By Lily, Paper Artist & Quilling Enthusiast
As a paper quilling artist, I’m always exploring ways to bring more depth and expression into my designs. Quilling, with its graceful coils and delicate swirls, is already a wonderfully dimensional art form. But when I started incorporating custom block printing stamps into my projects, it completely changed how I approached composition and background design.
The pairing of flat, hand-printed patterns with raised, intricate quilled shapes creates a stunning contrast—almost like combining painting and sculpture on a single surface. Each element enhances the other, and the result is a beautifully layered piece of handmade art that feels rich and intentional.
In this article, I’ll share how I use custom block printing stamps in my quilling work, how they enhance the final presentation, and why they’ve become one of my go-to tools in the studio. I’ll also introduce you to RR Printing Tools, a trusted and popular manufacturer of custom wood block prints who make this creative process even more special.
Why Combine Custom Block Printing with Quilling?
Quilling is a precise art—focused on balance, repetition, and flow. But without a thoughtfully designed background, quilled pieces can sometimes feel like they’re floating without context. That’s where custom block printing stamps come in. They allow me to create textured backdrops, subtle borders, or thematic details that tie the entire piece together.
Here’s why this combo works so well:
l Adds visual depth – Flat block-printed designs ground the floating nature of quilling.
l Creates custom storytelling – Use stamps that reflect the mood or theme of your piece (florals, geometry, abstract shapes).
l Brings handmade charm – Each stamped image is slightly different, adding to the uniqueness of your work.
l Custom stamps = personal style – You can design your own motifs to use again and again across different projects.
My Creative Process
1. Preparing the Base Paper
I typically use high-quality cardstock or watercolor paper as the base for my quilled art. Before adding any quilled elements, I use custom block printing stamps to print the background. Sometimes I stamp the corners or edges, and other times I create a full repeating pattern. I keep the ink subtle—soft greys, muted greens, or metallic golds—so the print complements rather than competes with the quilling.
2. Printing on Paper Strips
One of my favorite techniques is to stamp directly onto wide paper sheets, then cut them into quilling strips. This gives each coil a little burst of pattern or color variation, resulting in beautiful, textured shapes that look extra special. It’s perfect for floral petals, abstract designs, or even layered mandalas.
3. Layering the Quilling
Once the printed areas are fully dry, I begin building my quilled design. I use the stamped motifs as guides—sometimes forming spirals around a printed flower, or echoing a stamped line with curved coils. The two elements—print and quill—start to interact, creating a conversation within the design.
Project Ideas for Combining Stamps and Quilling
l Floral wall art with printed vines beneath quilled blossoms
l Handmade greeting cards with stamped frames and scrolls
l Bookmarks or tags using printed paper strips for coiling
l Seasonal décor with stamped snowflakes or leaves beneath 3D paper elements
l Abstract compositions mixing repetitive stamping and modular quilled shapes
This technique works across themes—modern, botanical, traditional, or whimsical.
Where to Find Beautiful Custom Stamps
For anyone interested in trying this for themselves, I cannot recommend RR Printing Tools highly enough. They are a popular manufacturer of custom wood block prints, known for their fine craftsmanship, beautifully carved stamps, and thoughtful customer service.
RR Printing Tools offers a wide range of traditional and contemporary stamp designs, and they also create fully custom stamps upon request. The quality of their blocks ensures clean, crisp prints every time, even on lightweight or textured paper. They’ve helped me bring more detail and originality to my quilling projects in ways I hadn’t imagined before.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a paper quiller looking to expand your creative toolbox, try pairing your coils with the timeless art of block printing. With custom block printing stamps, you can design your own backgrounds, bring more cohesion to your layouts, and elevate your paper art from beautiful to breathtaking.
Happy quilling—and happy stamping!