Summer quilling

I'm looking forward to getting some new projects underway.

This summer I've had a few little commissions, this is an anniversary card I made for a special couple who are in a long distance relationship between Romania and England.  

For something as difficult and special as a long distance relationship an ordinary card from the petrol station won't cut it. This card is comprised of hand cut book paper about 1 mm wide. The technique used is called quilling, thought to be first used by monks and nuns during the Renaissance to decorate book covers and religious items. It became popular in the 18th century in Europe when woman of class would while away the hours creating work that "wasn't too taxing to the gentile mind". The heart is presented on a background of red handmade paper, on a book of "The English lakes" that is over 20 years old. 

I really love doing things like this, it took about ten hours of solid work, its not easy but I find it very therapeutic. Quilling is a lovely technique for making cards and pictures, give it a try on a rainy day.