Saturday 14 May 2011

My quilling demonstration: here's what we did!

I'm still on a high since completing my quilling demonstration on Thursday evening. (Due to my hectic lifestyle at present, and the recent problems with Blogger, this is the first chance I've had to write a post since then!)

The demo was my opportunity to introduce members of our local Women's Institute group to the joys of quilling ... and I had the BEST time! The ladies who took part ranged in ages from late twenties right up to a 91 year old, and they all started out doubting their ability to do any quilling whatsoever ... but, one hour and lots of laughs later, they all managed to produce a lovely quilled gift tag. I felt so proud of them - and the delight I felt in getting them enthusiastic about quilling was almost as great as the joy I get from practising the craft myself!

I started out by telling them a bit about the history of quilling, handing out pictures of the precious 18th and 19th century quilled tea caddies and fire screen which are now housed in London's Victoria and Albert museum. Then I showed them some examples of contemporary quilling, using books and images published on the internet - they were amazed! I showed them a bundle of quilling strips and explained about the basic ways of working with them (i.e. closed loose coils, open scrolls and husking). Then the real fun began as I handed out some ready-made closed loose coils and got the ladies to pinch them into teardrops, marquises and a bunny ear shape. When they were done, I took the shapes and glued them together to form a flower and a butterfly like this:

That was the moment when they began to see how quilling works, and were eager to learn more!

I then handed out some slotted tools and showed them how to wind coils. Some people took to it straight away, while others struggled - but they all got there in the end! Interestingly, some of them found they preferred to wind their coils around a cocktail stick rather than using a tool. They each used their coils to create a simple flower which we glued on to ready-cut gift tags that they could take away, like this:

Well, let me tell you, some of the results were stunning! We all attached ribbons to our gift tags, and the job was done! Each tag looked different, and I'm now convinced that each individual quiller's personality is somehow reflected in the work produced.

Everyone was so excited by their achievements, including me - it felt like my heart would burst! And the best news: several of the ladies said they would go out and buy a tool and some strips and try some more quilling for themselves. Now I understand the deep satisfaction that can be gained through teaching and sharing knowledge ... and I really can't wait to arrange my next demonstration!

13 comments:

  1. Looks like you enjoyed yourself Philippa.
    Good work.

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  2. Great to hear it went so well! Good idea about having them learn to pinch the pre-rolled coils first, as that's a fun part... seeing the new shapes.

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  3. I'm happy for you, glad it went so well,good luck on your futer Demos!!!!!!!!
    Paula

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  4. Sounds like a successful day. Glad it all worked out for you Philippa

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  5. Congratulations Philippa! What a wonderful experience for all involved.

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  6. Philippa!!!! I also feel like you when I give my classes!!! I´m always so happy to see people like quilling and that I´m helping them to know a new technique.

    Congratulations!!! I´m happy for you!!! Have a marvellous Sunday!

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  7. Aww Philippa! Loved reading ur post...What you did is awesome :)

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  8. Your excitement over the successful evening is bursting through every word :) So glad that it went well. I'm thrilled when I can find just one person who is interested in some of the crafts I do so having a whole room full of people must have been pure heaven.

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  9. Thanks so much, everyone! Yes, I did get really excited about this, but it was such a great experience - can't wait to do it again!!

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  10. Philippa,
    Congratulations!
    By providing time to share their knowledge. It is the giving and receiving.
    Successes in the upcoming events

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  11. Hi Philippa, congratulations on your demo! I think showing people how to quill is the thing I love best, the realization that they can do it too is great to see.
    Rosie x

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  12. Thank you so much, Nagela and Rosie! Seems like everyone is excited about this one ... (especially me!!)

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  13. I'm so happy it went great for you, sounds like they all had fun, including you! keep up the good work!!!
    Paula

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