Saturday, September 1, 2012

Stepping Back in Time

Happy September!

A long time ago when I started quilling, I could only find kits by Quill It, Inc. (1974) owned by Barbara B. Maddox. They were sold at a Fort Worth, Ben Franklin Craft Store. From the information included in the kits, I could soon order via mail by catalog. Later in the 80s, the kits were sold at MJDesigns in the Dallas-Fort Worth area (the M stood for Michael, as in the Michaels Stores, Inc. started in Texas.)*



Most of the kits included printed card stock to cut out and use for leaves and other motifs. They also included a printed saying to use as the background. I bought as many kits as I could find and still have several unopened. I continue to collect and buy the original Quill It kits on eBay when I can find them.

As you can see, my mat cutting skills were horrendous! LOL I collected strawberries in my kitchen for about a year, but didn't like how the reds never matched and seemed to clash. The fact that I had bright yellow and brown (70s) wallpaper in the kitchen didn't help with the decor.


I cannot remember the reason for doing this, but I always covered the backs with coordinating paper, probably gift wrapping paper.



Bright colors have always been my favorite. I collected parrots in the 80s so this is one of my favorites. (I am a huge Jimmy Buffet fan, an original parakeet.) In today's quilling standards, I believe these cut-out leaves would be quilled, along with the beak. The same with the sun below.



You guessed it! I also collected rainbows. Back when these kits were sold you couldn't purchase individual packages of quilling paper. So I saved every piece quilling strip leftovers. I did break into other kits to use the paper when I started quilling my own little pieces. I regret that now.

These three projects are in poor shape from not being stored properly and kept in a hot Texas garage for all these years. I clean my old, dusty quilling pieces with a can of air and an old, soft shaving brush. I'd like to think some of the age spots show character :)

Thanks for going down memory lane with me.
Have fun quilling!

-Molly

*Michael's dad, James Dupey, bought the Ben Franklin craft stores. I taught quilling at MJDesigns in 2002. They filed for bankruptcy 10 days before Christmas and I never got paid for teaching the classes. I was devastated, but looking back I am glad for the experience (it gave me much needed confidence) and the teacher discount was nice.

9 comments:

Ann Martin said...

So nice to see and hear the more recent 'history' of quilling. And very interesting to learn about Michaels and its less than auspicious start!

Artes de Nágela said...

Molly really, life gives us experiences.
I love your work always full of beauty and creativity!
Have a great week!

chillin with Quillin said...

thankyou for letting us walk down memory lane with you!!
enjoy your works of art!!!!!
Paula

Anastasiaw2008@gmail.com said...

Enjoyd reading your quilling history Molly, and your creations are so perfect and beautiful!

Unknown said...

I admire your talent and the love you do your art. I treasure the ones you gave me. So glad you are my dear friend. Hugs sharon

Teddie Seeley said...

Thank you for taking us down memory lane with you Molly.
Love your work and book.

Christine said...

Love your quilling and your ideas and oh yes!! Did I tell you I enjoy reading your blogs. You have a great way of putting things.

Take a peak at mine when you fid the time. You might like some of my pieces.
http://ajourneyintoquilling.blogspot.com

Shylaashree said...

All are such a pretty work. Love to follow you
Adhiraacreations

Kasia Wojtasik said...

Wow! 70s and quilling - it's something unreal for me :) I was born in late 80s :))))
Yor frame with raspberries is amazing!