How to Make a Quilled Medicine Wheel: A Guide to Creating a Spiritual Art Piece

How to Make a Quilled Medicine Wheel: A Guide to Creating a Spiritual Art Piece

The Medicine Wheel, a powerful symbol of Native American culture and spirituality, represents the interconnectedness of all things. It is a circle encompassing the four directions, elements, seasons, and aspects of life. Creating a quilled Medicine Wheel is a beautiful way to honor this ancient symbol while engaging in the art of quilling, a delicate paper-rolling technique. This guide will walk you through the process of making your own stunning and meaningful quilled Medicine Wheel.

Understanding the Medicine Wheel

Before you begin, it’s helpful to understand the symbolism of the Medicine Wheel:

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How to Make a Quilled Medicine Wheel: A Guide to Creating a Spiritual Art Piece

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How to Make a Quilled Medicine Wheel: A Guide to Creating a Spiritual Art Piece

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• The Circle: Represents the cyclical nature of life, the universe, and the interconnectedness of all things.
• The Four Directions: Each direction is associated with specific elements, colors, seasons, and aspects of life:
  • East: Dawn, Air, Spring, Enlightenment, New Beginnings, Yellow.
  • South: Day, Fire, Summer, Growth, Passion, Red.
  • West: Dusk, Water, Autumn, Introspection, Transformation, Black.
  • North: Night, Earth, Winter, Wisdom, Endurance, White.
• The Elements: Air, Fire, Water, and Earth represent the fundamental forces of nature and within ourselves.
• The Seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter reflect the cycles of life, death, and rebirth.
• The Aspects of Life: The Medicine Wheel is also often used to represent different aspects of human life, such as physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

Materials You’ll Need

• Quilling Paper: Choose a variety of colors that correspond to the four directions: yellow, red, black, and white. You can also add other colors to represent the elements or personal significance. The thickness and width of the paper strips depend on your preference, but 1/8 inch (3 mm) wide strips are a good starting point.
• Quilling Tool: A slotted quilling tool is the most common, used to roll the paper strips.
• Glue: Acid-free, clear-drying glue (like craft glue or quick-drying glue) is essential.
• Corkboard or Quilling Board: This provides a surface to hold your quilled shapes while they dry and helps to shape the pieces.
• Scissors: For trimming paper strips.
• Ruler or Measuring Tape: For measuring and ensuring accuracy.
• Pencil: For marking guidelines on your base.
• Base Material: A sturdy base like cardstock, foam board, or even a wooden plaque to mount your Medicine Wheel.
• Optional:
  • Tweezers: To handle small quilled shapes and place them accurately.
  • Toothpicks: For applying glue to small areas.
  • Circle Template: To make a perfectly round base for your Medicine Wheel.
  • Embellishments: Beads, feathers, or other decorative elements for adding extra flair.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Base:

   • Cut your base material into a circle. Use a circle template, compass, or trace around a round object to ensure accuracy. The size of your base will determine the size of your Medicine Wheel.
   • Lightly draw a cross through the center of the circle. This will serve as your guide for the four directions.
   • Divide each quadrant of the circle into sections for the colors of the four directions, leaving some space in the center.

2. Roll the Coils:

   • Prepare your quilling paper strips. Cut strips of the appropriate colors.
   • Insert the end of a paper strip into the slot of your quilling tool.
   • Roll the paper strip tightly around the tool. This will create a tight coil.
   • Once the entire strip is rolled, carefully remove the coil from the tool.
   • Let the coil relax slightly. This will create a loose coil.
   • Glue the end of the paper strip to the coil to secure it.

3. Shape the Coils:

   • Teardrops: Pinch one side of a loose coil to form a teardrop shape. These can be used for the rays extending from the center.
   • Eye Shapes: Pinch opposite sides of a loose coil to create an eye shape. These are often used for the inner circles.
   • Other Shapes: Experiment with different shapes by pinching and manipulating the loose coils. You can create marquise shapes, squares, and more.

4. Create the Center:

   • The center represents the creator, the self, or the spirit. You can make the center in a variety of ways:
     • Large Coil: Create a large, tight coil for the center.
     • Closed Shapes: Arrange several closed shapes in the center (teardrops, eye shapes, etc.)
     • Open Shapes: Create a circle of loose coils for the center.
     • Embellishments: You can also use a bead or other embellishment for the center.
   • Glue the center shape in the middle of your base.

5. Build the Directions:

   • Using the drawn guidelines as a guide, start working on the four directions.
   • East (Yellow): Roll and shape coils using yellow paper to create shapes like teardrops or eye shapes. Glue these shapes in the designated quadrant for the East.
   • South (Red): Repeat the process using red paper in the South quadrant.
   • West (Black): Repeat the process using black paper in the West quadrant.
   • North (White): Repeat the process using white paper in the North quadrant.

6. Add Inner Circles and Details:

   • Inner Circles: You can add additional circles inside each quadrant. These circles can be made using eye shapes or loose coils in the corresponding color.
   • Rays/Spokes: Use teardrops or straight lines to create rays or spokes radiating from the center towards the outer edge of the circle. These can be made using the color of the respective direction or other colors.
   • Elements: Use different colors to represent the elements. For instance, you can use blue for water, green for earth, and orange for fire.
   • Personal Symbolism: Feel free to add other shapes or colors to represent your own beliefs and experiences.

7. Glue and Secure:

   • Carefully glue each quilled shape in place using a small amount of glue.
   • Press gently to ensure the pieces are securely adhered to the base.
   • Allow the glue to dry completely. This may take several hours or overnight.

8. Finishing Touches (Optional):

   • Embellishments: Add beads, feathers, or other embellishments to your Medicine Wheel for added beauty and meaning.
   • Sealing: If desired, you can apply a sealant to your finished piece to protect it from moisture and dust.
   • Framing: Frame your quilled Medicine Wheel to display it proudly.

Tips for Success

• Practice: Quilling takes practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts aren’t perfect.
• Use Quality Materials: High-quality quilling paper and glue will produce the best results.
• Be Patient: Quilling is a delicate and time-consuming art form. Take your time and enjoy the process.
• Experiment: Try different shapes, colors, and designs to create a Medicine Wheel that is truly unique.
• Research: Learn more about the symbolism of the Medicine Wheel to deepen your understanding and create a piece that resonates with you.
• Glue Application: Use a small amount of glue to prevent it from seeping out and ruining the details of your work.

Conclusion

Creating a quilled Medicine Wheel is a rewarding and meaningful experience. By following these instructions, you can craft a beautiful piece of art that honors the rich traditions of Native American culture and serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things. Embrace the process, be creative, and allow your Medicine Wheel to be a reflection of your own spiritual journey.