Decorative Handmade Ornamental Tile Using Paper

I have always loved working with paper, and quilling is one of my favorite ways to create intricate and beautiful designs. This gorgeous handmade quilled tile is a unique and thoughtful craft that takes just a few hours to complete. It makes for a perfect gift and can be used in multiple ways—it works as a decorative piece, a rearview mirror dangler for your car, a tinier version can be worn as earrings, or even turned into a fridge magnet. The most unique part of this design is its 3D nature, which isn’t stuck on any backing paper, making it a freestanding piece of art. You can simply stick it to your walls as it is or display it in any creative way you like. Let’s get started!

1. Quilling paper strips or Card Stock (various colors of your choice)
2. Glue (white glue)
3. Scissors
4. Paper Cutter
5. Tweezers
6. Scale
7. Clear sealant or varnish (for durability, optional)
8. Cutting Mat

Step 1 :

We start with using our card stock sheet. Use different colours for better designs.

I have cut all the strips - measuring around 9" in length and 1/4th of an inch wide. Cut atleast 10 strips for each colour you're using.

Before starting, sketch a rough idea of your tile design on paper. This will help you decide on colors and the arrangement of shapes. You can opt for floral patterns, geometric shapes, or abstract designs.

Step 2: Create the Base Shape

Since this quilled tile is free-standing, you need to build a sturdy base using thick card stock strips. Stick multiple strips together to create a strong square shaped base. Glue the ends securely as shown and allow it to dry. The tile I have made is 3.5" in width.

Step 3:

I have started with measuring the diagonal length of the square which was just below 5".

I used 3 strips of paper for 1 diagonal (so double it as shown), 2 black and 1 orange. I have applied glue to each of the strips and stuck them lengthwise. Allowed them to dry.

Once the strips are dry, we stick them in the square as shown. This helps in giving our tile some strength as well as works for the symmetry of our design. The doubling and tripling of the strips allows our tile to not be wonky.

Step 4:

Once our diagonal strips are stuck, we will add some tiny strongholds in the centre. This helps in further supporting our design and adding some intricacy to our tile.

I have once again used 3 strips of card stock here and cut it into little strips and stuck them as shown to the centre.

Step 5: Make the Individual Quilling Elements

Start rolling and shaping the quilling strips to create different elements such as tight coils, loose coils and scrolls.

Here I have taught step by step making half scrolls with yellow and pink strips. The longer the strip, the bigger the scrolls. Make 8 such scrolls in each of the 2 colours and keep them aside.

Step 6:

In this step, we're making another cute & big scroll but with 2 different strips of paper. I've used black and pink strips of paper for the same.

Fold the black strip of paper in half and insert the pink strip of paper within. Now start rolling the strip with the help of a tweezer and leave about half an inch of strip at the end. Apply glue to all the remaining strips as shown and stick them.

You just created a lovely tendril curlicue to add to our design.

Continue to do this and make 8 such tendrils.

Step 7:

Here, I've now created combed elements to add a little bit of intricacy to our design.

I have used a dense comb and used 2 shades of pink and black paper to create this design.

As shown, measure and twist around our card stock strips around the comb and when you reach the end, apply glue to one side and stick our black strip of card stock to it. Allow it to dry for a while and remove it carefully.

Make 4 such combed strips each in 2 different colours.

Step 8:

For our last few elements, I have stuck blue and black strips of paper together as shown. This is optional but adds a bit of colour to our design.

I have also created 4 tiny tear drop shapes for our tiny triangles in the centre. Keep these aside to dry.

Just keep everything in place and is ready to be pasted to our tile.

Step 10:

We start with sticking all our elements step by step as shown. Apply glue to all the sides of the element which coincides with the tile.

Once the main elements are stuck, we move on to the next smaller elements as shown.

Step 11:

Now we add the combed pieces. Slowly apply glue to the combed section and stick it properly to the outer strip. In the same way, add another layer of our light pink combed element within, creating an intricate design.

Stick our tiny elements too to the centre of our square tile.

I have also stuck additional teardrops in the centre of our combed design because there was some space left.

Once the tile is fully assembled, apply a thin layer of clear glue or a sealant over the entire piece. This helps to bond the coils together and adds durability to the tile.

Your handmade paper quilled tile is now ready! This versatile and stunning piece can brighten up any space, serve as a lovely gift, or even become a part of your accessory collection. Experiment with different colour schemes and patterns to make it truly your own. Happy quilling!

Customization:

1. If making a car dangler, attach a jump ring and thread to 2 corners of the tile.
2. For earrings, make a smaller version and attach earring hooks.
3. For a fridge magnet, glue a small magnet at the back.