Due to the long history of quilling, There hasn’t been proper documentation on how the quilling art was started. Most people know that quilling started after the invention of paper in China. However, others have claimed that quilling originated in ancient Egypt. Regardless of where quilling originates, it has spread around the world.

Quilling art journey

For example, around 300-400 AD, people used the quilling techniques to roll silver and gold threads around pillars and vases, and combined them with gemstones. This art form was very popular until colored metals, silvers, gold became more difficult and expensive to craft The colorful paper then replaces due to its practical and economic benefits. Quilling became more prominent when French and Italian nuns rolled up paper strips and torn bibles to decorate reliquaries and holy pictures, adding gilding and much ornamentation.

The ladies of leisure practiced the quilling art in the 1600s and 1700s. In the Stuart period, quilling became popular at the beginning of the 1700s, and in the Georgian period in the 1800s. In Europe and England, quilling became a trend and hobby for many young women which later was taught in school. Young women could show their craftiness by quill flowers to decorate cupboards, tea-caddies, cabinets, card tables, toolboxes, wine-vases, and furniture, etc. Back then, only the upper-class women would have time and material to practice this meticulous art form.

This art form was popular in the Regency period in the 1800s then faded towards the end of the century. There were some unsuccessful efforts in reviving the art form. Immigrants have brought this art form to North America, and it has gone through many transformations and has been revived today.