In the heart of Srinagar, where traditional crafts like papier-mâché and Pashmina weaving thrive, a young artist is carving out a unique space in the world of handmade art. Sabreena Aaliya, a 28-year-old from Soura, has transformed her childhood love for art into a full-fledged career in quilling—an intricate paper craft that is still relatively uncommon in Kashmir.

From Hobby to Passion

Sabreena’s artistic journey began with a deep fascination for drawing and handmade crafts. However, it was only after completing her Master’s degree in Arabic that she stumbled upon quilling, a technique that involves rolling, looping, and shaping thin strips of paper into intricate designs. What started as curiosity soon became a passion, as she experimented with quilled floral panels, home décor, and eventually complex 3D models.

Her first breakthrough moment came when she crafted a 3D cup and saucer, a piece that captured her parents’ attention. Encouraged by their support, especially her father’s hands-on involvement in constructing the base structures for her quilling art, Sabreena took the leap from hobbyist to professional artist.

Crafting Kashmir in Paper Strips

What sets Sabreena apart is her fusion of quilling with Kashmiri culture. She creates stunning replicas of traditional artifacts, including samovars, shikaras, and personalized Nikah plaques, bringing a contemporary twist to heritage-inspired artwork. Each piece is painstakingly crafted, with a single samovar taking more than two weeks to complete and selling for around ₹15,000.

Turning Art into Entrepreneurship

As demand for her work grew, Sabreena saw an opportunity to turn her passion into a sustainable business. Today, she receives a steady flow of orders from art lovers looking for unique, handcrafted pieces. Recognizing the need to promote and preserve this craft, she recently joined a school to teach quilling to students and has also registered with the Handicraft and Handloom Department to gain further recognition.

Her social media presence plays a crucial role in expanding her reach, allowing her to showcase her work and attract a growing customer base.

A Story of Passion and Persistence

Sabreena Aaliya’s journey is more than just about quilling—it’s a story of passion, dedication, and artistic innovation. By blending creativity with entrepreneurial spirit, she is not only reviving an underrepresented craft in Kashmir but also inspiring others to pursue unconventional career paths in the arts.

As she continues to refine her skills and expand her craft, Sabreena proves that art, when pursued with dedication, can be both fulfilling and commercially viable. Her story serves as a reminder that passion and perseverance can transform even the simplest materials—like paper strips—into something extraordinary.