I’ve come to a realization recently.
I figured out that as much as I enjoy coming up with quilling paper tutorials for my blog, I’m pretty sure that writing about and reviewing quilling tools comes in a real close second.
I love finding new and efficient ways to create my quilling designs, and there are so many available out there!
While there are some fun gizmos that can be really useful to your quilling, there are also be a bunch that might not be worth your time or money.
This week, though, I’m going recommend one of my favorite tools, and give some tips on using a quilling paper mold.
Quilling molds are handy for creating uniform 3-dimensional domes.
Of course, it is totally possible to make domes without a specific tool, but when you’re looking to create many that are the same size, a mold can be really convenient.
The quilling paper mold that I have is pretty simple in design.
It is a thin piece of plastic, about 8 inches tall by about 4 inches wide, and it has 2 rows of raised bubbles of various sizes.
Mine is clear, but I’ve seen them in other colors, too.
Using a quilling paper mold isn’t difficult, at all.
Simply roll a tight coil in the color of your choosing. Remember, if you need to, glue some strips end to end to make a larger coil.
When your tight coil is the size you need, place it on top one of the domes.
The size of your coil will correspond to the end size of your dome.
Place your thumb and index finger in the center of your coil.
With even pressure, move your fingers to the outside of the coil while pushing down gently.
The coil should form itself to the dome with more or less even spaces between all the rings in your coil.
It might not go all the way to the bottom of the plastic dome shape, but that’s ok.
Take your paper off the mold, and just like that, you’ve got a paper dome.
To keep your dome in shape, run some white glue all over and spread it around with a thin paintbrush.
TIP: Apply the glue to the side you’re not planning on being visible in your finished design. You never know if your glue is going to dry in a gloppy way and could be noticeable if you don’t plan ahead to hide it.
Once you’ve gotten the basics down, have some fun!
Use a few different colors of quilling paper to make some bright stripes ~
Or try a lovely ombre effect!
Turn your dome into an easy flower pot by pushing the bottom of your dome on a flat surface after it’s molded.
I made a bunch of pots like these for my quilling paper succulents!
If you’re looking to make an entire sphere, simply make 2 domes of the same size and glue them together.
I like to run another strip of paper around the seam to make a more finished look.
Check out this post on quilled cherries for more details!
I tried to find a link to the exact quilling mold that I’m using, but I can’t seem to find it online anywhere!
But here’s one that is really similar
Here’s one with some cone-shaped molds as well!
All in all, I think a quilling mold is a great tool.
I’ve been having a great time incorporating 3-dimensional elements into my quilling lately and when I’m using a quilling paper mold, my domes are much more consistent and even.
Have you ever used a mold in your quilling projects?
How have they worked for you? Do you have any molding tricks you can share?
Leave a comment below!
12 comments
hi love quilling you have great things on your site I just started so I love the way you show how to do things
Thanks so much Connie! If you ever have any questions or need something explained, please let me know. Happy crafting!
Thanks for the tutorial. I’ve ruined a few domes with my long fingernails so I have to be very attentive when I’m shaping them. 🙂
I bet long nails do make domes a little tricky! I’ve used pens and paintbrush handles to push out my centers too, so that could help if you don’t have a mold yet.
so what do you use the dom for once its made
I’ve used them for little flower pots at times, but most often they’re the start of a 3D quilling project of some kind. I’ve made a bunch on this site in the past.
Thanks Meredith. You speak very clearly & your explanations are easy to follow especially when you add those little side notes about ways that things can go wrong!! Thanks again. Love The Paper Craftery.
Thank you for the nice words, Joan!!
Thanks for this great site. I am wondering how long your initial paper strip needs to be to create a 12 mm dome.
I don’t know that exact measurement offhand, but a 12mm dome is fairly small. I would start with about 30 inches in length and see how that works. You can always add more paper to your tight coils if they’re not big enough.
Hi Meredith, I wanted to share my recent attempt at moulding a border, with mixed results!! The plan was to use them on greetings cards. I used cookies cutters and shaped around them holding in place with pins on a cork board, the more intricate shaped one lost definition on one edge, the darker blue one didn’t come out too bad I thought. Have you ever tried anything such as this, any recommendations for better results? I’ve taken pictures but not able to attach to the comment.