Paper Quilling by Sena Runa
I love to come across a designer whose work is exploring new territory... that was the case when I noticed the fresh designs of quiller Sena Runa of Turkey. The colorful, yet cohesive palette she favors gives an appealing unity to her art pieces.
Each one of Sena's home decor designs is cheerfully festive... just right for a young child's playroom or bedroom. Sometimes she incorporates ink flourishes into a dimensional paper illustration... this hot air balloon and graceful Dancing Queen, for example.
Judging by Sena's Etsy shop sales, it's safe to say her most popular design is this pretty Love is All Around heart.
The Place Where Wishes Come True would surely inspire daydreams.
I was curious to learn about Sena, so emailed her with a few questions...
Please tell us about yourself.
I was born in Istanbul, Turkey in 1983. After graduating with a BA degree from Marmara University in Istanbul in 2008, I worked as a HR specialist until January 2015 when I left my job and started designing artworks using paper quilling technique as a full time job.
I have been interested in art as long as I can remember, but unfortunately I didn’t study art and design. I have a passion to create things and am very happy I found quilling.
Your love of rolled paper strips shines through in your playful designs. Did quilling come quite naturally to you or did you find it difficult at first?
I began quilling two and a half years ago. While I was searching the internet for inspiration to find the right hobby for me, I found a colourful picture that was made from paper using the quilling technique, but I had no idea what it was called. I tried to make it, but it turned out awful! Then I explored many quilled creations online, but soon found my own style of combining paper quilling and sketch. I design my own templates.
Your style is very much your own... dense and playful, but never overdone. I must also mention that your technique is flawless! What do you especially like about the designing process?
Creating your style gives you a sense of freedom. I really enjoy designing things that I've never seen quilled by anyone else. I have made more than 180 artworks so far. I sell them around the world and sometimes give them as a gift to my friends and family.
Do you prefer to work with a particular strip width?
Yes, the strips I use are 1cm and 2cm, quite a bit wider than the thin strips used by most quillers. I cut them myself.
I have the sense that you must quill nearly all day, every day to accomplish so many designs. Does quilling for hours lessen the enjoyment?
Once I decided to leave the corporate world for good, I opened a new page in my life and decided to follow the passion of my life, art! I am working seven days a week, but I love bringing fruitful colors to the lives of others and I enjoy spreading my joy in many places around the world.
You can follow along with Sena's new designs on Facebook and Instagram.
If you'd like to receive my occasional and free All Things Paper newsletter that features posts like this one, sign up here.
I Believe I Can Fly
Judging by Sena's Etsy shop sales, it's safe to say her most popular design is this pretty Love is All Around heart.
The Place Where Wishes Come True would surely inspire daydreams.
I was curious to learn about Sena, so emailed her with a few questions...
Please tell us about yourself.
I was born in Istanbul, Turkey in 1983. After graduating with a BA degree from Marmara University in Istanbul in 2008, I worked as a HR specialist until January 2015 when I left my job and started designing artworks using paper quilling technique as a full time job.
I have been interested in art as long as I can remember, but unfortunately I didn’t study art and design. I have a passion to create things and am very happy I found quilling.
Your love of rolled paper strips shines through in your playful designs. Did quilling come quite naturally to you or did you find it difficult at first?
I began quilling two and a half years ago. While I was searching the internet for inspiration to find the right hobby for me, I found a colourful picture that was made from paper using the quilling technique, but I had no idea what it was called. I tried to make it, but it turned out awful! Then I explored many quilled creations online, but soon found my own style of combining paper quilling and sketch. I design my own templates.
Your style is very much your own... dense and playful, but never overdone. I must also mention that your technique is flawless! What do you especially like about the designing process?
Creating your style gives you a sense of freedom. I really enjoy designing things that I've never seen quilled by anyone else. I have made more than 180 artworks so far. I sell them around the world and sometimes give them as a gift to my friends and family.
Do you prefer to work with a particular strip width?
Yes, the strips I use are 1cm and 2cm, quite a bit wider than the thin strips used by most quillers. I cut them myself.
I have the sense that you must quill nearly all day, every day to accomplish so many designs. Does quilling for hours lessen the enjoyment?
Once I decided to leave the corporate world for good, I opened a new page in my life and decided to follow the passion of my life, art! I am working seven days a week, but I love bringing fruitful colors to the lives of others and I enjoy spreading my joy in many places around the world.
Never Stop Dreaming
If you'd like to receive my occasional and free All Things Paper newsletter that features posts like this one, sign up here.
All Things Paper is an AWIN affiliate
