I can’t believe it’s already July!
I have to say, this summer has been so pretty relaxing so far. It’s just the break my Moose needed after his year of Kindergarten.
The kids and I have been spending our time exploring our local parks and running through the sprinkler in our backyard.
But in the midst of all our playing, I have found the time to experiment with a new quilling tool.
This week, I’m sharing what I found and showing how to use a quilling paper crimper!
A paper crimper was not on my list of supplies to buy.
But I came across one that was extremely inexpensive so I grabbed it.
Best case, I had a new tool to play with.
Worst case, I wasted a couple dollars.
If you’re interested, here is the exact crimper I’m using here.
Fair warning, it did take a few weeks for this little tool to arrive at my home.
But I have to say, I was really pleasantly surprised!
It stores in its own tiny clear box.
It only measures about 2 inches on its longest side, and the handle is removable.
Paper crimpers all work somewhat the same way, and they couldn’t be easier to use.
Line your strip up against the wheels, then turn the handle.
The teeth will start grabbing the paper and pulling it through the gears and out the other side.
In seconds, your straight strip will be perfectly wavy and bumpy and ready to add some new dimension to your quilling crafts!
I found this crimper can handle up to 4 strips at a time which is really useful to thick lines like flower stems.
I would recommend using a slotted tool to roll your crimped paper.
The slotted tool will let you twirl your strip gently without crushing the waves in your paper.
Pinch and bend your crimped coils into teardrops and marquise, just as you would with regular quilling paper.
I was also very happy to see that crimped swirls are doable, too!
Simply crimp all your strips first, then follow the steps in this tutorial on paper swirls.
It might be a bit of crimped paper overkill to use this tool on an entire piece, but I thought I’d whip up this quick crimped flower with swirls to show it can be done.
And I think it has a bit of a crafty, embroidery look to it!
I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised by this little tool.
After playing around it for a while, I found some unexpected ways to use a quilling paper crimper, and I hope you’ll do the same.
Leave a comment in the comments if you’ve used a crimper or have some ideas that I didn’t think of.
I’d love to hear some fresh takes!
Share your thoughts and leave a comment below!