Unrolling the Art of Paper Quilling Through Online Exploration

Picture this: five weeks ago, armed with nothing but a laptop, iPad, a steady internet connection, a box of tools I knew nothing about and a curious mind, I embarked on a journey into the captivating world of paper quilling. With every click, scroll and tutorial video, I ventured further into the artistry of delicate coils and intricate design. What started as my Networked Learning Project soon transformed into an eye opening, tedious adventure of creativity and self-discovery. Join me as I recount the exhilarating highs, the many challenges, mistakes and the lessons I have learned while attempting to master the art of paper quilling using only online resources.

Into

In my initial post, I explored the world of paper quilling by unpacking a box of tools purchased during the pandemic. I had no idea what the tools could do or how they were used, let alone what they were called. Through online platforms like YouTube, Pinterest, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram, I gained a better understanding of the tools’ functions and gained inspiration. A tutorial video on YouTube clarified basic quilling tools while Instagram quillers like quilligree.creations and simply_quilled_designs sparked creative ideas.

Through

In my second post I put a few tools to use while following a YouTube tutorial on crafting fundamental paper quilling shapes. Multiple practice rounds with a quilling needle refined my techniques and led to combining pieces into an intricate greeting card. Being familiar with quilling needles wasn’t enough which caused me to dive deeper. Through exploration of the comb, crimper and coach, I crafted intricate flower petals. Even though my initial attempts were faulty due to incorrect gluing, the online resources proved invaluable. Rewatching demonstrations quickly rectified errors and highlighted the advantages of digital learning.

The various, fundamental shapes created in the beginning stages of the process in learning how to paper quill.

Beyond

Exploring paper quilling through networked learning unveiled its unique benefits and limitations. Yet, affordances outweighed constraints. Video quality posed a challenge in addition to missing explanations and measurements left me with unanswered questions. However, the comments section and the use of affinity spaces allowed for collaborative learning (Gee, 2018). My learning was also enriched through the use of affinity spaces like Facebook Groups, Instagram and TikTok accounts. I was able to learn a skill through the exploration of different types of resources until I found the ones that worked best for me.

My first, second and third attempts (from right to left) to creating intricate flower petals with a quilling comb and crimper.

Practical Connections

My experience with networked learning in mastering paper quilling emphasizes the need for customized lesson design to accommodate the diverse learning preferences of my students. While certain video formats might solidify comprehension for some, they might not benefit all learners equally. Empowering learners to explore and design their own learning path and display mastery through creative outputs supersedes conventional multiple-choice assessments.

Mishra and Koehler stress the essence of “quality teaching requires developing a nuanced understanding of the complex relationships between technology, content, and pedagogy, and using that understanding to develop appropriate, context-specific strategies and representations” (2006, p. 1029). As an educator, this journey emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach. Beyond the technological incorporation, there needs to be a deliberate focus on content first. Prioritizing content in conjunction with technology integration is the intersection to create powerful learning experiences in the classroom.

Reflecting on my Networked Learning Project, it becomes evident that utilizing online resources to acquire knowledge is an integral part of modern life. From learning practical skills like changing windshield wipers through YouTube tutorials to acquiring complex crafting techniques from my favorite card maker’s YouTube Channel and Instagram Profile, the digital realm consistently provides solutions. Through my membership in multiple affinity spaces, I have made strong connections between the world of paper quillers and card makers (Gee, 2018). Networked learning has evolved into a staple of my learning approach with promises of continued growth and exploration.

As I continue my journey into the art of paper quilling, I am hyper aware that these five weeks have only scratched the surface of possibilities. The many strips of paper I have coiled and glued are just the beginning, inspiring me to embark on further exploration and creations through this dynamic process.

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References

Gee, J.P. (2018, February 26). Affinity spaces: How young people live and learn online and out of school. Phi Delta Kappan. http://www.kappanonline.org/gee-affinity-spaces-young-people-live-learn-online-school/

Mishra, P., & Koehler, M. J. (2006). Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge: A framework for teacher knowledge. Teachers College Record, 108(6), 1017-1054.

Quilligree.creations (2023) Quilligree.creations IG Homepage. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/quilligree.creations/

Simply_Quilled_Designs (2023) simply_quilled_designs IG Homepage. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/simply_quilled_designs/