Don’t be fooled by the noble marquise—there’s so much more to this elegant, diamond-shaped quill than what meets the eye! A true powerhouse, it transforms many of our handcrafted greeting cards into dazzling, unforgettable masterpieces.
What Is a Marquise?
Similar to the teardrop, the marquise is made by taking a loosened coil and pinching both ends to form an eye-like shape.
Simple in concept but packed with limitless potential, you can manipulate the quill to produce countless silhouettes and patterns that add dimension, movement, and plenty of character.
How Do We Use It?
Here’s how marquises show up in some of your favorite designs:
🌊 Striking Silhouettes and Bold Contours
The marquise is a master of form and function. From the delicate flower petals of our “Birds of Paradise” card to the vibrant, color-shifting feathers of the “Great Blue Heron” and rolling tidal waves of our “Surfing Paradise," it provides the structure and definition required to make every detail shine.
🧁 Stacked Coils Bring the Drama
Who knew paper could have so much depth? In designs like our “Bald Eagle” and “Polka Dot Cupcake,” cream- and ivory-colored quills are tightly layered, creating eye-popping drama and shadowplay. The result? A rich, dimensional look that almost shimmers with life and movement.
🐰 Delight in the Details
Sometimes, the tiniest, most modest details—the dainty legs of a “Ladybug” or the pink coils of our “Kawaii Bunny’s” floppy ears—are what give our cards their signature personality and charm.
🪷 Captivating Patterns Fill the Page
We can use marquises to create flow, texture, or visual rhythm. In the “Water Lilies” and “The Scream” designs from our stunning Artist Series Collection, elongated marquises are arranged to mimic rippling water or sweeping brushstrokes. The effect is immersive, hypnotic, and endlessly enchanting.
A Marvel in Motion
The next time you’re admiring the intricacies of a Quilling Card, pause and take a closer look. You just might spot the subtle but powerful diamond-shaped quill behind every breathtaking bloom, textured tide, or feathered flourish.
This eye-catching coil is more than just a pretty shape—it’s a true workhorse of the craft, bringing every design together. Whether it’s setting the scene, adding emotion, or creating pure eye candy, it’s too easy to get swept away by the beauty of this hidden gem, the marvelous marquise.
