All images contained on this website that are done in the style of paper-quilling, unless otherwise noted, are AI-generated.
The style that we portray in our images is called “paper-quilling”.
It is a craft style where strips of paper are manipulated (e.g., rolled, pinched, twisted) into shapes and then glued, usually to a flat background surface, to create decorations or images.
It is an artform that has existed for many centuries.
We found this to be a good summary on the history and how to get started with paper quilling if you are interested:
What is Paper Quilling?
We are much more gifted in the language arts than the visual arts. Therefore, we want to focus our efforts on written content development.
In the past, websites like ours used stock photography or clipart to add visual interest to written content and that is how we started out. However, we quickly realized this did not provide us with the cohesive look we desired.
We experimented with AI image generation. It is a technology that presents opportunities and pitfalls. We have chosen to use it because of how it can help us express abstract concepts quickly in a visually stunning way. We strive to use AI Image Generation in a way that is responsible and transparent. This is actually part of the reason that we are generating images in the style of paper quilling, instead of a photo-realistic style. We found that:
Because it is abstract enough, we avoid the “uncanny valley” often currently found when AI generation depicts humans
Because this is a craft style, we are less likely to deceive people into thinking this is an actual person or place (as is happening with AI photography)
Because it is a craft style, we are less likely to accidentally steal someone’s artistic intellectual property
Why the Quill?
Conveys the whimsy associated with storytelling
Expresses a metaphor for the vibrant and intertwined memories that are created by family storytelling
It is a style dear to our hearts.
Erin is an avid crafter and working on learning quilling
Jen’s sister-in-law is a quiller and has worked with Jen’s son to capture characters and scenes from their Inspired Stories in quilled art that hangs on the walls in their home
Why AI Images?
We hope that you enjoy these images for what they are, a digitally-enabled representation of the concepts we are writing about. AI is a tool that can be used positively or negatively. Our intent is to land on the positive side and whenever possible, support visual artists with our writing.