If you’ve ever rolled a thin strip of colored paper and watched it curl into a perfect little coil, you probably already know how addictive quilling can get. There’s something oddly peaceful about it, right? Just you, your hands, a bit of glue, and the quiet satisfaction of turning simple paper into art.
Now imagine doing that and getting paid for it. Sounds like a dream? Well, it’s actually not that far-fetched. That’s exactly what a quilling business lets you do — turn creativity into something people will happily pay for (and post about online).
So, What’s This Quilling Thing Anyway?
In case you’re new to the term — quilling, or paper filigree if you want to sound fancy — is basically the art of rolling and shaping paper strips into decorative stuff. It goes way back, like centuries back, but recently it’s had a bit of a comeback thanks to Pinterest, Etsy, and all those aesthetic Instagram accounts.
You’ll see people using it for cards, wall art, jewelry, wedding invites, you name it. The beauty of quilling is that it’s delicate and striking at the same time—something you can hang on a wall or wear as earrings.
And honestly, if you’re a patient person who likes small, detailed work (and doesn’t mind a few paper cuts now and then), this can become a surprisingly fulfilling business.
Why Even Start a Quilling Business?
Let’s not sugarcoat it—starting a handmade craft business takes effort. But quilling has some nice perks:
- You don’t need a huge investment. Paper, glue, and a few tools—that’s it.
- It’s planet-friendly. Paper art ticks the sustainability box.
- Everything’s customizable. People love that personal touch.
- You can work from anywhere. Home, studio, or even your kitchen table.
In short, it’s creative, flexible, and doesn’t burn a hole in your wallet.
If you’re someone who finds joy in making things by hand—not just for money but for that little spark of happiness—a quilling business might just be your kind of thing.
Step 1: Learn, Practice, and Then Practice Some More
Now, I won’t lie — quilling looks easy, but it takes finesse. You’ll want to start by mastering the basics: rolling, shaping, pinching, gluing (without that glue blob ruining everything).
Where to learn? Honestly, the internet’s full of gold.
- YouTube: Great for step-by-step demos.
- Skillshare/ Udemy: If you like structured lessons.
- Pinterest: Endless design inspiration.
- Facebook groups or Reddit threads: Real quillers sharing real tips.
Start by recreating small, simple patterns — flowers, leaves, mandalas. Once you get comfortable, create your own designs. Don’t rush to sell immediately. A bit of patience here pays off later.
Step 2: Decide What You’ll Actually Sell
You can’t (and shouldn’t) make everything. Quilling is a wide field, so pick your lane. It helps you stand out and price better.
Some solid quilling ideas:
- Greeting cards & wedding invites – still top sellers.
- Personalized name frames – birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers.
- Quilled jewelry – lightweight, unique, surprisingly durable when sealed.
- Home décor – framed pieces, 3D quilling art.
- Corporate or festival gifts – for Diwali, Christmas, you name it.
Try a few categories at first, then double down on what people respond to. Listen to your buyers — they’ll literally tell you what’s working.
Step 3: Set Up Your Creative Corner
Alright, now for your workspace. Don’t overcomplicate it. You don’t need a fancy studio — a clean, quiet table and some shelves can do wonders.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Quilling strips (lots of colors and widths)
- A slotted quilling tool
- Tweezers, fine-tip scissors, glue
- Quilling board or template
- A good light source
- Varnish or sealant (especially for jewelry)
- Boxes and envelopes for packaging
Keep things organized — paper can bend or absorb moisture easily. Maybe add a small fan or dehumidifier if you live somewhere humid. Little things make a big difference in quality.
Step 4: Build Your Brand (Even If It’s Just You)
Here’s where a lot of crafters mess up — they make beautiful art but don’t bother with branding. But the truth is, branding isn’t about logos or fonts. It’s about feel.
Ask yourself:
Do you want your products to feel calm and elegant? Bright and playful? Minimal and modern? That vibe should reflect in your photos, packaging, and even your Instagram captions.
Pick a memorable name, something easy to pronounce and spell. Then, get on:
- Instagram – share process videos (people love watching coils form).
- Pinterest – for design inspiration and traffic.
- Etsy or Shopify – for selling globally.
Pro tip: People connect with people. Show your face sometimes. Talk about your story — your love for handmade crafts, your first design fail, your proudest sale. That’s what builds trust.
Step 5: Price Your Work (Without Undervaluing Yourself)
Oh boy, the pricing struggle. Every handmade artist has been there. You either underprice because you’re scared people won’t buy, or overprice and wonder why they don’t.
Here’s a quick formula to help:
- (Material cost + time spent + overheads) + desired profit = selling price
- Track how long each piece takes. If you spend 3 hours on something, factor that time in — your time is money.
- Do a quick check on what similar items sell for on Etsy or local craft sites. You’ll get a realistic range. Then, aim slightly above average if your work looks premium (and it should).
And remember — your first few pieces are about learning, not profits. Don’t panic if sales are slow. It’s normal.
Step 6: Selling Your Quilling Art (Online & Offline)
Here comes the fun part — getting your art out into the world. You’ve got several routes here:
1. Etsy/ Amazon Handmade/ Folksy
Perfect for reaching global buyers. Take bright, clear photos with neutral backgrounds. Use SEO-friendly titles — think “Handmade Quilling Earrings – Floral Paper Jewelry Gift.”
2. Your Own Website
If you’re serious about building a brand, get your own site through Shopify, Wix, or WordPress. It looks more professional and helps long term.
3. Social Media
Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are your best friends. Use hashtags like #quillingart #paperjewelry #handmadegiftideas — people actually browse by those.
4. Local Craft Fairs & Pop-ups
Offline markets still rock. You meet real people, tell your story, and sometimes sell out faster than online.
5. Bulk or Custom Orders
Think corporate gifts, weddings, and event invites. You can even pitch your products to local boutiques or concept stores.
The key is — experiment. You’ll find what works best for your audience.
Step 7: Spread the Word (Without Sounding Like a Salesperson)
Marketing handmade stuff is all about authenticity. Nobody wants to be spammed with “Buy now!” posts. Instead, try this:
- Share your process, not just finished pieces.
- Talk about what inspired a design.
- Show packaging prep, small behind-the-scenes clips.
- Collaborate with micro-influencers in the craft space.
Teach a mini-workshop online or offline — even free ones help you get noticed. You’re not just selling paper art; you’re sharing a little joy and skill.
Step 8: Manage Orders & Keep Things Smooth
Once orders start coming in, organization matters. A lot.
Use spreadsheets or simple tools like Google Sheets, Trello, or Notion to track:
- Orders & due dates
- Payments & shipping
- Inventory & expenses
Invest in reliable courier services and always pack your products like they’re fragile — because they are. Add thank-you notes, maybe a discount code for repeat buyers. Small touches make customers remember you.
Step 9: When You’re Ready — Scale It Up
Once you’ve got your rhythm going, think about scaling.
You could:
- Introduce limited-edition designs or seasonal collections.
- Offer DIY quilling kits for beginners.
- License your designs for prints or stationery.
- Partner with decor or gift brands.
- Create online tutorials or digital courses.
Scaling doesn’t have to mean going big. Sometimes, it just means working smarter — doing more of what sells and dropping what doesn’t.
Step 10: The Not-So-Fun Stuff (Legal & Financial Basics)
Yeah, I know — paperwork, taxes, blah blah. But it’s important.
Depending on where you live:
- Register your business (even a small home-based one).
- Get a separate business bank account.
- Understand tax rules
- Check export or customs requirements if you’re shipping abroad.
It might sound boring, but once this is sorted, you can focus on the fun, creative side without worrying about getting into legal tangles later.
Common Bumps You Might Hit (And How to Fix Them)
Every creative business has its “ugh” moments. Here are some you might face:
- Paper warping in humid weather → Store in airtight boxes with silica gel.
- Shipping issues → Double-layer packaging and “Fragile” stickers help.
- Creative block → Take a break. Go outside. Inspiration doesn’t come by force.
- Slow sales → Happens to everyone. Try a new platform or product type.
It’s okay to stumble. Every successful artist did. The trick is to keep experimenting till things click.
My Two Cents as Someone Who’s Seen the Craft Scene
Let me just say this: the quilling market is competitive. There are tons of beautiful handmade stores already out there. But guess what? None of them has your exact style, your story, your fingerprints (literally).
- Don’t copy trends blindly. Take inspiration, yes, but build your own vibe.
- When you pour a bit of your personality into your work, people notice. They feel it.
And the best part? Every sale feels personal. Every “thank you” message from a customer reminds you why you started. It’s not just business; it’s art that travels.
Final Thoughts
So yeah, starting a quilling business isn’t rocket science — it’s passion with a bit of structure. You’ll mess up glue joints, ruin a few coils, and maybe even question yourself on a slow day. But once you see someone across the world buy your art because it spoke to them — that’s magic.
Start small. Stay consistent. Keep learning.
Because sometimes, the most beautiful businesses are born not in boardrooms, but at a messy little craft table covered in colored paper and dreams.
Read: Best Small Business Ideas for Women
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Quilling Business Profitable?
A quilling business is a profitable business for mainly two reasons. Firstly, it does not require high investment like machinery and equipment. Secondly, the items in the quilling business are sold at good prices. The more you can produce, the more profit you will get. On average, you can expect to get a profit of 30-40% in the beginning, and with proper marketing, publicity, and innovative ideas, this margin can go higher up to 50-60%.
How Much Money is Needed to Start Quilling Business?
The cost of starting a quilling business will not be very high for you. You will need raw materials for approximately $200. Apart from that, you have to spend money on salaries, marketing and publicity, licenses and permits, insurance, taxes, conveyance, and other charges. The total expense will be approximately between $5000 and $7000.
How Much Can You Earn from Quilling Business?
The cost of quilling greeting cards starts from $10, and stationery or jewelry may be between $10 and $12. The more creative your designs, the more prices you can charge. Photo frames or wall hangings with beautiful designs may give you a price as high as $100 or $180.
A quilling business will give you creative satisfaction and a good profit margin. Follow the steps properly, and you will be able to create a good name for your brand.
Rupak Chakrabarty is a small business coach and founder of 99BusinessIdeas.com, where he and his team share practical guides and startup resources for entrepreneurs worldwide. With over a decade of experience in business consulting, Rupak has advised startups and small businesses across industries, including retail, food services, making money online, and e-commerce. His mission is to simplify entrepreneurship by providing actionable insights that help everyday people turn ideas into profitable ventures.
Contact: rupak@99businessideas.com
