Iris Folding in Card Making

I came across Iris Folding in cardmaking, when, once again I was looking for a new project for my class at the senior center.  I found a website about iris folding:

     http://www.circleofcrafters.com/irisfolding/patternofthemonth.html.

  It offered a variety of different templates for all types of projects for many different occasions and seasons. 



This is a card I am currently working on.

 Wikipedia decribes iris folding as a paper craft that involves folding strips of colored paper in such a way as to form a design.  The center of the design forms an iris; much like that of the center of a camera lens.
Iris folding originated in Holland, where early crafters made their designs using patterned paper cut from the inside of envelopes.  Today materials such as scrapbooking paper,  origami paper, wrapping paper, magazines or even ribbon are used.
The directions for iris folding require that you fold strips of paper to give them a straight edge.  I however, use my  paper cutter to make straight and even strips.

It also saves paper, since it doesn't have to be doubled.

Quite a lot of cellophane tape is used, so I break off a large strip, stick it to the edge of my work table and cut small pieces as needed.

This is the pattern I used.

It's a lot of fun; like putting the pieces of a puzzle together.





Each strip of paper has a number that determines where it goes.

When the area is covered, the original pattern is removed.  The front of the card is ready to be finished.

Finished card with embellishments.  The back of the card front is covered with cardstock to give it a more finished look.

Here are some of the cards we've done in class:


Valentine's Day



St. Patrick's Day





Christmas



Autumn



Father's Day