What is 3D Paper Quilling?
3D paper quilling is the art of rolling, shaping, and assembling strips of paper into dimensional sculptures—like animals, flowers, figures, and decorative objects—by stacking and shaping basic coils and forms.
| Item |
Description |
Notes |
| Quilling Tool |
Slotted tool or needle tool |
For rolling tight coils |
| Quilling Paper |
Precut coloured strips in various widths |
3mm–10mm widths common |
| Tweezer |
For handling delicate paper shapes |
Precision placement |
| Glue |
White tacky glue or craft glue |
Dries clear, quick-set preferred |
| Circle Sizer Board |
Template board with circles |
Helps size coils uniformly |
| Doming Mold |
Half-sphere tool to shape domes and cones |
Useful for 3D bases and heads |
| Workboard / Foam Mat |
For pinning pieces during drying |
Keeps parts stable and aligned |
| Pins |
Holds shapes in place during assembly |
Prevents shifting while drying |
Quilling Paper Types
| Paper Type |
Width |
Use Case |
Notes |
| 3mm (Narrow) |
~1/8” |
Fine details, facial features |
Fragile but elegant |
| 5mm (Standard) |
~3/16” |
Most shapes and structures |
Great for balance of strength/detail |
| 7mm–10mm |
1/4”–3/8” |
Sculptural bases, sturdy shapes |
Ideal for domes, large coils |
| Hand-cut paper |
Any |
Custom colours or textures |
Can be made from specialty paper |
| Metallic/Glossy |
3mm–5mm |
Decorative elements and accents |
Use sparingly for shine |
Basic 3D Quilling Coil Types
| Coil Shape |
Technique |
3D Use Example |
| Tight Coil |
Roll tightly and glue end |
Eyes, flower centers, bases |
| Loose Coil |
Roll, let expand, then glue |
Body segments, round forms |
| Cone |
Shape tight coil with dome mold |
Heads, animal bodies |
| Dome |
Press coil into half-sphere |
Bowls, rounded back parts |
| Teardrop |
Pinch one side of loose coil |
Petals, feathers, wings |
| Marquise (Eye) |
Pinch both sides of coil |
Leaves, fins, scales |
| Scrolls |
Un-glued coils shaped decoratively |
Tentacles, tendrils, frills |
| Tip |
Purpose |
| Stack shapes vertically |
Build height and dimension |
| Use dome molds for consistency |
Create even halves for round forms |
| Dry glue completely before adding layers |
Prevents slippage and collapse |
| Reinforce from inside with glue |
Adds durability for larger builds |
| Pin pieces while drying |
Helps with balance and precision |
| Build in sections |
Assemble parts (like head/body) separately before final glue-up |
Common 3D Project Structures
| Structure Type |
How It’s Built |
Examples |
| Sphere |
2 domes glued together |
Animal heads, fruit, eyeballs |
| Cylinder |
Coils stacked and shaped |
Vases, arms, towers |
| Cone |
Dome or cone coils |
Trees, dresses, hats |
| Layered Flower |
Multiple teardrops and marquises |
Roses, lotuses, daisies |
| Modular Forms |
Individual components glued into sculpture |
Insects, dolls, animals |
Gluing Techniques
| Method |
Description |
Best For |
| Edge Glue |
Glue applied to outer edge of coils |
Joining layers or side pieces |
| Surface Glue |
Glue bottom of shape to base |
Assembling to platforms or scenery |
| Internal Reinforcement |
Apply glue inside 3D structure |
Adds strength without changing appearance |
| Pin-and-Dry |
Use pins to hold forms while glue sets |
Tall or curved structures |
Beginner-Friendly Project Ideas
| Project |
Main Shapes Used |
Difficulty |
Notes |
| 3D Flower (Rose, Daisy) |
Teardrops, domes, coils |
Easy |
Great for bouquets or toppers |
| Mushroom |
Dome + short cylinder |
Easy |
Fun and whimsical |
| Penguin |
Dome, marquise, cone |
Medium |
Layered form with details |
| Owl Sculpture |
Domes, teardrops, scrolls |
Medium |
Good use of paper textures |
| Teacup or Vase |
Dome + cylinder |
Intermediate |
Display piece with strong structure |
| 3D Figurine (doll, animal) |
Modular build from domes/cones |
Advanced |
Assemble in sections |
Finishing & Display Tips
| Tip |
Why It Helps |
| Seal finished sculpture with diluted glue or varnish |
Increases strength, prevents fraying |
| Mount on wood or cardstock base |
Adds support and presentation appeal |
| Use doming glaze or gloss |
Gives a glass-like shine |
| Store away from moisture |
Paper is vulnerable to warping |
FAQ
Can I make quilling sculptures without a dome mold?
Yes! Use rounded objects like marbles or the back of a spoon as a substitute.
How do I make large quilling sculptures stable?
Use wider paper strips and reinforce internal layers with glue as you build.
What kind of glue should I use?
Clear-drying white craft glue works best—avoid runny or watery glues.
Can kids do 3D quilling?
Absolutely! Supervise with scissors and use larger shapes for ease.