by Sharon | May 29, 2016
I know I’m a bit obsessed about quilling.
First I was curious. Then I became excited about the 3-D construction. Now . . . 
I am completely blown away.
Turish Artist Sena Runa quit her paying job to devote her time to quilling. This shows true passion . . . and a true artist.
There is definite attention to detail . . . and it seems as though Sena is having some fun along the way. That is truly passion to me.
Many of us would “rather be” doing just about anything than “work,” but very few of us leave the “job” in order to pursue it 100%.
I know of others who have . . . and things have worked out well for them . . . but they worked . . . worked harder than when they were working for a salary . . .
But, when you’re doing what you love . . . then it’s much like play . . .
This could be true for Sena Runa . . . and she is an excellent artist . . .
I am inspired by her quilled art.
How about you?
Although this feather is flat . . . it is definitely three dimensional. Just like a real feather. All made from strips of paper.
I know it is quite unbelievable . . . but so very much is indeed possible . . . if you give it a try.
I loved the coiled paper for the “beads.” And the curl of the “feathers.”
I just had to share some of Sena Runa’s work with you. I think we’ll be seeing many more of her paper quilling creations for many years to come.
She sells her work from approximately $85. to $550. depending upon the piece and the amount of detail involved. They do come framed and they are not huge . . . about 91/2 by 11 1/2 inches.
When you’re this good at your craft . . . the money will definitely follow.
I can look at Sena’s quilled art and I am amazed by how she knows what to include and how to separate the piece.
But, then, with practice and having a sense of what you feel by the shape of the piece . . . you will definitely know . . . and flow with that feeling.
It is wonderful to have such a talented artist for inspiration . . . challenging you to come forward and create something of your own that speaks clearly from your soul . . . your heart . . . your life force . . .
Music and musical instruments have a certain “feel” to them. They would be excellent subjects for quilling . . . the coils and the curves . . . you can feel the movement . . . and with the color selected . . . this reminds me of the ocean and waves . . . and the crashing into the rocks . . .
Everything blends together in a symphony of the senses . . .
That’s what I see and feel when I think about quilling and using it as an art form for self-expression.
One of my favorite pieces of Sena’s is what I believe to be an outline of Mickey Mouse.
It is beautiful as she made it, of course . . .
I see something entirely different that I would want to put inside . . . my feelings about the magical kingdom created by Walt Disney . . .
And, given my age, my experiences go way back . . . to a time of fairy tales . . . and those characters that did shape my life a bit . . . we are a product to an extent of what we’ve lived, observed and were taught . . .
If the outline is a “symbol”, then what other symbols would be appropriate to include in the piece that would say “Disney” . . .
Or . . . is this not meant to be the outline of Mickey . . . just a large circle with two smaller ones on top . . . maybe it means something entirely different to Sena . . . it is, after all her art piece . . .
And, maybe my vision of the paper elements and the colors wouldn’t work as well . . . or would involve more time than I would like to devote to one piece . . . or an element of mystery is necessary for others to discover on their own . . .
Then the question comes down to . . .
Do we create for ourselves . . . or others?
I do wonder . . . perhaps it’s a mixture of both . . . depending upon whether you want to sell it . . . or not . . . and if you actually know what the public wants . . .
I want something that “speaks to me” or something that I truly receive a positive feeling from . . . maybe even something to stir memories . . .
When I make mine . . . it will be for me to keep and to enjoy . . . I’m not interested in selling it . . . but one never knows if the time and price are right . . .
We all have our tastes . . . and when we think of Disneyland or Disney World, we’ve all had our own personal experiences . . . and how would you best depict it in a quilled piece of art?
It is quite challenging . . . and could be fun in the process.
I hope this was inspiring for you.
Thanks for stopping by!
Sharon
by Sharon | May 26, 2016
Do you know about quilling?
I heard about it several years ago, but didn’t think much of it . . . until now.
I got thinking about the layering of paper many crafters do. Then I wondered how quilling could be a part of that, especially when it involves 3-D objects. And the ability of designing them out of paper.
The rolling of paper and manipulating it into different shapes is absolutely amazing as in the picture on the right. Quilling does allow the image to come out of the paper background without the use of pop-dots or foam dots. It is truly a unique way of layering paper.
It is quite lovely, but I was looking for something more . . .
I’ve worked with clay in the past with a kiln and all that, but with paper . . . that would truly be amazing.
This is when I discovered quilling could be the answer. Strips of paper rolled up with several layers of thin strips of paper could be shaped in such a way as to make 3-D objects.
I’ve been mesmerized for the past few days . . .It is truly amazing what can be created from rolled up strips of paper. They don’t have to be glued to a piece of paper. They can stand alone . . . and they can be dressed up with paper . . . it is truly amazing what can be created with these strips of paper.
Take a good look at these graduates . . . front and back . . .
The nose is the center of the rolled up strip of paper. Eyes were added and they do have a smile . . . The hair is paper as are all the other elements.
Quilling isn’t as popular as it once was . . . if it was ever truly popular . . . There are many crafters who make quilled earrings. This is has been a nice business for them. Some make up pictures and use quilling to make them pop out.
I love this 3-D art concept of quilling. You don’t really need that many tools and the supplies are relatively inexpensive compared to other hobbies . . . but the reward you receive by creating these 3-D objects is absolutely priceless.
I was on a website earlier today where a woman made a whole family of minions. She loves them . . . Each one is different, she says . . . of course they are . . . each one is made separately! They would have their own personality given the number of eyes and how their arms and legs have settled . . . Just as these graduates. The girls are holding flowers . . . the hair is different and the way they wear their cap is a bit different . . .
And even the tassels on their cap is a bit different. And, their hands and feet and legs could be a little different as well as their bodies.
The thing is, once you get started, you’re hooked and you continue to make more and more. It is a learning process . . . and we always enjoy doing what we do well . . . and tweak it a bit.
I do love the attention to detail . . . front and back that this allows you to make. And they are solid — not hollow.
The woman I spoke of earlier with her minions, well she sold some. I think this was a good thing at the time, but she did enjoy looking at them and even playing with them. This does bring the kid out in you. Which I believe is definitely a good thing. Also the fact that she sold some of her minions, gave her an opportunity to make more.
The surprising thing is that she was able to make her minion invasion in about a week . . . It does take time to make each one, but the time spent is thoroughly enjoyable. And one leads to another and another . . . until you have more than you know what to do with . . . but they are small and will fit nicely in a shoebox . . .
Here are some quilling tools and materials you may find helpful . . . if you want to try it out:
I do hope this blog post was enjoyable and gave you something to think about. Maybe try your hand at this quilling craft.
Until next time,
Sharon
by Sharon | May 13, 2016
In honor of Friday the 13th . . .
It’s true! Every Friday the 13th I stay home . . . maintaining a low profile . . . Yes, I am superstitious! 
It’s not that anything has happened to me of a negative nature on that particular day — it’s just that I don’t make plans and I stay home . . . just to be on the safe side.
Now, doing a paper craft isn’t my thing — especially if I am to use an exacto knife . . . so, I’ll leave the printing out and cutting out and construction for this weekend . . . not today . . . Oh goodness, no — Not today!
This paper model is a Ray Keim creation from his website Haunted Dimensions. He has some lovely pieces that you should check out.
Phantom Manor has a lovely double staircase leading up to the porch . . . I truly like the design of this house . . . it has a definite story to tell . . . I do wonder who lives within the walls of the manor . . . are they friendly? Do they enjoy the company of the living? Do you dare go inside?
Not today for me . . . but maybe . . . and maybe not . . . I’m not the bravest person when it comes to haunted places . . .
This model you’ll be constructing is quite large — 12 inches high, 11 inches wide and 13 inches deep. This is a project that will keep you busy for quite some time.
It comes complete with instructions . . . and is recommended you print it out on card stock. You’ll want it to be sturdy and have it around for quite some time.
It’s important that you become acquainted with the pieces and the construction process before beginning. That’s perfect for me this Friday the 13th.
Have fun!
Sharon
by Sharon | Apr 22, 2016
I may be completely nuts . . .
But I believe Mom would love a pumpkin carriage paper craft for Mother’s Day.
You see, it has to do with how magical your mom made your childhood. All the joy . . . all the great food . . . all the fun.
There’s a little part of us that still loves fairy tales . . . and what little girl didn’t dream of being a princess . . . even your mom . . .
There are lots of pictures and sentiments you can share on your paper mache pumpkin carriage that would mean the world to your mom . . .
It’s a one-of-a-kind gift your mother will cherish forever . . . go through old albums and pick out the pictures that are meaningful to her . . . and to you . . . scan them and print them out . . . you don’t want to use your vintage photos . . .
Then buy or make flowers . . . and maybe go to family.disney.com to get some images of princesses to have around the carriage . . . and maybe even use a photo of your mom — using her image in a princess dress . . .
You can definitely make this special for your mom . . .
Or this may inspire you to come up with an idea of your own . . . something that would be uniquely your mom.
Have fun and be creative!
Sharon
by Sharon | Mar 23, 2016
Have you noticed that the back end of a bunny is used in many food and craft creations?
I think the concept is cute.
The bunny is running away . . . and when you look at the elements involved . . . quite easy to make.
Yes, it’s easier with a template or with various punches, but you can make circles and ovals and an interesting scalloped or starburst type of edge on a circle for the tail. Or use a cotton ball.
From the image on the right, you can plainly see what it takes to have a bunny going into a rabbit hole. Just circles and ovals. These you can cut out with a punch or with scissors.
Knowing the basic concept allows you to make bunnies in different sizes using different mediums. Now see how easy it would be to make pancakes bunny bums for Easter breakfast. Or have this concept on cupcakes . . . and, of course, paper crafts . . . a box or card . . .
It’s all getting down to the basic parts that make up the image you want to create . . . and you don’t have to be an artist to do it. Many people use whatever they have around the house . . . a can for the circle . . . or a piece of jewelry . . . you have circles and ovals . . . you don’t have to go out and buy anything . . . and you may be able to find things online.
There is a great sense of accomplishment when you discover you can make it yourself.
Yes, there will be a bit of trial and error, but you’ll be able to get these designs done . . . and for the little toes, just use a marker or colored pencil . . . or frosting . . . depending upon what you’re making. Cutting those out would be a bit too much.
I know we do think of what would be easier . . . and yes, punches are great as are templates . . . but when you get into crafts as a business or it’s something you do all the time, you’ll find ways of making what you need.
If you want to buy stuff, here are some links you may find helpful:
Just have fun and discover your creativity.
Sharon
