In Edwardian and Victorian times, many genteel ladies were taught quilling along with needle work as an acceptable hobby. The skill flourished in Europe amongst wealthy women who spent their time making intricate coiled shapes out of pieces of paper. They would then paint and gild their creations to mimic expensive intricacies of metal or ivory.
The process is simple enough, but requires practice to achieve even coils. To get started, grab a piece of thin paper and a quilling tool (slotted ones are best for beginners). If you prefer to cut your own strips, you can find a variety of sizes on the market. You will also need a tool handle that is about 4.5 inches long, like the handle of a clay modeling tool.
Start rolling a strip of paper with bluntly cut ends around the slotted tool. Keep the strip snug and let it roll around the tip for about 30 seconds. When you feel the coil pull loose from the tool, remove it. Then, pinch one end and glue it to create a teardrop shape. Repeat as desired to make a chain.
For these earrings, I created four sets of three teardrop ring coils and two large domed tight coils positioned in the center. For a longer stem, you can use a single 2 1/2 inch strip and double it over itself to form a larger circle. For a stronger, more uniform circle, you can also try adding the second strip on top of the first to reduce holes. Paper Quilling Jewelry