Art of Paper Quilling Workshop for Kids on Saturday at Wilton Historical Society

Art of Paper Quilling Workshop at Wilton Historical Society

“Quilling, or filigree work, is the result of rolling or coiling thin strips of paper into delicate-looking shapes and using these pieces to form a design. This art form is very old and is traceable to the 15th century and possibly as early as the 13th or 14th century . . . The term “quilling” may have been adopted when filigree work spread to the American colonies. Others believe it was called this simply because the coils were rolled over the end of a goose quill. Early American quill work continued to be used as a decorative adornment for pictures, trays, boxes, candle sconces and other practical items. Just as the woodworker carefully carved intricate patterns and designs into wood, so too the quiller would laboriously and painstakingly roll and sculpt paper with amazingly similar results.

Many times quillwork would be combined with shells, wax flowers, twisted wire, and chipped mica to add a sparkling effect to designs viewed under candlelight.” So says the North American Quilling Guild in describing this historic art. Museum Educator Lola Chen will talk about the history of paper quilling, and show how to use the slotted quilling tool. The kids will create a Father’s Day card with an original paper quilling design, and will help make their own snack.

Suggested for ages 6 – 12. Wilton Historical Society Members $10 per child, maximum $25 per family; Non-members $15 per child, maximum $35 per family.

Please register: info@wiltonhistorical.org or call 203-762-7257.