Monday, August 20, 2012

My quilling tool


I’ve recently been asked what type of quilling tool I use, so here it is. I bought it 20 years ago during a student trip to a university book store in the US. I believe it was meant for bookbinding and don’t have a clue what the scooped end is for. I didn’t make books, but I thought it was a well made tool and since it was under $2, it fit my student budget. I had no idea I’d be using it like my right hand today.


I usually quill just a bit from the narrowed tip (highlighted in green) because otherwise the innermost coil is inconsistent due to the taper. I don't own any other needle quilling tool so I can't compare with anything else. Although it took some time to transition from a slotted tool, I much prefer the un-crimped innermost coil.


Hope this answers your questions. What's your favorite quilling tool?

5 comments:

  1. SUGANTHIAugust 20, 2012 at 10:55 PM

    I love the handle of this needle tool. very comfortable to use I am sure. I use a home made needle tool for all my favourite projects.It is a needle stuck to a pen.

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  2. Paper ZenAugust 21, 2012 at 7:32 AM

    Hi Suganthi, yes it's quite comfortable to handle, especially when I've been quilling for a long stretch of time. I've tried to use a long needle, but it bent easily. Is yours quite strong?

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  3. CSchlimAugust 21, 2012 at 1:58 PM

    FYI...your 20 year old tool is a ceramic tool. I have one myself from when I used to do bisque ceramics! Another thing to use...and one I have made myself...is a leather needle. It is not sharp (you don't want a tripoint) and it is very firm...you cannot bend it. I have some very pretty beads ...a cut crystal one from an old necklace of my mom's....and I put the eye end into the bead and glue it in place with Gorilla Glue (I get it at a hardware store). It works fantastic! A trip to the antique store...will get you a long hatpin which works well too but it is too long for my liking. Anyway...enjoy!

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    Replies
    1. Paper ZenAugust 21, 2012 at 2:02 PM

      Ah, thanks for solving 20 year mystery Cathy! Now I have another scavenger hunt to go on and discover the world of leather needles, hatpins, and Gorilla Glue. Thank you!

      Delete
  4. JennypapooAugust 30, 2012 at 1:20 PM

    CC LA BOW!!! Your blog is great! Your work is even more beautiful than I remember in person!! Wow go girl. Hope you are well.
    Hugs Jennifer

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