Sarimanok -The Legendary Rooster Scrolling Art

The pattern applied in this artwork is the scrolling technique wherein it displays a variety of spiral patterns in a variety of shapes. The figure that is made is Sarimanok from Maranao art from the Philippines which is my home country. Sarimanok can be translated as a colorful rooster signifying good fortune. This legendary bird exhibits scrolling techniques in its head and tails which caught my attention. I also focus on these existing patterns that the Sarimanok has already- so in this project, I take the concept in an exaggerated way in which almost all the parts of the rooster will be scroll patterns.

-Paper Quilling Strip (or Colored Paper that will be cut into strips), in this project I’m using 5mm as the width of the paper.

-Slotted quilling tool

-Quilling Board

-Tweezers

-Scissors

-Gold Paper

-Glue

-Wire

Begin by imagining what you want your final paper quilling project to look like. This can be:

A 2D flat artwork like a flower, animal, name initials, or a decorative mandala or a 3D sculpture such as a bird, box, or miniature model.

Think of your design in sections or parts. For each part, decide which quilling shape fits best. Some common quilling shapes and their effects include:

1. Tight-rolled coil: A very compact circle used for centers or dense areas.
2. Loose coil: A more open circle perfect for filling larger areas.
3. Teardrop: Made by pinching one side of a loose coil; great for petals, feathers, or eyes.
4. Marquise : Two pinches on opposite ends; good for leaves or wings.
5. Tulip: Pinched in three places for a more petal-like or stylized look.
6. Scrolls: Not glued used for decorative flourishes or tails.

Combination shapes: By combining different shapes, you can build unique forms like the feathers or tail of the Sarimanok.

Take your slotted quilling tool and insert the end of a paper strip into the slot. Begin turning the tool slowly, making sure the paper winds tightly and evenly. Hold it firmly so the coil remains centered. You can choose paper strips in different colors depending on the part you're working on.

Continue twisting the tool until you reach the end of the strip. Make sure the coil is consistent and flat as you go, avoiding any wrinkles or bends. You can pause and adjust the strip while rolling if needed.

Once fully coiled, gently remove the coil from the tool. Let it loosen slightly on a quilling board to your desired diameter (most boards have circles with size indicators). If you don’t have a board, just loosen it with your fingers to approximate the size.

Once it’s the right size, glue the outer tip of the strip to secure the shape. Don’t use too much glue a small dab is enough.

Now that the basic coil is glued and set, you can modify it into a more complex shape.

Teardrop: Pinch one side to make a point.

Marquise: Pinch two opposite ends to form an eye shape.

Tulip: Pinch three spots, usually forming a rounded triangle or petal.

Heart: Fold a loose coil in half, then pinch the rounded ends inward.

Continue Steps 3–6 until you’ve created all the shapes and pieces needed for your design. Keep organized by grouping similar shapes together.

When assembling the Sarimanok, I started with the wings because this will be the focal point of the project. Then, I did the base of the body.

Reflection

Quilling is both a meditative and expressive art form. By patiently following these steps and thoughtfully choosing your patterns and shapes, you can create stunning and meaningful artwork—whether it’s a mythical creature like the Sarimanok, a nameplate, or an abstract floral design. Keep practicing, and your creativity will soar!

I enjoy doing this project, hope you too!