Quilled Mandalas: 30 Paper Projects for Creativity and Relaxation
Reviews (150)
Most designs are perfect
I am really excited to make and the designs in this book. The instructions - both at the beginning and for the individual projects - are good, the colors are brilliant, and some of the patterns are really lovely, the sort you see on Pinterest and think, sheesh, I wish I knew how to do that sort of thing. Well, with this book, there's no excuse not to try! However, I do have a few issues. Firstly, some of the designs require a die-cut machine. One of the things I love about quilling is that it's low profile, it doesn't take up much space and is inexpensive. I don't own a lot of extra tools - and while I understand the author's connection with Quilled Creations, it does seem like one must own most of the tools they sell to get through all the projects successfully. Perhaps this is picky of me, but I saw the front and back covers, and thought these designs would be similar to what I saw there - easily done with my hands and a needle tool. It was disappointing to learn otherwise. (Note that most should be fine, as long as you're comfortable making large tight rolls unassisted.) A few also call for specialty papers, which I actually like, because I have a few packs of those that I wasn't sure what to do with. They could probably be swapped for regular paper in most cases. Second gripe is that some of the other projects not shown on the cover are extremely simplistic, or not mandalas at all. For example, the eight-point snowflakes, while symmetrical, are less appealing and intricate than the snowflake designs in the Quilled Creations snowflake kit, and the Sunset design is just a lot of large tight rolls. I sort of figured that a) the designs will be mandalas, and b) that they will be a step above what one could get for free elsewhere (or easily duplicate just by sight). I can't blame anyone for putting the most attractive designs on the cover, but honestly, looking at something like the lotus and then getting to the Blossom & Bee, it's clear that they are simply not on the same level. (I say this with much reservation and with apologies to the author, art is after all in the eye of the beholder, but as a big fan of mandala coloring books, some of these just didn't seem to belong.) All of that being said, my real advice to buyers on a budget would be to check out this book at a store or a library and decide for yourself whether it's worth paying for - you can definitely switch up the colors and patterns a great deal if you're so inclined, and there are plenty of aspirational projects here. I'm enthusiastic about 20/30, so in spite of a few that seem out of place, it's a good value. Happy quilling!
Beautiful, but warning: templates cannot be copied
This is a gorgeous book! I love nearly every project. The instructions are precise and clear. The techniques and tools are well explained. BUT, in the Kindle version, you cannot print or trace the templates to place under waxed paper as you create your own mandalas. For myself, l just need the six radial lines under my work and then l can look at the template in the book for placement, so no problem. However, if you are a crafter who likes to have the template under your work, you will want a physical copy instead of the kindle version
Beautiful Patterns - Instructions Not Precise
I love the patterns in this book - they are beautiful. But as a beginner quiller, I have found that the instructions are inaccurate. Oftentimes, the paper lengths are too long and make the coils too tight to make the desired effect and the circle sizes aren't always correct. In order to remedy these issues, I have started measuring the patterns themselves to get more precise results and shortening the paper lengths.
Outstandingly Beautiful!
I admit it, I'm addicted to paper and have been for many years! I love books and I love quilling! This book is physically BEAUTIFUL.....the cover, the pages are all exquisite even to the touch! Alli Bartkowski did another amazing job with this book. She is truly an artist and this book shows off her beautiful style and gorgeous designs.....and teaches us exactly how to imitate her craft. The instructions, illustrations and templates make what looks so difficult, very easy. If you've never quilled before, practice on simpler projects or get a beginners book before you tackle any of these, but once you get the hang of quilling, you will be able to make these lovely projects. I have all of her books.....and others on quilling...but this is by far the greatest yet! Do not hesitate for a minute to purchase this book Update: I've made several of the projects in this book already and placed them on greeting cards. Truly beautiful as an artistic gift. Changed the colors to suit my tastes but designs are truly lovely and come together perfectly on the templates provided.
Nice but not my favorite quilling book.
There are some beautiful designs in the book, the problem is twofold dropping the star rating down to a 3. The length of the strips is not accurate in many cases and the suggested colors weren’t either. The first thing i made the yellow was ordered as suggested in the book but instead if the darker yellow in the picture the color was really pale and washed out. The instructions aren’t always the easiest to understand either.
Super!
Quilling has always intrigued me but I didn't do much of it because I didn't know what to do with the tiny motifs I made. Quilled Mandalas, on the other hand, offer instructions leading to big masterpieces that are easily achievable, one component at a time. You'll be hooked, and you have plenty of time to make and frame a few mandalas for Christmas presents. I've found a couple of omissions/errors; for example, you need royal blue strips for the peacock but the color isn't in the materials list. So, read the instructions all the way through before placing an order for the papers you'll need. Still, it's an inspiring book and I'm having more fun with quilling than ever before. This book is one of my best craft-book purchases this year.
Beautiful designs
It is a book for all, beginners, intermediate, and advance! It has something for everyone. It is well written, and easy to understand. I am pleased with every one that I have made so far and it inspires me to start thing of my own designs! I love the author and have another book by her, and it is just as good. I really recommend this book and author.
Currently my favorite quilling book!
Wanted to use this book before commenting. Found the directions clear and templates accurate. There's a mandala for every taste and the color photos make a quitter eager to try them all. These mandalas are not quick to make, but final product is well worth the effort. I'd give more than five stars if I could. And, quilled mandalas are a terrific project to do with older grandkids.
I may cut this book apart and frame the images, of course save the instruction pages for reference
Nice book. The photos taken of the quilling project examples on a black background really are amazing just by themselves, but the book is also very well written. Clear instruction. Some background on quilling and a nice overview of papers and tools.
The best Quilling book in my library
This is the best Quilling book I own. The instructions are very easy to follow. The measurements are spot-on. The projects are contemporary. This book has 3 levels of difficulty with projects in 2 different sizes. Highly recommend this well written book.
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