Quilled Gospel Cross

Paper Crafting



The cross is the symbol of hope for Christians everywhere. Without Jesus' death and resurrection, we would still be in our sins! (1 Corinthians 15:17)

The Quilled Gospel Cross is white and gold. White represents God's purity, gold symbolizes the glory and Kingship of Christ. Quilled refers to the art/craft known as Quilling, a craft technique dating back to the fifteenth century. Quilling is also known as paper filigree. Strips of paper were originally rolled around goose quills, to form a variety of rolled paper designs. These designs would then be arranged to decorate religious objects and to form pictures. There is an extensive variety of Internet websites regarding Quilling. The Quilled Gospel Cross is for beginners and will introduce you to two forms of paper rolling known as a loose circle and a marquise.

Supplies
1 sheet gold origami paper cut into thin strips (1/4" width), scissors, thin pencil, clear drying glue, a toothpick.

Directions
Begin rolling 11 strips of the gold origami paper tightly around the pencil, one at a time. Roll them with the white side out. Slide the circles off the pencil and allow the paper strip to release slightly to form a loose circle. Put a small bead of glue on the end of the strip to keep the circle intact. Roll 4 more circles with the gold facing out, and release as before to form a loose circle. This time pinch the ends to make a marquise roll (It looks like an eye). Glue the ends of the marquise rolls. After they're dry, and to form the tight roll at the center of the loose circles and marquise rolls, grab the end of the strip at the center of the rolls, gently wrap it around the toothpick, being careful not to tear the outer circle, release it and reshape your loose circle and marquise rolls. Place 7 of the loose circles in a line to make the vertical arm of the Gospel Cross. Place a bead of glue between each one as you go. Place 2 loose circles on either side of the vertical arm to form the horizontal arm of the cross, and glue them into place. To finish your cross, place the 4 marquise rolls at the 4 center points of the cross and glue them into place. Allow to dry. String a gold thread through the top circle and hang it on your Christmas tree!

Object Lesson

The circle represents the eternal nature of God, he never changes; his words are true, and can be trusted! The circles remind us of the promise Jesus gave us, ". . . surely I am with you always, till the end of the age." The seven circles of the vertical arm of the cross represent God's eternal perfection. The four circles of the horizontal arm represents the four Gospels, wherein we read the story of how God came to us in the form of a man. 

The four points, marquises, at the center of the cross point out in all directions, demonstrating that our faith must spread out to the four corners of the planet, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20). When you look at your Gospel Cross, remember the price that Jesus paid: his life, for your life.

Copyright 1999 S.A. Keith
For individual or classroom use. Not for sale or distribution without consent.

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