- What is a paper quilled crescent?
- How to make a crescent
- Ways to use a crescent
More than just part of the moon
Crescents are the one little shape than can go a long way. Use them as one shape that can be placed in many different orientations. Or combine crescents with other shapes like the teardrop or ghost, to produce multi-colored shapes. But be warned, mass producing crescents with a consistent size and shape can be tough.
Basic process of quilling a crescent
1. Use a toothpick to roll up a paper strip
2. Always make a loose coil, then glue to secure
3. Pinch the left and right ends of the coil, to form a half-circle
4. Press a toothpick or a pen down against the flat side, in the center (Toothpick makes a thin crescent, pen makes a thick crescent)
5. Use your thumbs and index fingers to adjust the curve and tips of the crescent
Note: Because crescents are formed from loose coils, they are unpredictable. I found it easier to make the same size/type of crescent with shorter paper strips, such as 11" long instead of 22" long, and using a toothpick to press it down.
Ways to use a crescent
Crescent designs:
-Combine a crescent with a teardrop to make a multi-color flower petal
-Make a thick crescent to show off the swirl in the center
-Make a thin crescent for a waning moon
-Place the crescent so the pointy ends are face up, to make a claw or face paint
-Combine a crescent with a ghost to make reptile or dragon scales
-Place the curve part face up, to make eyebrows
While it's tricky making consistent crescents, they are a very fun and useful shape. Since all loose coils can be molded into irregular shapes, you can always press a messed up crescent into another shape. Crescents may not fill up a lot of space, but they are artistically pleasing to the eye. The next
time you want to create shapes with a different color outline, try paper quilling a crescent!