Tri-County Offers Quilling Course

CONTACT: TRENNA METTS, EXT. 1728

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9/24/2002
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- Quilling, the 14th-century artform that involves rolling paper, is making a comeback.

In the Middle Ages, nuns were known to cut guilded edges from their books and used them to form religious decorations.

Featured in six major magazines this year, modern day quilling is gaining popularity among all age groups and genders who are mastering the art of rolling, shaping and bending strips of paper into formed designs.

Lydia Yates, of Pendleton, who began teaching classes for Tri-County Technical College, says quilling, or paper filligree, is for anyone who loves to create.

In one short class, students can gain the skills to create a snowflake, for example, and learn the basic coils used to create different types of flowers, etc.

Although the delicate artwork seems time consuming and intricate, Yates says anyone can learn the art in a matter of a few minutes. From then on, it's practice, she said. It can be done with four simple items everyone has around the house: Elmer's glue, a pair of scissors, a ruler and a toothpick. Also, there is a tool which can be purchased that makes quilling easier and faster.

"It's a very versatile art," said Yates. Once you learn to quill the coil, you are limited only by your imagination. There is a lot of flexibility which allows you to be creative."

Although it helps to have a model when creating a project, she says patterns only serve as examples. "You can look at nature and create what you see. Adopt your own style."

The class helps you to learn to handle and to twist the paper, said Yates. "At the end of the class, everyone was so excited. They had completed a snowflake in an hour-and-a-half. And they all left happy. One person came in late and caught up easily," she said.

"Once you learn the basics, your imagination is your limit. The pieces are timeless. It's for young and old, and it's a wonderful way to spend time with your kids," she said.

"It's a gift you can pass on to others. There is a sense of pride and accomplishment in making a personalized gift because it's giving a part of yourself," she said.

For more information about upcoming quilling classes, contact Trenna Metts at 646-8361, Ext. 1728, or by e-mail at tmetts@tctc.edu.
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