Recently, I had the honor of creating a tribute to Charlie the GSD using the lovely art of quilling. As an artist, I have always believed in the power of art to immortalize moments and emotions that touch our hearts. This piece allowed me to…
As an artist, one of the joys of my craft is bringing characters and mascots to life through the intricate art of quilling. Recently, I had the exciting opportunity to create a quilled Baltimore Oriole’s Mascot. Mascots hold a special place in the hearts of…
In the world of quilled paper art, every piece is an intricate dance of creativity and craftsmanship. Recently, I had the privilege of creating a quilled portrait of Sylvia, a blue point Siamese cat. This portrait was not only a labor of love but also a lesson in embracing imperfections and learning to trust the artistic process.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Sylvia’s portrait was crafting her distinctive pearl collar. I meticulously formed domed tight coils, delicately gilded them with silver, and added a layer of diamond coat glazing. The result was a realistic and stunning collar that adorned Sylvia’s neck with an air of regal charm. This small yet intricate detail truly added depth and character to the entire piece.
While the journey of creating Sylvia’s portrait was a fulfilling one, it also came with valuable lessons. As an artist, I’m often my harshest critic. A last-minute decision to alter the direction of Sylvia’s fur on her face proved to be a lesson in trusting my instincts. In hindsight, I realized that my initial approach was the right one, and I should have embraced it instead of overthinking.
My husband has often reminded me to trust the creative process and refrain from discarding pieces that I deem imperfect. Sylvia’s portrait taught me the importance of embracing imperfections and recognizing that my critical eye may not align with the viewer’s perspective. What I saw as a fault, others might interpret as a unique touch that adds character to the artwork.
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There were a lot of Scrollwork Cats of 2021. It was probably my busiest year since I began making them, in part because of a promotion I was offering to get some demo pieces for my new styles. This was the first year I started…
Winnie was my first attempt at creating an ultra-realistic quilled tabby cat portrait. For some reason, whether it was her markings or colors or something else, the result came out unimpeded. Her face just seemed to build itself, while I normally struggle to get the…
I call this piece “A Quilled Portrait of Cardinal Love.” Nestled on a berry bush, facing each other with a silent conversation, this artwork became a celebration of nature’s artistry and my own passion for bringing it to life through paper.
Cardinals hold a special place in the hearts of many, with their vibrant red feathers and melodious songs evoking a sense of connection to nature’s splendor. For this paper quilled artwork, I chose to depict a pair of cardinals, the male and female perched on a berry bush, their gazes locked in an unspoken bond. This depiction was more than just an artistic endeavor; it was a tribute to the harmony that exists in the natural world.
To create a truly lifelike representation of the cardinals, I took inspiration from an actual photograph of a pair. I meticulously crafted cutouts of their body shapes to serve as reference points. This process allowed me to capture the intricate details of their feathers, the curve of their beaks, and the sparkle in their eyes.
The berry bush that serves as the backdrop for the cardinals was more than just an artistic element—it was a window into their world. The carefully quilled leaves, the vibrant berries, and the subtle shading created a sense of depth that transported viewers to the moment the cardinals chose to share. It was a glimpse into the intimate connection they shared with their surroundings.
For me, cardinals have been more than just subjects of artistic exploration; they’ve become beloved companions in my creative journey. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of bringing different cardinal depictions to life, each one a unique celebration of their elegance and significance. This paper quilled artwork was a culmination of my deep connection with these birds, a testament to the familiarity and fondness that has grown with every coil.
Creating this paper quilled artwork of a pair of cardinals has been a journey of merging artistic vision with the splendor of nature. Through every curl, coil, and cutout, I aimed to capture the essence of these birds—both as subjects of beauty and as symbols of connection. The process of translating a photograph into an intricate piece of art reaffirmed my belief in the power of creativity and the endless possibilities that paper quilling offers.
As I gaze upon this artwork, I’m reminded that art has the ability to transcend boundaries, to bridge the gap between the tangible and the intangible. It’s a tribute to the wonders that surround us, a celebration of the delicate balance that exists in the natural world. This paper quilled depiction of cardinal love is a homage to the silent conversations that shape our lives, reminding us that beauty, connection, and harmony are all around us, waiting to be captured through the strokes of an artist’s hand.
This quilled cat portrait of Marigold, my second foray into the world of realism, pushed the boundaries of my craft, building upon the lessons learned from my previous creation and striving for a level of intricacy that mirrored Marigold’s unique presence. Introducing Marigold: A Name…
I recently created a monogram with a touch of playfulness – a quilled letter L monogram with a feline twist. A combination of my signature scrollwork fat cats perched on the horizontal bar of the L. The idea of combining the purple with the endearing…
Creating quilled art is my passion, and over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to bring various logos to life through intricate paper coils. Interestingly, a common theme emerged – birds. From the Baltimore Oriole’s mascot to a flaming Phoenix logo, and now, the Illinois State Redbird logo, each project has been a unique journey in its own right.
Recently, I had the privilege of working on the Illinois State Redbird logo, a familiar emblem that represents both the university and the state. This logo holds a special place in the hearts of students, alumni, and sports enthusiasts alike, and I was eager to capture its essence using the quilling technique.
The process began with meticulous planning. The Redbird logo, with its sharp lines and distinctive form, required careful consideration to translate into quilled art. I started by breaking down the logo into its key components – the beak, the eye, and the elegant curves of the bird’s body.
Using a palette of red, black, yellow, and white paper strips, I began to coil, shape, and arrange the pieces to form the iconic Redbird logo. The challenge lay in capturing the logo’s details while retaining the simplicity that quilled scrollwork demands. The satisfaction of seeing the logo take shape through careful layering and placement of scrolls and coils was unparalleled.
The Redbird logo, like the other bird-themed projects I’ve worked on, added to my collection of avian artistry. Each project presented unique challenges and rewards. From the fiery energy of the Phoenix to the vibrant hues of the Baltimore Oriole, and now the fierce determination of the Redbird, each logo has been a reminder of the power of quilling to capture the essence of an emblem.
In the world of quilling, every project tells a story. For me, the story behind the Illinois State Redbird logo is one of precision, dedication, and the joy of bringing a familiar emblem to life in a new and artistic way. As I admire the finished piece, I’m reminded of the various bird-themed logos I’ve crafted over the years, each adding its own feather to the cap of my quilled portfolio.
As an artist who finds joy in every roll and twist of paper, I recently embarked on a new and exciting creative adventure—a quilled cat portrait that marked my first attempt at a more realistic style. The portrait features a charming feline named Bean, and…