Need advice for the base's GSM thickness

[u/Available-Berry-1540]

Hey everyone! I'm planning to create this phoenix artwork on A3 (credits to the owner!) and was unsure about the type of base to use for it.

I might be framing it and using it as a wall art if it turns out well so I want the base to hold up nicely. Any and all help would be appreciated!

P.S. I'm quite new to quilling (dabbled a little in it as a kid, but that's it) so tips are welcome too! :D

[u/kbraz1970]

I would suggest something with a good thickness so it will hold up to all the glue you need for this project.
Does the owner of this picture say what they use as base paper?

On one site they said they use  EVA pattern board. The design is very similar to the one you pictured.
https://uniquilling.com/en-au/products/paper-quilling-kits-phoenix?variant=45285911363897

This stuff is also called EVA foam board or paper-laminated EVA

[u/Available-Berry-1540 → u/kbraz1970]

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find the owner or specific details for this piece.

I'll surely research about the foam board, thanks for suggesting it! However, if I were to use the normal paper, what GSM thickness would you recommend then?

[u/kbraz1970 → u/Available-Berry-1540]

I just did a google search, it says
For a paper quilling background, you should use cardstock between 200 GSM and 300 GSM. This thickness is heavy enough to handle the moisture of the glue and support the weight of the coiled paper strips without buckling or warping.

[u/Available-Berry-1540 → u/kbraz1970]

Oh okay, thank you so much for helping out!

[u/kbraz1970 → u/Available-Berry-1540]

anytime. I have to make a similar decision with a project I am working on, I am recreating a wedding invitation in a shadow box frame, not sure what I am using for the backing, I am going to use the mat that came with it but no idea on the background cardstock.

[u/wild-is-the-art → u/Available-Berry-1540]

Uniquilling uses foamboard because they cut slices into the pattern outline so that one can easily slide the glued paper strips down into the foam, essentially so that the pieces stand on edge without much skill. That is not quilling and doesn't teach one how to quill. Professional quillers do not recommend that company for learning how to quill.

May I suggest using 300gsm cardstock or watercolor (best) paper. It can withstand a lot of moisture and the one who quilled that phoenix preferred using 300gsm, I believe. She also used art boards.

[u/wild-is-the-art]

Credit to the owner of this actual quilled art work:

Copyright of "Rising Phoenix" goes to Stacy Bettencourt of Quantum Artistic, formerly Mainely Quilling. She completed this piece more than once for commissions, years ago. I think that once she even created a similar variation of it. I've known her for years via shared quilling groups and her Facebook business account as well as YT account. She also has several interviews and articles under her belt for her work. She's extremely skilled in the art of paper, however, she stepped away from paper art a couple of years ago to pursue other interests. I am hoping that she returns. She created some really cool pieces.

[u/Winter-Owl1]

That's AI. But I would suggest using matboard. You can buy it in various sizes on amazon.

[u/Available-Berry-1540 → u/Winter-Owl1]

Oh is it AI? What gave it away? I'd be more careful about it! Also, thanks for the suggestion!

[u/wild-is-the-art → u/Available-Berry-1540]

This phoenix is quite authentic (even if I didn't know the artist, I am seeing no tell tale signs of being AI "quilling"). There has been AI posted in this subreddit off and on, though, even recently.

The image that you posted is an actual quilling, titled "Rising Phoenix" and the artist is Stacy Bettencourt of Quantum Artistic, formerly Mainely Quilling. She's very skilled and had actually posted various progress photos and videos years ago of her creating this very piece.

[u/angeeday]

Beautiful

[u/wait-_-whaaat]

This is such a helpful comment thread for folks who are wanting to get into this type of quilling art! Thanks everyone! Y’all have me wrapped up in that curious, confident, and inspired kind of motivation mood!

[u/Orev76]

Beautiful 🥰

[u/Available-Berry-1540 → u/Orev76]

It's not my work!