give as gifts this season! I think some glitter would be lovely. Or maybe edging the paper with a gold paint pen. What other ideas do you have to add some sparkle?
So cool! If I have some quite time I might have to sit down and make some snowflakes like this.
The finished product is so pretty… but it really takes so much attention to detail to line everything up to make it look nice. I am more of a mucker when it comes to arts and crafts so this was a bit hard for me.
Please let me know how it goes, Cassie!
Always happy to meet another quiller! Your pastel snowflake is really cute and would be great as a party decoration. I have lots of free tutorials on my blog if you’re ever in need of more snowflake patterns or other designs.
Oh my goodness you make beautiful things, Ann! I would love to do some ornaments using the Quilled Poinsettia Tutorial! Thank you so much for sharing!
You’re very welcome, Natalie! I’m glad you didn’t mind me horning in on your post with a link to mine. I read Tresa’s blog too, and always enjoy her projects. Quilling can be trying at first, but honestly once you’ve practiced a bit it really does become second nature. I hope you’ll enjoy making the poinsettia ornaments.
How nice..that is so pretty. Very cool!