DLTK's Crafts for Kids
Paper Quilling Earth Craft

Paper quilling is a fun and intricate craft that involves rolling, shaping, and gluing thin strips of paper to create decorative designs.

For a first-time quilling project themed around Planet Earth, using spirals in various shades of blue and green can create a beautiful, abstract representation of our planet. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help beginners create a simple yet stunning Earth-inspired quilling piece.

This is one of those projects that takes some hand holding in the beginning, so expect need some one-to-one time with each child. But once a child masters making spirals, they can arrange them to make all sorts of art projects!

Materials:

• Quilling paper strips (about 5mm width) in various shades of blue and green
• A quilling tool, a bamboo skewer or a toothpick
• White glue (with a fine-tip applicator for precision)
• A circle of sturdy blue or white paper, paper plate or cardstock (as the base)
• Tweezers (optional, for handling and placing the spirals)
• A clear work surface

Craft Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area

Clear your work surface and lay out your materials for easy access.

Step 2: Making Basic Spirals

• Hold the Quilling Tool: Secure one end of a quilling strip in the slotted tip of the quilling tool or place it against a toothpick.
• Roll the Strip: Gently turn the tool to roll the paper strip into a tight coil.
• Release and Secure the Spiral: Allow the coil to expand slightly, then glue the end to hold the spiral shape.

Step 3: Creating Varied Spirals

Repeat Step 2 with different shades of blue and green strips, varying the sizes of the spirals.

Step 4: Arranging Your Earth

• Layout the Spirals: Arrange the spirals on your base paper to form an abstract, circular "Earth."
• Glue Spirals in Place: Carefully glue each spiral down, starting from the center and working outward.

Step 5: Final Touches

Allow your artwork to dry completely on a flat surface.

Step 6: Displaying Your Work

Once dry, your quilled Earth is ready for display. Consider framing it to protect your artwork.

This project not only introduces you to the basics of making spirals in paper quilling but also lets you experiment with colors and arrangement, all while creating a piece that celebrates the beauty of our planet. Enjoy your quilling journey!

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