Creating Art From Thin Strips of Paper
I am Rita, the founder of OfThingsPretty, a paper arts studio that specializes in creating beautiful greeting cards and art using quilling, an ancient Egyptian technique that involves rolling and shaping thin strips of paper into intricate designs.
Growing up in Kolkata, India, I was surrounded by various forms of art, including embroidery, knitting, and oil painting, which sparked my interest in the creative world. I first discovered quilling in 2013 when I came across a tutorial online. I was captivated by the delicate swirls and curls of colorful paper strips and immediately fell in love with this art form. After making my first quilled flower, I was hooked and began experimenting with different techniques and designs.
I started making cute greeting cards for friends and family, who were amazed by the delicate and ornate work. They proudly displayed these cards as stunning pieces of art, which inspired me to start OfThingsPretty. At the age of 60, I decided to turn my passion into a business and open my own greeting card store. My goal was to revive the tradition of sending greeting cards that are not just cards, but timeless pieces of art that can be treasured for years to come.
Every design begins with a spark of creativity in my notebook, where I draw inspiration from nature, wildlife, and my rich Bengali heritage. I often incorporate traditional floor art motifs, such as alpona, into my designs, but with a modern twist. The initial design is brought to life by meticulously rolling and shaping thin strips of paper to create the intricate designs. Each card is a labor of love that requires immense patience and precision.
I use bright and cheerful colors to create cards that are vibrant, lively, and playful. These colors not only add visual interest to the design, but they also evoke feelings of joy and happiness. When someone receives one of my quilled cards, I want them to feel like they're receiving a little piece of sunshine in the mail.
In addition to creating beautiful greeting cards, I also offer custom portrait orders. I take great pride in working closely with my clients to bring their vision to life and create a truly unique and personalized piece of art.
At OfThingsPretty, we believe that quilling is not just a form of art, but a way of life. It's a way of expressing oneself, of telling stories, and of connecting with others on a deeper level. We strive to create pieces that are not only beautiful but also meaningful, and that will be treasured for generations to come. I am humbled by the response I have received from my clients, who have shared with me the joy and wonder that my quilled creations have brought to their lives.
