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Published by naqgweb, 2018-02-28 01:45:40

2018 Quill America Winter

2018 Quill America Winter

Quill America
Winter 2018

Snowflakes of Hope

Audrey Scruton NY
Article pg. 9

Winter Lights 2018
Audrey Scruton NY

Quill America - Newsletter of the North American Quilling Guild

 Audrey Scruton NY Sara Rodriguez AK
Article pg. 9
Sherry Brock FL
Charmayne Umbowers WA Circus Themed Baby Book
Article pg. 12

Page 2 Reita Newell MI Winter 2018

Quill America - Newsletter of the North American Quilling Guild

Board of Directors Table of Contents

Accreditation Committee ..... Sherry Rodehaver

2625 E Turkeyfoot Lk Road Board Report ............................................................ 4
2018 NAQGCON Invitation ....................................... 5
Uniontown, OH 44685 Information .................................................... 6
Competition General Rules & Guidelines ...... 7
330-699-2500 NAQGCON Season (a word about competition) ...... 8
Newsletter Submission Deadlines ............................ 8
[email protected] Snowflakes of Hope .................................................. 9
Holiday Lights ............................................... 9
Archive Committee .............. Lynn Camden Paarmann Pictorial .............................................................. 10-11
Questions Answered ............................................... 12
76 Princeton Ln. The “Year of the Rat” ................................... 12
The History of Quilling (Part 1) ...........................13-16
Palm Coast, FL 32614 Welcome New Members ......................................... 17
Quill America Supporters ........................................ 17
[email protected] The Cell (Quilling & Science meet) ......................... 18
Pictorial .............................................................. 19-20
Community Relationship and Development Committee
Annual Membership Fee (USD)
............................................. Jennifer Littlefield
$15 Online Only
605-222-3952 $27 US

[email protected] $40 Canada/Mexico;
$60 International
Membership Committee ...... Roxann Dragula
Renew online at naqg.org
5710 Broad River Run

Ellenton, FL 34222

941-928-8669

[email protected]

NAQG Conference Committee

............................................. Gail Freed

6401 Navajo Road

Westminster, CA

92683-2041

714-892-9622

[email protected]

Competition Committee....... Shelly Krzyzewski

51934 Orange Rd.

South Bend, IN 46628

[email protected]

Newsletter Committee ......... Alice Harris

95 Bridlewood Drive

Welland, ON Canada

L3C 6H3

905-788-1529

[email protected]

Treasury Committee ............ Carla Parvin

6124 Whitman Ave.

Fort Worth, TX 76133

817-846-2739

[email protected]

Website and Internet Development Committee

............................................ Rhonda Cole

2630 Larkin Place

San Diego, CA 92123

858-699-7185

[email protected]

We like to hear from you: Membership Fee is non-refundable
[email protected]

Winter 2018 Page 3

Quill America - Newsletter of the North American Quilling Guild

Board Report

Board Meeting of the NAQG – Jennifer Littlefield, Community MOTION: to have all NAQGCON
Thursday, January 4, 2018 Relations & Development checks sent to the Treasurer on a bi-
7:00 pm (Eastern) Committee weekly basis which will make the job
The quilling representatives have been easier. Passed. Shelly will contact
Director Attendees: busy. Linda Larson from NV has a total of Gail Freed, NAQGCON Director to
Sherry Rodehaver - Accreditation 15 new students in the three groups that implement this procedure.
Jennifer Littlefield - Community she teaches. Every Friday she will be MOTION: beginning next year, that
Relations doing “make and take” at the local library. payments go directly to the Treasurer
Shelly Krzyzewski - Competition We also have a new representative from rather than to the Hostess with
Roxann Dragula - Membership Alaska, Sara Rodriguez. Still looking for directions included on the Conference
Alice Harris - Newsletter more representatives to join us. paperwork. Passed.
Carla Parvin - Treasury MOTION: that $150 be approved for
Shelly Krzyzewski opened the meeting Shelly Krzyzewski, Competition use of an Accountant to complete the
at 7:12 pm (Eastern) -Planning on talking up the competition required Tax forms. Passed.
on Facebook.
Sherry Rodehaver, -Will write an article promoting the Job Posting
Accreditation Committee competition for the next QA. We have received two applicants for
Accreditation Program for 2018, so far -A discussion ensued about the use the position of Website and Internet
there are 6 applicants of painted backgrounds in the Framed Development Committee. The Board
Applicants have until Feb 28 to send in Category - it is something that will have to will decide soon.
their submission and then the judging be determined at the time of competition
will begin. set-up should a piece be moved to the Meeting was adjourned at 8:54 pm
Also receiving queries for the 2019 “Quilling and Beyond” category. (Eastern). The Executive Director for
program. the next Board meeting will be Alice
Roxann Dragula, Membership Harris. The next meeting will be early
Donna Del Giudice, Archival Committee March 2018 – date to be determined.
Committee As of this meeting we have 290 members.
Donna was unable to attend and has IMPORTANT REMINDER
submitted the following report: Gail Freed, NAQGCON Do not post pictures of
Just a little added item for Committee competition/accreditation
Miscellaneous... I’m still trying to get Gail was unable to attend but reports that pieces until a suitable time
some donations for the Guild with there is no Conference news currently. after the Conference.
the craft supplies from Ev Rooney’s
collection. So far, I’m not having Alice Harris, Newsletter
any luck with the Pergamano and Nothing new to report.
Scrapbooking items. The quilling
supplies have been donated to the Carla Parvin, Treasury Committee
Florida and Pennsylvania groups (via Bank balance is $9091.89.
Deb Mackes), and Alice should be - I have not received registration checks
receiving some articles and photos for for the 2018 conference. I suggested that
the newsletter on what they’re doing registration fees are deposited as they
with them. are received.

Page 4 Winter 2018

Quill America - Newsletter of the North American Quilling Guild

2018 NAQGCON - May 11-12, 2018

As a gift from me, I’m going to give each participant a
NAQGCON mug. I want YOU to design it. Another contest!
Submit your design ideas to me via email by February 28,
2018 and I will select my favorite. It can be 2018 conferenced-
themed or general quilling. Get creative! Prizes…of course.

HOWDY!...Welcome to the “Lone Star State” FYI: The distance from me (Midland) to Grapevine is
many miles and taking everything to the hotel mid-week
(A BIG ol’ warm, friendly TEXAS HELLO! of the conference date, has to be done in one trip. Carla
Parvin (NAQG Treasurer) has offered to help with receiving
Say it like ya’ mean it!) and taking all mailed-in competition work and conference
donations to the hotel. Thank you, Carla!!
I am excited to be your host for our 2018 NAQGCON!!! If you would like to join my conference hosting team, let me
Texas is a BIG state; rich and proud in our history of cattle, know. I sure will need the help and you don’t have to be
oil and cotton…where cowboy boots and cowboy hats are Texan either.
daily attire. From the desert to the piney woods, we have it
all “where the deer and the antelope play.” Only in TEXAS There is the possibility of a Sunday outing. Beth is
you’ll find cactus, bluebonnets and of course, the “YELLOW checking into what is available and would be of
ROSE of TEXAS.” interest to those extending their weekend. Details
were not available at Press time. Beth will advise
Our theme is “DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS!” closer to the event once plans can be finalized!
I will be providing your ID name tags, you bring your quilling
tools and some paper strips for practice. Have any questions or concerns,
contact me at: [email protected]
Grapevine is a suburb of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex
and the perfect location for NAQGCON! Explore the heart I can’t wait for May 2018 and for us all to be together again.
of Grapevine, the beautifully preserved Historic Main Street,
which is lined with more than 80 locally-owned restaurants, Happy Trails for now!!
boutiques, jewelry stores, winery tasting rooms and art Beth Clark
galleries. Take a ride on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad,
or learn more about the history of Grapevine at Nash Farm.
Within walking distance of the hotel is the Grapevine Mills
Outlet Mall (LEGOLAND Discovery Center and Sea Life
Aquarium are inside the mall). Need transportation to
explore Grapevine? You may be able to prearrange with the
hotel shuttle driver (your own cost) a ride to these areas if
airport service is not too busy.

Visit the Embassy Suites DFW North web site (www.
embassysuites3.hilton.com) to get more information
(amenities) on the hotel, maps and driving directions.

At our Saturday night dinner, awards and raffle, we’re Page 5
going to have a “Purdy Boot” contest. Pack those
cowboy/cowgirl boots, rain boots, suede boots, yard
boots, whatever boots!!!! Decorate them if you want…
the “purdier” the better. You can pack lots of quilling
STUFF inside those boots. Did I mention prizes???
Yes, there will be prizes.

Winter 2018

North American Quilling Guild Conference

Grapevine, TX

The 2018 NAQGCON will be held on May 11-12, 2018 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas – DFW
Airport North, 2401 Bass Pro Drive, Grapevine, TX 76051. Guest room rates for our members will be
discount-priced at $119.00. The hotel will extend this special rate for three days pre and post conference
dates. Reserve your room early by calling (972) 724-2600 and ask for In-House Reservations, or go
online to www.embassysuitesdfwnorth.com and reference the North American Quilling Guild
Conference room block to ensure you receive the discount guest room rate. Hotel reservation discount
room rate deadline is Thursday, April 19, 2018. (Cancellations must be made within 24 hours prior to
your scheduled stay.) Hotel guest room check in time is 4:00 p.m. and check out time is 11:00 a.m.

Airport Information:
Primary: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (airport code DFW) services most carriers and is
approximately 2 miles/10 minute drive to hotel. The hotel provides courtesy shuttle service only to and
from DFW International Airport 24/7.

Secondary: Dallas Love Field (airport code DAL), services only Southwest Airlines & Virgin America
Airlines and is 20 miles/40 minute drive from downtown Dallas via taxi, super shuttle or UBER.

Conference Theme will be ”DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS!”
I will provide everyone’s ID name tag.

Thanks to the generosity of the members who volunteer their time and expertise, we hope to offer a
variety of classes/workshops. If you would like to volunteer to teach a class/workshop, give demos or
“Make-it/Take-its”, please let me know as soon as possible and return to me the Volunteer Instructor
Registration Form. When teachers/classes are confirmed, I will post the class descriptions and notify
attendees when to choose classes.

The NAQGCON is a very special event, it’s an opportunity to meet other quillers and learn new
techniques. All conference events are held in the hotel. The general schedule goes something like this:
Most attendees arrive Thursday afternoon for pre-register check in and receive their ‘goodie’ bag
w/conference information. Friday is all day classes/workshops; late afternoon the tables for Vendors,
Competition entries, and members work for display only are set up. Saturday morning might have some
classes scheduled and the afternoon is spent viewing displays, giving demos/make & takes, vendor
shopping, raffle ticket sales, competition voting, and the public is invited to visit and view our work.
Saturday evening the competition winners are announced and raffle ticket drawings.

The competition is open to all NAQG members, whether or not you plan to attend the conference. Refer
to the Competition Guidelines for more information.

2018 Changes: Mailed in donated items for the raffle table and/or giveaways must be sent to:
Carla Parvin

6124 Whitman Ave.
Fort Worth, TX 76133
no later than April 20, 2018 and please include a note inside so we know what the items are for (raffle or
giveaways). Please do not mail any donations or competition entries directly to the hotel.

This event takes a lot of work and planning and I know you’ll help me by returning the required forms
and payment to me as soon as possible.

Remember to bring your own quilling tools, glue, scissors, etc. (packed inside your luggage) for the
classes. If you have any questions feel free to contact me at (432) 559-8945, or via email at:
[email protected].

Beth Clark, your 2018 NAQGCON Host

(Revised: 10/2017)

Page 6 Winter 2018

North American Quilling Guild Conference

Competition General Rules & Guidelines 2018

Members are encouraged to participate in the NAQGCON competition, whether or not you are able to attend in person.
Entering the competition automatically grants permission for work to be photographed and photos used by the NAQG.

The competition entries are voted upon anonymously; any entries with visible names, initials, or other identification is
not permitted and must be covered before submission. All entries must have been created within the last year and only
one entry per category is allowed. Only the Quilled Card category must be of the conference Theme.

There are 7 competition categories, 5 of the categories have 4 levels: Beginner Level (quilling less than 2 years);
Intermediate Level (quilling 2–5 years); Accomplished Level (quilling 5+ years); and Champion Level (has won a
previous first place in any Accomplished Level category). Enter as many categories as you wish, there is no penalty if
you pre-select/mark a category and do not enter work in that category.

First place winners of the previous years’ NAQGCON competition are not eligible to enter work in the same category
level they won first place; they may only enter work in that same category at a higher level, and they may enter the other
categories at any level.

ATTENTION: Non-attending member’s competition work must be mailed to:

Carla Parvin
6124 Whitman Ave.
Fort Worth, TX 76133

no later than April 20, 2018. Make sure your entries are packed securely so that nothing comes loose during transport
and MUST include return postage inside the parcel.

International Members – We regret we no longer accept or return international members’ competition entries by mail.

Categories
Quilled Cards

1. Must have/follow the “DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS” theme. Card size cannot exceed 6” x 9”.
2. Must be made from quilled paper strips, card and glue ONLY…(NO written/printed words, numbers, etc.)

Free Standing Quilling
1. Must be made from quilled paper strips, card and glue ONLY. Must be completely self-supporting.

Framed Quilling
1. Must be made from quilled paper strips, glue, and backing/matting ONLY…(NO beads, wires, pins, etc.)
2. Total size cannot exceed 30” (76.2cm) on any one side. The frame itself may be made of any material.

Miniature Quilling
1. Total size, including any display materials, cannot exceed 4” x 4” x 4”.
2. Entries may be single stand-alone, or a group of pieces, so long as the size restrictions are met.

Quilling and Beyond
1. Quilling attached to or adorned with other media materials, the majority of the piece must be quilling.

Quilled Jewelry Individual Piece [This is a non-level category.]
1. The main piece must be quilling. (Jewelry findings: metal clasps, chains, hooks, etc., is permitted.)

Quilled Jewelry Set [This is a non-level category.]
1. The coordinated set may contain up to 4 pieces of jewelry. (A pair of earrings counts as one piece.)

Mail your Competition Registration form to:
Beth Clark

1321 Terra Court
Midland, TX 79705

Have Competition Questions?
Contact the NAQGCON Competition Director: Shelly Krzyzewski; E-mail: [email protected]

(Please include in the Subject Line: NAQGCON Competition Question)

Winter 2018 (Revised: 10/2017)

Page 7

Quill America - Newsletter of the North American Quilling Guild

NAQGCON Season!

submitted by: Shelly Kryzewski, South Bend IN

It’s that time of year again... NAQGCON Season!

Even though conference information comes out in the Fall QA, it’s not until January that I begin to
get serious about planning. Maybe it’s because we’re in a new calendar year, or maybe because
people start buzzing about it online? Either way, it’s time to get serious about travel plans, hotel
arrangements, and registration forms- specifically the competition entry form. Even if you might not
attend the conference, please consider entering the competition. The annual competition is a great
opportunity to challenge yourself as an artist and throw your hat into the ring to see how you stack up.
There’s nothing to lose. The more the merrier. It’s all in good fun. You’ll never know until you try. How
many more cliche lines do I need to throw out there to get you to enter?

Here are a few more:
• When one door closes another one opens;
• If at first you don’t succeed try, try again;
• It’s supposed to be hard, the hard is what makes it great (Tom Hanks in A League
Of Their Own);
• Be the change you want to see;
• If not now, when?

Admiring the work of others is one of the highlights of the conference. How often are we together with
other quillers? How often do we get to see the amazing work of others up close? It’s inspiring to see
how other artists design and arrange their projects. It might just provide a spark of creativity to get you
going on your next piece. So why not enter? You’ll be showing your technique and style, providing
inspiration for others, and taking home a little inspiration (and maybe a ribbon!) for yourself. Don’t
“procraftinate” like we sometimes do, get started now. Like I said before- if not now, when?

Newsletter Submission Deadlines

Each issue of Quill America will attempt to have a theme for the designs relating to upcoming holidays and events. Of
course, we welcome all quilling related items. Members are reminded that all photos submitted for publication in Quill
America must be of a member’s original work. The NAQG does not accept any responsibility for the originality of work
presented in Quill America.

ISSUE Spring 2018 Summer 2018 Fall 2018 Winter 2019

DEADLINE March 15 June 15 September 15 December 15

HIGHLIGHTS May/Jun/Jul NAQGCON & Aug/Sep/Oct Nov/Dec/Jan Feb/Mar/Apr

When submitting articles and pictures please email to: [email protected]

Alice Harris, Welland ON Canada
Quill America Editor

Page 8 Winter 2018

Quill America - Newsletter of the North American Quilling Guild

Snowflakes of Hope

submitted by Audrey Scruton, Oswego NY

Every once in a while you find someone who I had hopes that she would be as happy to get
reminds you that the holidays aren’t easy on them as I was surprising her with them. Two days
everyone. For me it was Judy. The Saturday passed until I heard from her. She told me “They
after Thanksgiving I had a craft show. Judy was are beautiful and really appreciated the extra
walking around the holiday event and came upon surprises!! Thank you so much for making my tree
me. She liked a few things but just loved the mini as beautiful as it can be! You’re a Quilling Angel!
snowflakes I had on my small display tree. She Happy holidays to you and your family, Judy”.
purchased the last two and as we talked she said
this was the first year that she really didn’t have It was so heart-warming and caused me to be
holiday spirit, but the snowflakes were cute and teary eyed as I said thank you so much for the
wintery. kind words and wished her and her family a Merry
Christmas and a Happy Holidays in reply.
About two weeks later I received a message.
Judy was thanking me for the beautiful It was a wonderful and humbling experience
snowflakes. She decided to put up a small tree to know that something as simple as quilled
for her snowflakes. She said that small touch of snowflakes made such a difference for Judy. I
homemade snowflakes had her hopes back for will always remember this and my love of quilling
the holiday season and was hoping I could make grows knowing that it had such an uplifting of
her 10 more for tomorrow. spirits for Judy. Photo on front cover

Honestly, I felt a bit torn. It was a week before HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Christmas, I had a sick kid and there was just so
much going on, but when I called her back and color photo pg. 2
said I couldn’t have them for the next day she told These were made as gifts for the CEO and
me how much they brightened her spirits. Without administrators of a local business.
a thought to my busy schedule I said give me two
days and I would have them ready for her to pick
up.

So I began! I got out the platinum white strips
and cut them to random sizes and made random
shapes. Once I had a pile of shapes I started
to form the simple mini snowflakes. With each
one I realized how I felt a bit more excited for
Judy knowing that these little things helped her
and decided ten wasn’t enough. So I planned to
make as many as I could with the time I had.
I had finished 15 unique snowflakes. I packaged
them all up and inserted a note that simply said
“Merry Christmas, I hope your tree is full!”
Judy had no idea about the small gift in her bag.

Winter 2018 Page 9

Quill America - Newsletter of the North American Quilling Guild
 Laura St. John NJ 

Carol Barton TX

Reita Newell MI

Sara Rodriguez AK

Page 10 Winter 2018

Quill America - Newsletter of the North American Quilling Guild
 Cynthia Woltjer IN 

 Deb Mackes FL 

 Sara Rodriguez AK   Cynthia Woltjer IN 
Page 11
Winter 2018

Quill America - Newsletter of the North American Quilling Guild

Questions Answered

submitted by: Charmayne Umbowers, Gig Harbor WA

Just after my husband retired, I rediscovered quilling and my quilling and how do I do that? Questions about copyright
quilling books, paper, and tools. This was well after our Guild issues. Should I sign my quilling? The questions continue
and the online Yahoo groups had formed. Many FaceBook and so do answers in our magazine! As time has marched
groups were going strong. These groups were incredible on, some of the information you will read may not be quite
for me to find! I pretty much thought I was alone with my current but it certainly is a good place to start getting the
quilling. My local hobby store was not even carrying quilling answers. Our members have written great articles about so
paper any longer. A happy accident led me to Gail Freed and many topics quillers are interested in.
to NAQG and the Internet groups.
The Quill America past issues archive is such a wonderful
Some quillers have support groups such as the mini-meets resource for all of us but especially for new members and
or good friends and mothers that quill although few of us may beginning quillers. Our board members made a conscious
have frequent contact and so the Internet has helped bring decision many years ago to make this resource available.
us all together. It is a great resource for help and advice as Past issues of magazines/newsletters for the members of
well as moral support. Several times a month I will read a most groups is not an option and certainly not so readily
post asking for the answer to a question such as “what glue accessed. You can read back to our beginnings, see the
should I use?” The question will get answers, sometimes evolution of our organization, and continue right up to seeing
good, sometimes not so helpful. the current members’ works of art. Beyond Quill America are
all the bits and pieces of our website. Utilize it!
So where am I going with this? I know of another, very
authoritative place to get answers and support! The Quill Be sure to sit with your laptop or notebook some evening
America newsletter archives and our website! Sherry in the near future. Tune out the TV and log into NAQG.org
Rodehaver wrote nearly two dozen articles answering all Members’ Corner and become engrossed in reading or re-
my questions, even before I could ask or knew to ask! Why reading Quill America.
do my tight rolls sometimes look smooth and sometimes
not? What type of paper should I be using? Can I cut my The “Year of the Rat”
own strips? How the heck does glue make my quills stick
together? And oh, by the way, which glue should I use? Can color photo pg. 2
I mail my quilled card and how should I do this? Should I This rat has a story behind it. My then 8 year old grandson
preserve my work somehow? Her series of articles is called asked me for the picture I had just finished quilling. I told him
“A Love Affair With Paper”. And you don’t even have to read “no, but let’s look and see what your Chinese Zodiac sign
each Quill America to find them. Our website has a link to is and I can make your sign for you instead of you having
Sherry’s entire series in the Members’ Corner, under Articles. mine.” We both learned a lot in our little study. He wanted
to be a dragon but when he found out about his sign, he
Another type of question I see often on-line is about patterns. was happy. He was born in 2008. His sign, the rat, relates
Quill America has them. As does the website, having literally to the characteristics of an animal with spirit, wit, alertness,
dozens of patterns. For an interesting flower technique, delicacy, flexibility and vitality. In little boy terms that means
read the article by Evelyn Crane in the Summer 2008 issue he is spunky, sharp, caring, and full of life. Oh, yes. How
for how to make spiky flowers that are NOT fringed from a true! And he is happy with his quilled rat.
long strip of paper! Other questions: can I make prints of my

Page 12 Winter 2018

Quill America - Newsletter of the North American Quilling Guild

THE HISTORY OF QUILLING: Part 1 of 2

FROM PRE-HISTORY TO THE DIGITAL AGE

By the Archival Committee – Lynn Paarmann, Lora Smith, and Donna Del Giudice

Quilling books, articles, and websites often include a silk, parchment (animal skin), and vellum (calf skin). The
history, generally short, of this art/craft. Indeed, many of earliest archaeological paper fragment found is dated about
the histories are nearly identical, leading one to believe that 100 B.C. from China.
various accounts have been heavily borrowed. Inevitably,
this summary of the history of quilling will include much
information already available. It will also include additional
points and take some detours generally not found. As we are
all ambassadors for this art, the NAQG Archival Committee
believes it is important to be knowledgeable on the origins
and evolution of quilling.

We encourage you to revisit (or visit for the first time!) the Papyrus, Amenhotep, Book of the Dead,
histories provided on the NAQG website, brochure, and circa 1475-1425 B.B.
newsletters. In particular, there is the entertaining and
informative article “Birth of a NATIONal Organization” Paper as we know it, made from trees, was invented in
(Yanoshek, Quill America, Summer 2002) with a slant based about 105 A.D. by Ts’ai Lun, an official in Chinese Emperor
on the American Revolution. This article, among other Ho-di’s Imperial Han Court. Ts’ai Lun removed the bark of
information found on the NAQG website, documents the the mulberry tree, broke up the fibers, and pounded it into
history of The North American Quilling Guild. The Quilling sheets. This was a great improvement from the expensive
Guild (UK) likewise includes a nice historical account of silk and the heavy bamboo that had been used in China for
quilling (http://quilling-guild.weebly.com/the-history-of- writing surfaces. The addition of rags, hemp, and old fish
quilling.html). Because of the delicateness of paper, the nets to the pulp improved the paper. This invention of paper
number of quilled creations of long ago is very sparse, and is credited with helping China develop into an important
perhaps this is the reason that the written history of quilling civilization.
is sparse as well. We begin, though, with a short history of
what quilling strips are made – paper.

This article will discuss the historical precursors of quilling,
also known as paper filigree. These precursors are paper
and metal filigree. Then, we will move on to the marriage of
paper and the filigree style, the history of paper quilling, and
a contemporary update.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF PAPER An image of a woodcut describing five major steps in
According to Durant (The Story of Civilization, Book 1, ancient Chinese papermaking process as outlined by Ts’ai
Our Oriental Heritage), paper was one of the main items in 105 A.D.
of Egyptian trade and one of the permanent gifts of Egypt to
the world. What the Egyptians made was actually a papyrus
sheet, made from a plant of the same name. Other early
materials used as a base for art or print included bamboo,

Winter 2018 Page 13

Quill America - Newsletter of the North American Quilling Guild

The paper trade eventually spread to Korea, and then Japan, work as early as ancient Egypt. It is likely, however, that
Tibet, and India via the Silk Road. China attempted to guard such decorations found in tombs and on some jewelry were
the secret of paper making, but as a result of a Chinese more akin to metal filigree work rather than paper filigree.
defeat at the hands of the Ottoman Turks in 751 A.D., some Jewelry similar to filigree, called telkari after a village in
Chinese paper makers were captured. Thus, the Arabs Turkey, was unearthed in the ancient Mesopotamia area and
learned the paper making secrets and built the first paper dated approximately 5000 years old. Asia, India, Greece,
industry in Baghdad. Eventually, the knowledge spread to the Etruscan civilization, and Constantinople (6th-12th
Egypt; then to Spain and Sicily around 1150 as a result of centuries) also created filigree jewelry and other objects.
trade and of the Crusades. Soon, paper was being produced
across Europe. In 1453 A.D. Johann Gutenberg invented the In particular, as we will see is relevant for paper quilling,
printing press, which revolutionized the production of books Medieval Europe made good use of metal filigree technique
as they no longer had to be copied solely by hand. in religious objects. Reliquaries (containers that hold
relics) and Bibles were embellished by filigree work. These
In the Northern Hemisphere, the first paper mill was artists studied and imitated the Byzantine filigree work of
established in Mexico City in 1575. In 1690, America built Constantinople.
its first paper mill in Philadelphia – The Rittenhouse Paper While in the past, filigree work was part of what every jeweler
Mill. It was not until the 19th century that paper production did in creating pieces, today filigree is a special branch of
became industrialized. Today, paper is made from trees jewelry making.
mostly grown on working forests and from recycled paper.
In fact, more than 36% of paper in the United States comes
from recycled sources. International Paper is the largest
pulp paper producer in the U.S. and 42% of forests are used
for paper production.

METAL FILIGREE Silver filigree and coral rosary
Quilling’s past is closely tied to decorative metal work, Victoria and Albert Museum
commonly known as filigree. Indeed, quilling was and is Southern Germany, 1700-1800
often called “paper filigree” (in addition to being referred to
as paper scrollwork, paper rolling or roll work, paper lace, THE MARRIAGE OF PAPER AND FILIGREE
and paper mosaic). According to the Merriam Webster
Dictionary, filigree is “an ornamental work especially of Paper filigree, or quilling, dates back to at least the 15th
fine wire of gold, silver, or copper applied chiefly to gold century and flourished in France and Italy during the 17th
and silver surfaces.” The word filigree combines the Latin and 18th centuries. Very little early quillwork has survived,
filum, meaning thread, with granum, meaning grain. Filigree and it is not known who first rolled thin strips of paper into
originally seems to be jewelry or other decorations made different shapes to mimic, in a less expensive way, decorative
up of beads and/or twisted threads and then soldered to metal filigree work. What is known is that monks and nuns
the surface of an object for embellishment. At first glance, from less well-endowed religious houses rolled paper strips
filigree often looks as if the embellishment was engraved to decorate Bible covers, reliquaries, and other objects of
but in fact, it is the opposite. Instead of materials being religious significance. There is speculation that the gilded
removed as in engravings, material is added to the base. edges of books were trimmed to make the paper strips to
The jeweler stretches a piece of metal until a fine string imitate gold filigree. This is in debate, as books and gold
or thread is created. The thread is then bent or wrapped were both very expensive and dear during those times, and
into the desired shape. Small beads are often added as
well (called granulations). These additions are melded or
soldered together with a blow torch.

Histories of quilling often mention evidence of paper filigree

Page 14 Winter 2018

Quill America - Newsletter of the North American Quilling Guild
some have doubted that nuns/monks would be allowed to
destroy books for that purpose.
In the 1700’s-1800’s, upper class females and “ladies of
leisure” discovered quilling as a hobby to occupy their time.
Paper itself was less expensive by then, particularly during
the 1800’s when paper production became industrialized.
Quilled creations included panels, coats of arms, tea-
caddies, workboxes, screens, and cabinets. Techniques
such as crimping and husking were incorporated as well.
A popular British woman’s journal, “The New Ladies’
Magazine,” (1786) supplied articles and patterns for quilling.

Firescreen, made by Princess Elizabeth
Victoria and Albert Museum
London, 1887

Quilled shield-shaped firescreen
Circa 1790
From Rolled, Scrolled, Crimped, and Folded:
The Lost Art of Filigree Paperwork,
with permission of Melinda Papp

Perhaps most notable, Princess Elizabeth, the 7th child of Quilled floral picture, mid 18th century
King George III (British king during the American Revolution) From Rolled, Scrolled, Crimped, and Folded:
created a paper filigree fire screen sometime between 1770- The Lost Art of Filigree Paperwork,
1840. According to the description of the screen, which is with permission of Melinda Papp
housed at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London (https://
collections.vam.ac.uk), “Charles Elliott, purveyor of artists’ The first published book of quilling seems to be Mosaicon,
materials to the royal family, supplied Princess Elizabeth written in England in 1875 by William Benrose. Benrose
with ‘fifteen ounces of different filigree papers, one ounce stated, “We know of no light employment, less costly, yet at
gold paper, and a box made for filigree work with ebony the same time possessing such pretty, and to the eye, such
moulding, lock and key, lined inside and out’.” Most of the valuable results, for it possesses to a surprising degree the
quilling found in other museums date from the 18th and 19th appearance of jewels.” One of Benrose’s quilling kits can be
centuries as well. found in The Victoria and Albert Museum, in addition to other

Winter 2018 Page 15

Quill America - Newsletter of the North American Quilling Guild

quilled artwork, including a tea cannister, tea caddy, a shield seemed to infer that she could taste no greater delight than
panel, a box, and a mirror. A search of their website (https:// in making a filigree basket for a spoilt child.”
www.vam.ac.uk) will reveal photos of these objects. Quillers
may also be interested in accessing the full text of Mosaicon. Most of theAmerican quilling examples are found in museums
Simply go to https://play.google.com, and enter “mosaicon” in New England, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in
in the search engine. You will be able to read (and quill, New York City, the Essex Institute in Salem, the Museum of
following his directions!) this fascinating instruction book as Fine Art in Boston, and the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum
it was originally written. of Art in Hartford. A few pieces can also be found in the
Colonial Williamsburg Collections, including two cribbage
boards, a tea caddy, and a three-dimensional picture of a
castle, with a dire warning: “To the person who destroys
this paper-filagree castle built at Nottingham. This castle
built in the year of our Lord 1789 by Susanna wife of Will
III Streetton during the imprisonment of the Royal Family
of France in the Thuilleries, and in the memorable year in
which the Bastille was destroyed.” The warning must have
worked, and perhaps our members should include such a
warning for posterity on their prized quilled creations!

Kit for rolled paperwork The Quilling Guild (UK) previously published a list of
Benrose and Son, Inc. museums that hold antique quilled pieces. Their current list
Victoria and Albert Museum is out of publication. However, they are in the process of
Kits made 1870-1890 updating it, and are asking for information on any antique
quilled samples that members come upon in museums or
As with other things British, quilling spread to the American elsewhere. Members of the Quilling Guild may submit any
colonies, particularly to New England. Most quillers are findings directly to the Guild (Quilling Guild members can
aware that the Bronte sisters were quillers, and that quilling view instructions posted in “Quillers Today”, Autumn 2017)
is mentioned in Jane Austen’s novel Sense and Sensibility. or let NAQG Archives Committee member Lynn Paarmann
Chapter 23 describes a scene in which a basket is being ([email protected]) know and she will be glad to submit
created through use of paper filigree, the term used in your finding to the Quilling Guild. In particular, as any of our
the book: “Lucy directly drew her work table near her and NAQG members visit old churches in Italy or France, it would
reseated herself with an alacrity and cheerfulness which be wonderful to inquire with a church docent or guide, if the
churches contain any antique paper filigree adornments.
The 2012 Pulitzer prize winning book for non-fiction, The
Swerve: How the World Became Modern (Greenblatt)
relates the story of Poggio Bracciolini. Bracciolini was an
Italian scholar who roamed the world in the 1400’s looking
for classical Latin manuscripts forgotten in German, Swiss,
and French monastic libraries. It is pleasant to imagine a
modern day quiller doing the same, except looking for
forgotten quilled treasures in French and Italian churches,
monasteries, and convents.

Part 2 of 2 will be published in the Spring 2018 issue. A
complete Bibliography will be included.

Page 16 Winter 2018

Quill America - Newsletter of the North American Quilling Guild

A warm welcome to our newest members!
(15 Sep 2017 – 14 Dec 2017)

Christina Collins Nashville, TN Bonita Leiszter Mukwonago, WI

Erin Cruet Williamsburg, MI Abby Lewellen Nashville, TN

Erika Cruz Orlando, FL Patricia Lightner Alexandria, PA

Sarah Easton Thermopolis, WY Carla McCrory Carlisle, PA

Marla Elmore Okolona, MS Frances Meschino Camby, IN

Claudette Evans Sterling, VA Shelly Nowik Durham, NC

Kirsten Hastings Muskego, WI Sara E Rodriguez-Miranda Kasilof, AK

Aimie Holdorf Aurora, CO Elizabeth Turner Wylie, TX

Dorothea Kempel Elmont, NY Erin Versaggi Brooklyn, NY

Danielle Kurtz Manistee, MI Melissa Wolfe Warrensburg, IL

We apologize in advance for any omissions or misspellings. Please email [email protected] for
any changes so we can correct them. Also, if you have moved, please let Roxann Dragula know of
these changes. We are getting returned newsletters which cost extra postage to re-send.

Winter 2018 Your one-stop shop for a dazzling array
of quilling, paper and craft products

sourced from around the world. Discover
an innovative range of quilling supplies,

books, tools and accessories in our
extensive on-line catalog by visiting

www.QuillingSupply.com

email [email protected]
Sign up for our Newsletter, too!

Page 17

Quill America - Newsletter of the North American Quilling Guild

The Cell originally submitted by: Mary Wood, Rough and Ready CA
Article by: Alexey Sochnev

NAQG Member Mary Wood, whose there are hundreds of different cell types in the
granddaughter Haley is finishing her PhD in the body. Turns out, certain cells turn certain genes
field of Molecular Bio Chemistry, sent a picture for “on” or “off” - this is called “gene expression”,
inclusion in Quill America. It is the cover design and mis-regulation of gene expression has been
of the September 2017 issue of “Cell” magazine. increasingly linked to neurological diseases,
Haley astonished her co-workers by immediately cancer, metabolic disorders, and many others.
recognizing the work as a piece of quilled art On top of this, consider that linear DNA is about
saying “my grandmother does things like that”. In 2 meters long, yet has to fit into a 5 micron-long
our efforts to get permission for a reprint we were nucleus, and of some 25000 human genes, only
lucky enough to actually communicate with and a subset needs to be expressed at any given
get permission from the Artist who submitted the time. This is a very complicated process and we
following article. are only now beginning to understand how it all
fits together.
The image shown on page 19 was featured
on the cover of Sept. 7 issue of Cell magazine Importantly, the function of DNA - gene expression
(cell.com) - one of the top scientific journals in - is regulated by a complex of proteins. This
the world. A research article by a colleague of DNA/protein complex is called “chromatin” - after
Alexey’s was published in the same issue of it - XIXth century pathologists who noticed that cell
and he summarizes it in lay terms below: nucleus contains the brightly-colored substance
(which they didn’t know the composition of).
“Autism-spectrum disorder” (ASD) is a term that Turns out, FMRP regulates many of the proteins
encompasses many different diseases, which found in chromatin, and mutation or loss of FMRP
share common features. Scientists around the causes global mis-regulation of gene expression.
world are trying to understand what causes ASD, Targeting this mis-regulation may provide an
and how it can be treated. One of the known option for ASD treatment.
causes of ASD is a mutation in a gene called
FMR1 - this gene encodes a protein called FMRP The magazine’s cover design shows stylized
(stands for “fragile X-mental retardation protein”). sagittal section of the brain, with recognizable
FMRP is a “master regulator” of many other cortical structures (gray matter and white matter
genes in the neurons, and to date it was thought in brown and purple tones), and corpus callosum
to mostly regulate the function of the synapse - in blue. The “chromatin fiber” is weaved into the
an interface between two neurons, critical for all image as the pattern of repeating units of yellow,
neurological activity. Research in the Allis and red, blue, and green, separated by teal “linker
Darnell labs at The Rockefeller University in New DNA”. (The audience of Cell would recognize the
York, led by the postdoc Erica Korb, uncovered a colors as corresponding to core histones H2A,
new function for FMRP, with potential implications H2B, H3 and H4 from the study by Luger and
for therapy: in addition to the synapse, FMRP Richmond, and the folding of cortical structures
also regulates several genes important for the is reminiscent of higher-order chromatin
function of chromatin. organization in the nucleus).

Most have heard of DNA - the molecule containing Please visit the Damon Runyon Cancer
the genetic blueprint of the organism. Each cell Research Foundation - a charity that supports
in human body has the same DNA sequence
(and that’s how forensic scientists can identify a early career scientists
person by his hair or blood smear), yet somehow
https://www.damonrunyon.org/

Page 18 Winter 2018

Quill America - Newsletter of the North American Quilling Guild

Alexey Soshnev
Article pg. 18

Winter 2018 Page 19

Alejandra Sanchez Derteano PERU

Toni Swayze OK

Toni Swayze OK Susan Mara SC


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