SECTION 2- REQUIREMENTS

Strips of paper: ( store bought is generally 24 ins in length) that vary in width, commonly 1.5mm ( 1/8th inch) 3mm ( I will refer to the widths in millimetres from now on as we are metric in Australia, comparison readily made on a regular ruler)  6mm.. 9mm ... etc the wider papers being used for large size fringed flowers, folded roses and leaves, rolling up as a candlestick shape etc.

You can of course make your own quilling strips if you are very careful to ensure they are EXACTLY the same width the entire length of the strip or else it will be uneven when rolled up and spoil your results.   A personal trimmer, guillotine or even a paper shedder for destroying documents can used to make strips of your own. Metallic paper tends to not hold the shape as well but can be used if glued into place quickly, it does give a special look to some projects.

TOOLS:  We make 2 types of quilling tools and they are extremely high quality, a dream to hold and very accurate.  There are other varieties too on the market but make sure their needles are not set off centre etc.

The PCA SLOTTED QUILLING TOOL is very easy to use for beginners and secure holding of paper when making folded roses etc.  It has a slit along the length of it's pin shaft and the paper end slots into this and grips securely for you to immediately start rolling the strip. Great for all round general quilling jobs. The tool handle itself is turned to wind the paper onto it in a coil.

The PCA QUILLING NEEDLE TOOL is accurately set and the perfect length and balance to make your tight rolls look as perfect as they can be. The paper is rolled by the user with their other hand ONTO the needle tool, with the tool held still which leaves a minute hole in the centre of the roll that is much desired. Also good for picking up beads... holding small pieces in place when gluing etc.

It is best to have both tools. Each has it's own uses.

SCISSORS:  Sharp pointy embroidery style scissors are what you need to snip in tight spaces or for fringing a strip manually yourself. Fringing machines that cut the snips at either a 90 or 45 deg angle repetitively, are also available from some vendors.

ADHESIVE: PVA white craft glue that dries quickly and becomes clear. Use a wooden toothpick to apply.  Adhesive on rolls in a cartridge system such as Tombow TM Mono adhesive are handy too for no fuss gluing of ends of rolls.

TOOTHPICKS: For applying PVA glue or general fiddly work in small places.

TWEEZERS: Handy for picking up small parts and holding any paper strips together as they glue.

GLASS HEADED PINS: for holding paper in place and for winding around in methods such as husking.

Add ons, please note that we make and sell only the PCA Slotted Quilling tool and the PCA Quilling needle tool, the following are available from general craft stores world wide independantly.

A designers board...which is a cork backed board with recessed holes made to ensure the accurate size of a roll of paper when you let a tight roll unravel slightly and then glue it's end.  Multiple loose rolls will need to be the same size for subsequent shaping and making into flower petals for example.  

The back of the designers board ...or any piece of flat cork board can be used to hold pinned shapes that are made to size ( top board with graph paper) when making shapes with your strips, called husking ( a little more advanced technique)

Fringing Machine :  small mechanical device to speed up and somewhat automate the process of fringing paper. ( note, ParchCraft Australia does not manufacture or sell a Fringing machine)

Beads: Seed beads and other small beads make good flower centres and highlight areas desired.

Pastels and Chalks: Chalk like colouring mediums are useful for adding extra detail to things like leaves and edges of flower petals in a soft and realistic way.

Stickers: There are so many stickers available now that are useful for borders ( see project 1 for example) or in assorted text messages to finish off a card with an appropriate greeting.

Metallic pens etc: For flourishes, outlines, greetings and border edging

Now go onto SECTION 3 -TIGHT ROLLS

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