Many quillers use tackle boxes for storage. There are numerous trays and compartments and often a removable tray with compartment lids is included. Many craft and sewing shops will have tool boxes with multiple drawers, trays and compartments. Find one that suits your needs, is easy to access and carry. You want to keep your tools clean and in good condition, and if you save back any shapes made but not currently needed for a pattern, you need storage that separates tools from supplies and shapes. Imagine how you’d feel if you created a beautiful coil and then found it had been ruined by a dirty tool.
Quillers work best in a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. Advanced quillers may be able to work in various environments, but beginners usually prefer a good, solid surface—like the kitchen table. Advanced or beginner, you need to make sure your chair is comfortable and supports your back and arms. Working near a window allows you to see your paper colors in natural daylight, as artificial light can alter colors. Be sure you have adequate lighting regardless, and consider using a lamp with light bulbs that project near-daylight quality light.
Before you start a project, read the pattern instructions carefully. Make sure you understand all the shapes required and then gather your tools and supplies.
A quick note: As you acquire more patterns, from all over the world, you’ll realize that the basic shapes and coils may be called by different names. If you get stumped, go to the Yahoo quillers group, where plenty of nice ladies will help you out with unfamiliar shape names.
Next, create all the coils called for in the pattern and separate them by color. This organizes things before you start assembly. If you have a quilling board, you can trace the pattern, and then use the traced copy on the board. This keeps your books nice and clean, and out the way. Next, do a dry-run assembly. Place all the shapes and patterns roughly where they should be without gluing them. This allows you to see if any shapes need adjusting, or if you’d prefer any different colors. If you do take any shapes out of the piece, don’t throw them away, just store them carefully for use in your next project.
When you’re ready to begin gluing the pieces together, be sure to use a glue that dries clear and use tiny amounts or your coils may shift and spoil the look of your project. If you don’t have a glue applicator, toothpicks are quite handy when gluing.
When you’re done, finish the project by framing it, include it on a card (Mothers day, anniversary, birthdays, weddings), or on the latest trend: scrapbooking! Scrapbooking is great, but that’s another story.
