Great collection from some of the talented card makers on Artfire!

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=collections&op=details&cid=43125

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



New birthday card from my Artfire collection.

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/6790203

My Crayon Box

This is a board I created for Pintrest.  Lots of color.

http://pinterest.com/clairemdesigns/my-crayon-box/







My newest ceramic tile coasters on Artfire!

Back to the Blog

I realize that I haven't been here for a very long time.  My daughter got married last July and I got caught up in all the plans and festivities.  The wedding was beautiful, though it rained.  (They say it's good luck.)  Weddings take a long time to plan and take a long time to recover from.  I got out of the habit of blogging, but I'm back.
The stuff I'll be blogging about are the items in my Artfire Shop and my class with senior citizens,  cooking (which I really enjoy), and my recent trip to Ireland.  I'm still in jet-lag mode and haven't done much of anything. 
I also need to quickly get back into shape for outdoor USTA tennis.  Just before my trip, I finished 6 weeks of physical therapy for my right hand.  Too much crafts and too much tennis.  I needed a break.

Decor for the Man Cave

Camo Print on Metal Switch Plates



Playing Cards and Poker Chips on Wood Switch Plate

 Here are some decorative Switch Plates which I have created especially for the Man Cave.  
All are available in My Artfire Shop:  http://clairemdesigns.artfire.com/

"My Ten Minute Sweep"

In order to keep ahead of everyday clutter, I do what I call "My Ten Minute Sweep".  I take ten minutes and go through every room of the house.  I empty waste baskets, get rid of junk mail, clear off surfaces of items that don't belong in that room.  I fluff pillows, staighten towels.  As I move from one room to the next, I carry the items that belong in that room and put them away.
Carry a bag for emptying waste baskets.  If you accumulate a lot of clutter, you might want to carry along a basket or tote to load up the items you're putting away. 
You can accomplish a lot in ten minutes, maybe even empty the dish washer.
If you have kids, get them involved!