Paper quilling or paper filligree is an old art form.  It had its beginnings in the 15th century when French and Italian nuns and monks decorated their religious manuscripts with little pieces of paper that had been coiled over feather quills.  Over  the years it became somewhat more popular as paper itself became more widely available.  In more recent times, in  the 1970's and 1980's, it has become more well-known especially with the increasing interest in scrapbooking and other paper crafts.

 

I originally saw some quilled art work when I lived in Louisville, Kentucky, about 35 years ago.  I was moving to the Northwest and thought I'd get supplies when I got settled here.  Little did I know that both supplies and classes were scarce in the Northwest.

 

Somehow I got supplies and eventually taught myself to quill by following instructions in a book.  Since then I have met other quillers but have never seen another person actually do any quilling.

 

I have for the past 10 years been creating and selling quilled work via local arts and crafts shows, primarily in the greater Seattle area.  My husband and I have a small business called "Handcrafts by M 'n M".  I sell greeting cards, snowflake ornaments, and shadowbox framed work.  Much of the joy associated with the selling is demonstrating and educating the many folks who are unfamiliar with paper quilling.

 

I also teach classes in Beginning Quilling.  If you would like more information regarding classes or any or the quilled artwork, please contact me at 360-678-4271 or simplymm@whidbey.net.