Today is the first day of spring, and what better way to celebrate this beautiful, colorful, fresh season than with a glimpse into the creative life of Alli Bartkowski, author of Quilled Flowers: A Garden of 35 Paper Projects. Alli is the founder and owner of Quilled Creations, the world’s leading provider of paper quilling supplies, and she’s an accredited member of the North American Quilling Guild.
With how-to photos, step-by-step instructions, and templates for every project, Quilled Flowers is filled with a gorgeous array of blooms including a Peony Bouquet, Zinnia Gift Bows, a Ranunculus Hair Comb, Pretty Potted Violets, flowered cards, stand-alone blossoms, and inspiration for weddings, gifts, and décor of all styles. Join Alli as she shares a fresh take on paper quilling through her own original designs and techniques, and celebrate spring by creating your own garden of paper flowers!
How would you describe the book Quilled Flowers to someone who hasn’t yet read it?
Alli: Quilled Flowers is book that will inspire you to learn how to quill! It’s full of projects and techniques for the beginner to the very experienced crafter. Quilling is often seen flat and in two-dimensions for cards or in frames. But for this book I wanted to also bring the beauty of quilling to life in three-dimensions through flowers that can be placed as a centerpiece on your kitchen table.
What were some of your favorite experiences while writing the manuscript and creating all the flowers?
Alli: My family and friends’ feedback was my favorite experience. Many of them would ask me to create their favorite flower for the book. They inspired me to try making flowers that I’ve never created with quilled shapes. So when I see those projects in my book, I think of them. For example, my younger daughter fell in love with foxgloves. So for that framed project, I added two little bees to remind me of her and her sister.
Do you have a favorite project among this garden of beautiful paper creations?
Alli: My favorite project would be the ranunculus or peonies. I made so many of these spiral cut flowers with different edges, shapes, sizes and colors. I was determined to perfect this technique because I could see the potential in this idea. There’s also nothing like using your hands to really crinkle, mold, and shape paper into something so beautiful! When I show my students this technique, they usually gasp when I tell them to crush the spiral in their hands! But it really works! Our hands can be the best tools!
In the introduction, you talk about portability being one of the best parts of paper quilling. Where are some of the interesting places you’ve found yourself working on quilled projects?
Alli: When I travel on the airplane, I like to take my quilling along. I also love quilling on long car rides with my husband driving (of course). It helps me from getting carsick! But the most interesting place would be where my friend ended up bringing her quilling. While in labor, she took her quilling to the hospital to pass time between contractions. Let’s just say she was able to introduce quilling to many nurses and doctors there!
In the book, you describe the first time quilling caught your attention and how it inspired you to begin experimenting and designing on your own. What is it about the art of rolling and shaping strips of paper that you think speaks to you as an artist?
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