How to Make a Quilled Medicine Wheel
The Medicine Wheel is a sacred symbol of Native American cultures, representing the interconnectedness of all things. It embodies the four directions, the four elements, the four seasons, and the four stages of life. Creating a Medicine Wheel can be a deeply personal and spiritual experience, and adding the art of quilling can transform it into a beautiful and intricate piece of art. Quilling, also known as paper filigree, involves rolling, shaping, and gluing narrow strips of paper to create decorative designs. In this guide, we’ll explore how to make a stunning quilled Medicine Wheel.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Paper Strips: You’ll need a variety of colored paper strips for the quilling. Choose colors that represent the four directions and elements:
- East: Yellow (air, enlightenment, spring)
- South: Red (fire, passion, summer)
- West: Black or Blue (water, introspection, autumn)
- North: White (earth, wisdom, winter)
- Additional Colors: You may want to include other colors for accents, the center, or embellishments.
- Strip Width: 3mm or 1/8 inch is a common width for quilling.
- Quilling Tool: This is a slotted tool that helps you roll the paper strips. You can find them at most craft stores.
- Glue: Use a precision glue applicator for accurate and clean gluing. PVA glue (white glue) is a good choice, but make sure it’s acid-free to preserve your artwork.
- Base:
- Cardstock or thick paper: For the base of your Medicine Wheel, choose a sturdy material that can support the quilled elements. A neutral color like cream or light brown works well.
- Optional: You can use a wood round, canvas, or other material for your base.
- Scissors or Craft Knife: For trimming paper strips.
- Ruler and Pencil: For measuring and marking guidelines.
- Circle Template or Compass: To create the outer circle of the Medicine Wheel.
- Tweezers: Helpful for handling and placing small quilled shapes.
- Toothpicks or Awl: For applying glue precisely.
- Optional Embellishments: Beads, feathers, crystals, or other materials to personalize your Medicine Wheel.
- Cutting Mat: To protect your work surface.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
- Draw the Outer Circle: Using your compass or circle template, draw a large circle on your base material. This will be the outer boundary of your Medicine Wheel. The size is up to you, but a diameter of 6-12 inches is a good starting point.
- Divide into Quarters: Lightly draw a line across the center of the circle horizontally and another vertically, dividing the circle into four equal quadrants. These lines will represent the four directions.
- Draw the Inner Circle(s) (Optional): You can add inner circles to create more definition. Draw one or more circles inside the outer circle. These can be concentric or of varying sizes.
- Mark the Directions: Lightly label the quadrants with their corresponding directions (East, South, West, North).
2. Create the Quilled Elements:
- Basic Quilling Shapes: Before you begin, practice creating basic quilling shapes:
- Tight Coil: Roll a paper strip tightly around the quilling tool and secure with glue.
- Loose Coil: Roll a paper strip around the quilling tool, let it loosen slightly, and secure with glue.
- Teardrop: Create a loose coil, pinch one end to form a teardrop shape.
- Eye: Create a loose coil, pinch both ends to form an eye shape.
- Marquise: Similar to the eye, but pinch both ends more sharply.
- C-Scroll: Roll a paper strip into a loose coil and glue one end to create a "C" shape.
- S-Scroll: Roll a paper strip into a loose coil, and glue both ends to create an "S" shape.
- Choose Your Shapes: Decide which quilled shapes you want to use in your Medicine Wheel. The most common shapes are loose coils, teardrops, and eyes. Experiment with different combinations.
3. Quilling the Medicine Wheel:
- East (Yellow):
- Begin in the East quadrant. You can use yellow paper strips for the air element and enlightenment.
- Create a series of loose coils, teardrops, or other shapes. Glue them along the lines you drew earlier, creating the design you have chosen.
- South (Red):
- Work in the South quadrant, using red paper strips for fire and passion.
- Repeat the process with the shapes you choose.
- West (Black or Blue):
- Move to the West quadrant and use black or blue paper strips for water and introspection.
- Arrange your quilled shapes in the desired pattern.
- North (White):
- Complete the North quadrant with white paper strips for earth and wisdom.
- Continue with your pattern.
- The Center:
- The center of the Medicine Wheel represents the self or the Great Spirit.
- Create a large, prominent quilled shape (like a large loose coil or a design of your choice) in the center of the wheel. You can use a color that symbolizes the center, such as gold, silver, or a color that resonates with you.
- Inner Circles (Optional):
- If you added inner circles, you can fill them with quilled shapes.
4. Gluing and Assembly:
- Precision is Key: Use your glue applicator to apply small dots of glue to the back of each quilled shape.
- Placement: Carefully place the quilled shapes onto your base, following your design. Use tweezers to help position the smaller elements.
- Securing: Press each shape gently to ensure it adheres to the base.
- Drying Time: Allow the glue to dry completely before adding any further elements.
5. Adding Embellishments (Optional):
- Personalization: Once the quilled elements are secure, you can add embellishments to personalize your Medicine Wheel.
- Beads: Glue small beads onto the ends of your quilled shapes or around the outer circle.
- Feathers: Attach feathers to the outer edge of the wheel to represent air and the connection to the spirit world.
- Crystals: Place crystals in the center or at the cardinal directions to enhance the spiritual energy.
- Other Elements: Use your creativity to add other elements that are meaningful to you.
6. Finishing Touches:
- Clean Up: Once everything is dry and secure, trim any excess glue with a craft knife.
- Sealing (Optional): You can spray a clear sealant over your Medicine Wheel to protect it from dust and damage.
- Display: Find a special place to display your finished Medicine Wheel. You can frame it, hang it on the wall, or place it on a shelf.
Tips and Considerations:
- Color Theory: Consider the symbolic meanings of the colors you choose.
- Symmetry and Balance: Aim for symmetry and balance in your design to create a visually appealing and harmonious Medicine Wheel.
- Practice: Before starting your final project, practice making the quilled shapes you plan to use.
- Patience: Quilling requires patience and precision. Take your time and enjoy the process.
- Spiritual Connection: As you create your Medicine Wheel, take time to reflect on the meaning of the symbol and its significance in your life.
Conclusion:
Creating a quilled Medicine Wheel is a rewarding experience that combines artistic expression with spiritual connection. By following these steps, you can create a beautiful and meaningful piece of art that represents the interconnectedness of all things. Embrace the process, let your creativity flow, and enjoy the journey of creating your own Medicine Wheel.
