Meet Kath from Quilling by Kath

This week, I’m delighted to introduce a talented paper quilling artist whose creativity grew from an unexpected place. What began as a quiet way to cope with the challenges of early motherhood and support her mental wellbeing soon blossomed into a thriving handmade business. Today, she creates beautiful custom paper quilled artworks, collaborates on special projects, and shares her passion by teaching quilling workshops. In this interview, she shares the story behind her business, the inspiration that started it all, and how a simple craft became something much bigger.

Tell me about your business, what do you create and what inspired you to start?

I create unique handmade paper quilled artworks. They are artworks that are made from strips of paper that have been coiled, shaped and glued into various designs. Most of my work is made to order but I do also create other custom pieces for various collaborations and markets. I also run quilling workshops.

It was my mental health that inspired me to start quilling.

I remember breast feeding my daughter at 3am, tears streaming down my face whilst aimlessly scrolling on my phone. I came across this cool arty picture that really sparked my curiosity. I looked into this artform called quilling, bought myself a kit and started experimenting. I got hooked on quilling very quickly! I found that this craft was very relaxing and almost a form of meditation. This was something that was just for me, time for me, an outlet for me.

Was there a moment when you realised this could become a business?

It was about a year or so into my quilling journey that I realised that it could become a business. I initially made cards and small artworks for friends and family. Then I started a Facebook page where I would post pictures of my various artworks and people would contact me wanting to purchase them. Then people were asking me if I could make a specific design for them. It grew from there.

What do you love most about the creative process?

I love how I can help someone turn their idea into a finished work of art. Once the design is sorted out then the fun really begins. I love working with paper and creating one-off designs. I love the challenge of creating new artworks; It could be anything from a pet portrait to a baby name art piece. It’s great to try different techniques and get out of my comfort zone.

It is such a great feeling when you present the finished piece to a customer and they are blown away with the results. Happy tears are very common from my customers!

When you get a new idea, what is your step-by-step process from idea to finished product?

This is a great question! There is actually a fair bit that goes on besides just the quilling.

Firstly, there is the customer contact, either by email, messenger or phone. This is when I find out what the customer wants, why they want it and what their expectations are IE; size of the finished piece, general design idea, what occasion the piece is for (ie. Newborn, wedding gift etc), specific colours to be used, any special text / fonts, reference pictures / photos, when the artwork is required, delivery address, etc. Pricing and any special terms are also confirmed with the customer at this point.

After I’ve gathered all of the info and have the go-ahead to proceed, I would then enter this as an order into my accounting software.

I then produce a mock-up sketch of the final design. This would also include samples of paper colours, text fonts, spelling and sizing etc. Basically, it is a chance to check with my customer this is what they are wanting and we are both on the same page.

Foam board is cut to size and the design is pencilled out to scale. I make sure that I have enough stock of the coloured paper strips (cut more if needed). Plan out how I am going to assemble the design (start from the centre or from a specific corner etc). Make any specific shapes that are needed for the project. Then the quilled shapes are glued down onto the foam board. I send through progress pictures to my client as the design is progressing. When the quilling is complete it is left to dry overnight. The un-framed artwork is photographed, then framed in a 3D glass frame, then photographed again. A final picture is sent to my client of the finished piece. Delivery details are re-confirmed with my client and final payment is sorted out. The final artwork is carefully packed for delivery, along with a personal thankyou note. The artwork is posted for delivery. I always follow up with my client to confirm they have received their artwork and get their feedback on the final piece.

What do you want people to feel or experience when they use your products?

When people buy a custom artwork from me, I want them to feel they have purchased a one-of-a-kind, unique, hand-crafted artwork created just for them. I want them to feel joy and happiness as they unwrap their new artwork.

I want them to feel that I have captured their ideas into a finished piece of art and have exceeded their expectations.

What have been some of the biggest challenges in running your business?

Some of my biggest challenges in running my business would be keeping on top of admin and accounts. I’m the first to admit that I’d rather be creating and making than doing accounts! Pricing my artworks has always been a challenge for me, particularly as most of my jobs are one-off designs and you don’t know how long each piece will take to create. There are a lot of people who understand how much time and effort goes into a quilled art piece, and there are others who do not value true handmade items.

What does a good creative day look like for you?

A good creative day for me is being in my studio working on a range of custom pieces. I love the variety of different artworks that I get to create. I get into my quilling zone and can go for hours and hours without a break.

Is there something new you’d love to create in the future?

In the future I would like to work on some larger abstract artworks. I love experimenting with new techniques and working with bright bold colours.

Thankyou Kath for introducing us to your small business. Paper Quilling seems like something I would love to try! If your interested in seeing some more examples of Kath’s work or visiting her shop please visit these links and give her a follow. Website: https://quillingbykath.com, Instagram and Facebook.