Slotted or Needle Quilling Tool
I found that when I first started quilling I used the “Slotted” tool. This is a metal or plastic instrument with a tiny slit or slot at the top. The slit is where you place the paper. When I started quilling this was my favorite tool because I found it easier to turn the paper. This was more of a coordination thing, and as I became more comfortable with making my coils and working with the thin paper I relied on it less and less. Today I use the slotted tool when I make my folded roses and sometimes when working with fringed paper. I have found that using the slotted tool will give a larger hole in the center. Please note: For some quillers and projects, you want this look, so don’t discount this tool for that reason.
As my quilling skills improved, I began using the “Needle” tool, mine has a wooden handle with a long, thin piece of metal that looks like a needle sticking out the top. I have actually used this tool for things that it may not have been designed for, such as pricking or piercing my paper and to place glue on my projects. Strictly speaking, using the tool for glue placement is not recommended because it can cause your needle to rust (so don’t tell anyone).
Along the lines of the needle tool, I find that I use a corsage pin or any pin for that matter for much of my quilling today. I have even been known to use office supplies, primarily the T-pins that many people use to hold paper to their cube walls. I find that my control over my paper is better and I am able to get a tighter center to my coils this way.
When I teach classes or give people a pattern that I have made, I will provide round toothpicks. I do this because I worry that someone might stick themselves with a pin if one were supplied. We don’t want any DNA for the CSI team to find
Perhaps the most common tool that most of us have readily available is our hands. That’s right, it is called finger rolling, and you roll the strips of paper in your fingers. This tool is particularly useful because you never leave it at home!
Enjoy!
Copyright for Personal Use, Antonella DeFalco
Technorati Tags: quilling, paper filigree, filigrana, slotted tool, needle tool, quilling tools
I found this site to be extremely helpful. I never have used the tool so I am eager now to try it. Thank you for the info.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the info. I did wonder which tool was best. Now I understand :)
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome - glad I could help with your questions! Hugs, antonella :-)
ReplyDeleteI like the slotted tool for coiling two or three pieces at a time. I get really nice colors when I coil different color's together!
ReplyDeleteI like to combine multiple colors together too. One of these days I need to post instructions on reverse roses, I use multiple strips when I make them as well. Hugs, antonella :-)
ReplyDelete