Quilling quirks for decor, a step up from traditional origami

Quilling on Paris theme   Courtesy: Simi’s

Quilling in different shapes and forms are dominating the modern Indian households by lending a creative touch for sprucing up the decor and more.

Quilling or paper filigree is an art form that involves the use of strips of paper that are rolled, shaped, and glued together to create decorative designs. The paper is rolled, looped, curled, twisted and otherwise manipulated to create shapes and make designs. It starts with rolling a strip of paper into a coil and then pinching the coil into shapes that can be glued together. There are advanced techniques and different sized paper that are used to create 3D miniatures, abstract art, and quilled flowers among many things.

Though this creative art is taken up as a hobby by some, it has started slowly creeping into the business space with several artisans turning to the craft for the purpose of home decor and more.

Quilled figurines are framed and used as wall decorations. Quilled photo frames are also gaining popularity. Even small quilled fridge magnets are available for the modern teen.

The best part of this old craft is that it can be DIY. However, professional quilling artists are also putting their work for sale. Semantee Raha, a quill artist and entrepreneur states, “I had come across quilling at a senior’s place during college days and it caught my attention. I learnt quilling entirely from YouTube tutorials. In the beginning, it was just restricted to gifting cards to friends and family. One day, my best friend wanted me to make a card for her and she offered me a price. I had never thought of selling my quills, until that morning and I never stopped since then. I have a lot of things lined up; there are cards, different sizes of wall hangings, earrings and fridge magnets.

On making money out of paper, Raha explains, “I didn’t start quilling in order to establish a business. It was really organic. Initially, my clients were limited to my immediate family and friends and then, I started thinking of expanding the audience. At first, I opened a Facebook page and named it Simi’s. It was on this platform that I showcased my craft to the world and started making a brand out of it. So, slowly and steadily the business expanded.”

She states that her products range from INR 149 to INR 2,499, depending on the complexity of design, size of the quill, sizes of frames for wall hangings, design of earrings among other things.

Semantee Raha with her creation- a quilled logo

Paramita, a college student who loves quills said, “I personally love quilled earrings as I am tired of oxidised ones. They are creative and quirky, thus making it distinct from the regular ones. Moreover, they are customised according to one’s needs and preferences.”

Raha agrees by stating that her designs vary based on the needs and wants of the customers. “For example, this year’s Valentine collection was more focussed on simple yet elegant designs and pastel shades. On special occasions, I decide the collection keeping in mind last year’s demand which I could not cater to.”

Check out her collection at @simisofficial, on Facebook.