Sunday, October 18, 2009

Paper Twirlies People - QuillyNilly

QuillyNilly's creations are bright, whimsical and fun! The colours convey so much energy and liveliness. Please take a moment to read up about this Paper Twirlies Etsy Team Member:

1. Tell us a little about yourself, your store, and your crafts.


I love paper, always have; I remember when I was about 10 or so I took a box divided it into sections (rooms) and made it into a house. I then proceeded over the next month or so to create the family (paper bunnies) and all the items that would go in the house.I created everything out of paper, and it makes me sad sometimes that I don't have any photo's or anything from that - it was a major project for me back in the day.

A little after I started quilling I decided I was going to sell my stuff at a festival here in town so I figured out the name (Quilly Nilly) and worked out a logo. From that I started selling stuff in craft fairs in the area, then after my daughter was born (almost 3 years ago) I received a call from someone who was opening a shop in town and wanted to know if I'd be interested in renting a space to sell my stuff, which I was; and I've been there ever since they opened which has been about 2 1/2 years. That shop is called Creativity and is located in Bartlett Tn., if anyone is in the area and would like to pop in. I've been on etsy officially for about a year and a half, at
www.quillynilly.etsy.com.

2. What role does art/crafts play in your life?

Art is a daily thing for me. I'm a graphic designer by trade so I'm on the computer all day not necessarily being creative but creating. In the past (prior to my children) I made a lot of my family's Christmas and birthday gifts, I used to sew, love working with felt and of course paper. After my grandmother passed some years ago, they gave me back a picture I had created for her of Holly Hobby (dating myself now). I had redrawn her and colored it in; it was neat to see it after so many years.

3. How were you introduced to paper quilling?

I was on the internet one day researching something, which to this day I can't remember what it was. I ended up on Martha Stewart's website; on a page that had this paper curled package bows - and I thought they were the coolest thing. It mentioned they were done by quilling so I spent the rest of my morning researching quilling and where to get the paper and tools to do it. The local Michael's had a book, card stock strips and the slotted tool. That afternoon I was hooked and quilling like a fool; I haven't stopped since; that was over 5 years ago.

4. How long have you been paper quilling?

For a little over 5 years, although I've taken a year or so off after having my daughter.


5. What is your favourite quilling artform/technique?

I like 3-D forms, and while I've recently learned how to do the little trinket boxes made from the thicker papers, it's the larger projects that I'm amazed by. I've seen some quillers do these super elaborate flower displays and I just can't imagine how long that must take or how they have to prepare for it - I really can't grasp something that big but I would like to try someday.

6. In your eyes, what makes your quilling unique?

I think the color combinations I use are somewhat unique, there are only so many colors but I tend to work in bright colors then more traditional - and a lot of my projects seem to be very whimsical - I love bright fun items but some "grown ups" don't so I'm trying to create both fun and classy items to appeal to everyone. I also like to be original in as much of my quilled items as I can be (I know there's only so many ways to make a flower look original) I do however have some embellishments that are my original designs such as my lightbulbs or reindeer for Christmas time; and my baby embellishments. I get lots of comments on those, that makes me smile.

In honour of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, QuillyNilly has made some magnets for the cause that
certainly makes one smile!! Tata Magnets - It's Silly Sweet!