OVERVIEW
Students will learn about paper quilling and the art of rolled paper. Quilling is also known as paper filigree, paper rolling, mosaic or paper folding. In this lesson, you can discuss the origins of this hobby in the 18th century. Although the origins of quilling are not recorded, some think it began just after the invention of paper, in China 105 AD. They will choose a pattern and learn how to coil different shapes of quilled paper, and adhere to a surface to create a 3D relief. This project will take 2-3 weeks to complete and can be displayed as a stand-alone piece of art or attached to a card for major holidays.
MATERIALS
Cutting Mat
Ruler
Circular Ruler
Quilling Tool
Quilling Needle
Quilling Patterns
Tweezers
Scissors
Craft Knife for older grade levels
White Glue
Needle Point Glue Bottles
Pencil Bags
Storage Container
Paper
Cardstock
PLANNING
This lesson should be planned and provided prior to the changing of seasons or a holiday. It could be taught in collaboration with the history and/or art department but can be a stand-alone lesson as well. The lesson will take place over 2-3 weeks depending on the complexity of the pattern. For junior high, this can be completed before/after school or during lunches.For high school, that can be extended to student’s advisory period. This could also be provided as a special workshop or club activity held in the library.
PROMOTION
The event will be promoted using the following tools:
History Classrooms
Quilling Art Book Display in Library
Bulletin Board or Window Display
Library Display (student artwork)
Daily Announcements & Weekly Broadcast
Library Calendar
Library Webpage and/or Canvas Page
PREPARATIONS
Librarian will need to purchase books and materials for this project and then prep everything prior to the activity.
Purchase paper (pre-cuts save time), scissors, glue, coiling tools, & pencil bags
Gather materials and create individual supply kits for each student
Organize strips of paper by color. Clip colors together with small binder clips. Create a display board to hang the color families together using command hooks.
Create a storage bin to house the supply kits
Create signs with basic instructions & resources for video tutorials
PROCEDURES
Begin the project by choosing a template for your design. Students create an outline drawn from the template, which is then filled with a variety of coiled or curved shapes.
Place the template over a blank sheet of white cardstock.
Take a quilting needle or compass and use it to trace around the outside outline. Remove the template. You should be bale to see the tracing on the base paper.
Follow the steps for creating the outline of your shape using the quilting needle, tweezers, and glue.
Create shapes by quilling coils, scrolls, waves, or diamonds. Coil by using a quilling tool or your fingers.
Measure the shapes and place them in the outline using the template.
Apply a thin layer of white, clear-drying glue to the bottom of the shape and along the edges of the paper. Using the tweezers, place the shape into your outline and press down lightly with your fingers to secure. Leave to dry.
Transfer the final product onto mat-board, canvas, or the front of a card
Display finished work in the library or in a display case near the main hallway or front office.
PAYOFF
Students will explore an art form that involves the use of strips of paper that are rolled, shaped, and glued together to create decorative designs. They will learn the historical contexts of quilling and can discuss the expectations for women in the 18th century versus current roles/responsibilities. Students will understand that the library is a resource for learning and that includes endless possibilities.
REFERENCES
Blick Art Materials Eye-Popping Paper Curls - Lesson Plans | BLICK Art Materials. (n.d.). https://www.dickblick.com/lesson-plans/eye-popping-paper-curls/
Education World Paper Quilling: A Colonial Art | Education World. (n.d.). https://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/03/lp305-05.shtml
Morse Institute Library Digital Branch: Learn Paper Quilling: Overview. (n.d.). https://morseinstitute.libguides.com/learnpaperquilling
Scribd Paper Quilling Lesson Plan. (n.d.). Scribd. https://www.scribd.com/doc/221575227/Paper-Quilling-Lesson-Plan
The Spruce Crafts Shehan, R. (2020, May 5). 11 Paper Quilling Patterns for Beginners. The Spruce Crafts. https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/easy-paper-quilling-patterns-4174901
BOOKS
Lesher, N. (2021). The Quilling Art Workbook: A Simple Guide To Learn the Chinese Art Of Paper Quilling: Paper Quilling Glue.
Runa, S. (2017). Quilling Art.
Runa, S. (2020). Quilling: 20 Beautiful Designs. GMC Publications.