Simple Quilled Cards and Paper Hearts Made Easy

I've written before about my stash of handmade quilled cards that have never seen the light of day. I was thinking I might do another how-to book, but I've moved on from that idea (and the zillion hours that would be required). Instead, it's more fun to dole them out on this blog every now and then, and so today I'll share a couple more designs to give you ideas for making quilled cards that won't take a ton of time.

 

 

 

I've always leaned toward the minimal side when adding quilling to cards since it pains me to think of them being dropped in the trash after the holiday or occasion has passed. Because it's not always easy to make cards for men... birthday, retirement, or whatever the reason might be, I cooked up this one that features cardstock squares and just one modest, silver-edge quilled flower placed in a pinched corner frame.

 

 

 

I first posted this card with its burgundy quilled flourishes wayyyy back in 2009 after it appeared in CardMaker Magazine. (I love using torn edge vellum... is it still in style in card making? Not sure!) My thinking is that the design could easily be adapted as a pretty Valentine - just replace the stamped daffodil with a quilled or stamped heart and print out a different sentiment.

 

Here's another version of the same design in shades of purple, green, and gold. For both cards I used a Stampin' Up! set of four floral rubber stamps called Perfect Petals that I like very much to this day (here's a set on ebay). The quilling on both cards is just a couple of bundles of graceful scrolls so it isn't too time-consuming, but has impact. 

 

 

 

 

Tips... if, like me; you've been frustrated by glue sticks that let go of layers after a few months, I'm now hooked on this permanent 3M Scotch glue stick. Also, take care when mailing a quilled card, as few things look worse upon arrival than smashed paper strips. I recommend sending a quilled card in a sturdy box or placed between two sheets of cardboard inside a bubble mailer. Writing Fragile or Handle with Care on the envelope unfortunately doesn't help very much, if at all. 

 

And now for something brand new! Author/designer Robert P. Kelley of folded paper snowflakes fame notified me that he has just released a new book - Paper Hearts Made Easy. It is filled with thirty fold and cut paper kirigami templates, most of which feature hearts, so it's perfect for Valentine's Day card making. 

 

As Robert says, "For the price of a piece of paper, kids can give out handmade valentines to their friends, family, and classmates. Put the finished Valentines, snowflakes, or doilies under some books overnight so they will lay flat, then glue them on construction paper with little dots of glue."

 

 

 

When you visit the book's page on Amazon, you'll see images of the front and back covers (as seen above). Just below them, click on Read Sample where you'll find a handy list of Candy Shorts to use when decorating your Valentines... you know, they're the clever little sayings on conversation heart candies. Or you might prefer these candy heart stickers that would be a cute addition to your cards. 

 

 

 

 

Robert also has an Etsy shop, RobertsSnowflakes, where you'll find instantly printable snowflake templates... winter isn't done with us yet!

All Things Paper is an Amazon and Etsy affiliate.