Like many crafts the art of the quiller looks extraordinarily complicated at first glance but, fortunately, first impressions aren't always correct. In actual fact quilling with paper is quite straightforward once you have mastered some basic quilling techniques. It's fun to learn and really everyone in the family, no matter their age, will be able to contribute and take enjoyment from the craft.

Stripping the craft right down to it's very basic form all that is involved is taking a strip of paper and coiling it around a special tool, finishing off by gluing the end of the paper to retain a shape. That maybe something of a simplistic view but the craft really is quite easy to learn.

Like any other craft there are a number of tools which are needed to enjoy the craft. Although there are a number of quilling tools the two most basic, and arguably the most essential, are a needle tool and slotted quilling tool.

With these two quilling tools most basic shapes and patterns can be created and it is perfectly possibly for a beginner to use just these two tools for quite some time and produce a large number of works.

The needle tool allows the hobbyist to practice the basic quilling techniques by winding their strips of paper into different shapes. The slotted tool is used by putting one end of the paper through the tools slot which holds the paper fat whilst the hobbyist wraps the rest of the paper around the tool itself.

Most people who practise the craft will begin with a basic toolkit including slotted quilling tool, glue and possibly a fringing tool.

However, there are some much more advanced quilling tools available including a designer board and a workboard. The designer board is a deceptively clever tool that contains lots of holes of all different shapes and sizes. Quilled shapes are placed into the holes of the designer board and, as the paper expands, they create the exact shape the quiller is looking for.

The workboard on the other hand is a very simple device. Transparent, it is placed on the top of a pattern which then allows the quiller to work her design directly 'on' to the pattern. Both of those tools are a nice time saver.

Whether creating a simple picture or complex 3D structure learning the basic quilling techniques will be adequate for most purposes. We'll look here at how to create a basic shape using normal strip of paper of about an inch wide.

The length of the strip of paper will of course depend on how big you want the final shape to be but five or six inches is a good length to practise these quilling techniques on.

After slotting one end of the paper into your quilling tool wind the paper around the tool (experiment with how tightly you wind) then remove the paper from the tool. Glue the end of the paper to the shape and then apply pressure to the paper to mould it in to the style you require. It's that easy.

With the huge amount of patterns now available to the quiller in the form of books and magazines it is appropriate to have a quick look at the best way for a quiller to follow the patterns and how to get the best results.

There are two usual ways in which to follow quilling patterns. The first method is to go through the pattern and each roll or shape should be glued into position in chronological order as they are constructed. The second method is more flexible in that the shapes are constructed after all the different rolls and shapes have been made. This calls for more discipline in storing the shapes as they are made but is the preferred method of most quillers.

Finally, a word about workspace. With any craft be it painting, sculpting, writing or constructing model kits it is vital to have the right environment in which to work. Quilling is no different. A nice work area will help the quiller produce better work.

Unless you are one of those amazing people who aren't phased by loud televisions and screaming children your quilling room should be quiet and relaxing. Your chair should be comfortable, don't forget you're going to be doing a lot of work so it is important to be comfortable.

A table or desk is necessary to work on and an angle lamp that provides good working light is essential for you to produce your best work.

Try and use your workspace everyday. Even if you are not producing a full piece of work it is always helpful to practice your quilling techniques whenever possible.