Quilled memory necklace

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Art of Paper Quilling

Thrilling Quilling: The Ultimate Quiller's Sourcebook

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Secrets every bride can use to make her wedding unique

Every bride-to-be dreams of putting her unique stamp on her wedding day. Blending her chosen wedding colours into many of the occasion's elements is just the first step toward a creative and beautiful event. Brides in gorgeous gowns, bridesmaids and groomsmen decked out in the wedding party's colours and striking flowers are the perfect accompaniment to the colourful landscape of the summer and fall wedding seasons.

Selecting the perfect ways to feature wedding colours is a very personal representation of the bride and groom. If you're a bride-to-be, picture homemade jewellery embellishing your wedding dress, table decorations that match your wedding theme and colours perfectly, or all your guests looking over unique programs that you made at your kitchen table.

"Making wedding decorations or even gifts for the wedding party allows you to put a lot of creativity and personality into the project. And, because you made it yourself, you'll have a customized, one-of-a-kind item that perfectly matches your wedding and its decor," says Courtney Talkington, manager of education and inspiration for Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores. "Another idea for your DIY wedding is to involve your family, friends and wedding party in making the projects, allowing everyone to be included in the fun and creativity."

Using a centuries-old technique of quilling is one way to create a homemade necklace with a unique look in beautiful colours. Not only does the rolled paper look beautiful in decorative flower shapes, it's also a great way to incorporate keepsakes such as ticket stubs or love letters from the dating and engagement years into meaningful, wearable art. Are you new to quilling? Quilling classes will be offered at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores starting in September.

Quilled memory necklace

Supplies and tools:

Thin paper strips for quilling: scrapbook papers, ticket stubs, old love letters and other paper mementos
Quilling tool
X-Acto knife and cutting mat
Tacky glue
1 spool tiger tail
1 package each of 3 mm and 4 mm Blue Moon glass pearl beads
1 clasp set
Crimp beads
Crimp tool
Bent-nose pliers
Wire cutter
2 6 mm jump rings
1/4 yard Tulle
1/4 yard of 1/4 inch wide Organdy ribbon
Hand sewing needle
Thread

Optional book: "The Art of Paper Quilling: Designing Handcrafted Gifts and Cards"

Directions:

1. Using paper strips for quilling, make several flower shapes in various sizes and colours. Set aside.
2. Cut two pieces of tiger tail about 12 inches long.
3. Attach one end of one tiger tail strand to clasp using crimp bead and crimp tool. Trim excess wire.
4. String glass pearl beads for about 8 to 9 inches.
5. Attach one jump ring to opposite end using a crimp bead and crimp tool. Trim excess wire. Set aside.
6. Repeat steps three to five for second tiger tail strand.
7. Cut two pieces of tiger tail - one 8 inches long and another 10 inches long.
8. Attach tiger tail strands to jump ring. Adjust the 8 inch strand to measure approximately 6 inches and the 10 inch strand to measure approximately 8 inches.
9. Lay paper flowers out on work surface so they fit nicely between the two pearl strands and on top of the two tiger tail strands.
10. Cut two pieces of tulle slightly larger than your flower layout, following the outline of the flower shapes. Cut two large strips of tulle - about 3/4 inches wide and 3 inches long - to tie onto necklace at the sides.
11. Sandwich the two tiger tail wires between the tulle. Hand stitch the tulle together close to the tiger tail wire.
12. Tie the tulle onto the necklace at jump rings. Trim tulle to desired length.
13. Cut two pieces of organdy ribbon each 2 1/2 inches long. Tie onto necklace at jump rings. Trim.
14. Glue paper flower in place on top of the tulle following desired layout. Let dry.
15. Add glass pearl beads to flower centres. Let dry.

For additional ideas for unique ways to personalize your wedding through crafts, visit www.joann.com/wedding

Related Pages:

The Art of Paper Quilling

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