Rachel Hyde - Myshelf.com

Search Press Classics brings back some of the best loved titles for a new audience. This time it is the turn on an excellent primer on quilling for beginners from 2003 that teaches all you need to know about this enjoyable and ancient craft.

I love the introduction to this book; it discusses the fact that although rolling paper strips into coils seems an odd thing to be addicted to, it makes for a fun and relaxing hobby. Instantly it made me want to have a go, surely the best way to start any practical book. A short introduction to the craft's history and a list of all you need (trust me, you can do it with a lot less) kicks off the book and then it is on with the actual quilling. Each type of process is explained in both words and photographs and it is rather like having a tutor on hand. The author has a good conversational style of writing which troubleshoots at the same time as teaching the basics, a nice touch that makes the book very readable. Each technique has a project to aid practise and these are all interesting enough to avoid being just plain beginner's pieces. A black lace fan, Art Nouveau irises, tulips, a butterfly, etc illustrate how effective this craft can be and if all the instructions are followed, should not be too difficult even for beginners. Patterns are given at the back and there is advice too on how best to preserve the work and keep it from fading. A project for a 3D standing figure would have been nice but by the end I couldn't think of anything that hadn't been covered and all in just 80 pages, a classic indeed. If you want to take up quilling this is an excellent book to obtain.

---

Papercraft Inspirations

Sept 09

If you're into quilling or have always wanted to give it a go, you're in for a treat! This in-deptch book by expert quilter Jane Jenkins is packed with inspiring images of her amazing work. Jane offers sound advice for crafters of all abilities, starting with a short history of quilling and a guide to the essential materials, then showing each coiling technique in turn with a project to try. Work your way through this fun guide, and you'll soon be a quilling expert too!