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Kids go through A LOT of paper, most of which is just barely scribbled on before being tossed. If you are like me and hate wasting things, you may have wondered if there is any way you can upcycle used paper. (Do you think this way, or is it just me? Hehe.)
It turns out there is!
You can turn your old, barely used paper into a paper quilling (cutting paper into long thin strips, rolling and pinching the pieces into different shapes) project! Here is what it is and what you need to do it:
Materials
- Long strips of leftover paper
- Paper cutter or scissors
- Slotted quilling tool or toothpick
- Glue
- Corkboard or foam board
- Tweezers
- Pins
- Ruler
- Optional items, like a quilling mold (for 3D shapes), sealant spray (for protection), and colored pens (if you wish to color the edges or surface of your paper).
1. Select your paper
Choose leftover paper based on the design you want to create. When you do this, consider the paper’s thickness, as thinner paper is generally easier to quill but may be less sturdy.
2. Cut strips
Use a paper cutter for precise, straight cuts. If you’re using scissors, draw lines with a ruler to guide your cuts. (Strips can be of varying widths, but 1/8″ to 1/4″ is standard for quilling.)
3. Coloring (optional)
If you use plain paper or wish to change the color, you can color your strips using markers or colored pencils. Remember to color both sides of the paper if one side is white!
4. Rolling
Slide one end of the paper strip into the slot of the quilling tool or wrap it around a toothpick. Rotate the tool or toothpick to roll the paper into a tight coil, and then release the coil and allow it to expand slightly before sealing the end with a dab of glue.
5. Forming shapes
You can mold the basic coil into various forms by pinching, curving, or combining multiple coils. You may use tweezers for intricate shapes or place coils in precise locations on your design.
6. Design and assembly
Lay out your design on the corkboard or foam board. As you place each quilled shape onto your design, use pins to keep them in position. Use glue to attach the shapes to each other and any backing paper or card.
7. Drying and finishing
Allow sufficient time for the glue to fully dry. If desired, you can spray your completed work with a sealant for added protection, especially if it’ll be handled frequently.
Conclusion
Paper quilling is such a fun way to introduce upcycling to your grands. The beauty of using leftover paper is that each piece becomes unique, thanks to various source materials. Have fun, and enjoy your afternoon of crafting with your grandkids.
