Pritesh's Paper Projects

Hi Friends,

Today's crafter in spotlight is truly a very special person and quite popular in the quilling community for her gorgeous work and her detailed tutorials on every new quilling technique that's been introduced, she is a scientist who has taken a break from her job so she could indulge in  her love for crafting  and we at Paperie Designs' Studio are very happy to introduce this very creative quiller /crafter  Pritesh Dagur of the blog "Quilling Me Softly" and if you would like to get to know her a little better here's what she has to say about herself :

Name: Pritesh Dagur

Blog: Quilling Me Softly

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your family.
I come from a family of 6, a super-techno-savvy brother, an amazing cook sister and another sister with a sense of humour to die for. My mom truly is the backbone of the family, who has passed on bits of super-talent genes to all of us. She is an awesome singer, cook, crafts person.........you name it, she does it. Married into a Tamil Brahmin family, I have an almost 2 yr old son, around whom my life literally weaves itself. Having a super-supportive husband and in-laws is what has brought me where I am today, as a craftsperson and as a human being.

2. How and when did you start Quilling?
I was initiated into quilling by my sister, whose Boss' wife did it. I was in the middle of maternal leave and with my son becoming a little independent, I had a little time on hands. I tried it with a broken needle and some hand-cut strips and my first attempt was a disaster to say the least. But my sister encouraged me. This is August end, 2011. By September, I was able to manage reasonably and my close friend, Deepa Bharti, put her faith in me. She ordered a quilling chess set and in spite of a job and plenty of apprehensions, I took it up. I managed to finish it (I still feel I did a terrible job of it but she loved it) well in time for her anniversary. In October 2011, I bought my first proper quilling tool. So, here I am, a quiller only 9 months old :)

3. From where do you draw your inspiration?
I read a great deal on the Internet about quilling and the people whose art really inspired me are Suzana Ilic and Inna Dorman. Suzana's distinct style with very unusual themes and Inna's perfect execution of the most intricate designs was like a beacon in the dark, I was groping it. Slowly, I think I started improving and have developed a style of my own.

4. How would you describe your quilling style?
Ummm........that is a little hard to say. I try to dabble in all styles of quilling but over all, I think I am more of a realist quiller, akin to realism in painting. I lay a lot of emphasis on emulation of real life objects, as much as I can. Some things might be impressionist, but by and large, I'd describe myself as a realist quiller.

5. What are the 5 top tools in your crafting space?
That's a tough question! I'm a too junkie and I looooove to collect the best there is in craft tools. I'll try to put together a list of 5 (and trust me, it IS hard to do): My Panduro Quilling Tool, Clas Ohlson high-precision craft knife, Martha Stewart punch-around-the-page punch, Quilled Creations fine-tip scissors and last, but SURELY not the least, Ryman MA4 manual shredder.

6. What’s your favorite technique?
I think I can safely say Beehive. I use it all the time, in all my projects, in a whole lot of ways. I have Mariah Indah Susanti to thank for coming up with that and making my quilling perspective a lot wider.
 
7. What are your go-to colors?
If I was to choose, Red, Black and Gold. I rely on this combination whenever my brain struggles for colour combinations that work well! This one ALWAYS works :)

8. Do you sell your projects? What do you do with them?
I work mostly on ordered projects (hence a distinct lack of cards in my work), ordered by a host of people for different reasons and occasions. Since they are ordered, I sell them, yes. I do my pet projects too, every once in a while (though not as often as I'd like to).

9.What do you do when you aren’t crafting? Job? Other hobbies and interests?
Ever since I quit my scientist job and became a crafter full time, I don't really do much besides crafting and spending time with family. I'm an artist 24x7. My brain never stops designing! Hehehe. But ya, I love to sing, bake and read whenever I find time. I love reading......

10. Are you currently designing for any blog?
No, I am not a designer on any blog as of now. It's a work I'd have taken very seriously and I didn't want any commitments when I moved from Stockholm. Now that I am in India, I may consider it. If a good proposal comes my way, I will sure give it a very serious thought.

Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity and I wish Art would carve for itself the space it deserves in our lives. Good Luck to all crafters and thank you all, for your love, inspiration and encouragement.

Wow, didn't i tell you her work is simply gorgeous!!! Her quilling is always so neat and beautifully done and her design sensibilities are truly unique..she seems to enjoy tackling larger than life intricate projects and also loves to share her techniques with all the newbies quillers out there...Thank you Pritesh for letting us get to know a little bit more about you and your creative work. You are truly an inspiration to all the crafters out there :):)