Craft work:iris folding procedure and patterns

IRIS FOLDING​

TECHNIQUE​

Iris folding is a simple but compelling paper crafting technique used in creating hand made cards, decorating altered books, as decorative scrapbook elements, as a frame for a small picture, or in any other type of paper crafting
.

ORIGIN:​

Iris folding is a technique that originated in Holland. Color coordinated strips of folded paper are taped into place over a pattern, creating a spiralling design that resembles the iris of an eye or camera. ​

PAPERS USED:

Originally, Dutch crafters would cut their strips from envelopes with patterned interiors, but now it is common to use lightweight papers scrapbook papers, tissue, giftwrap, origami paper, magazine pages or paper cut from the "junk mail" to create iris folded designs. Left over Christmas wrapping paper works great!

IRIS:
The iris is usually filled with contrasting paper, ribbon or perhaps a small picture. Iris folding designs showcasing a picture are excellent additions to a scrapbook layout. We may use glitter, beads, jewels, fabric or any other element to further decorate the iris.​

Iris Folding Technique:​

BASIC INSTRUCTIONS:

MATERIALS REQUIRED:

A piece of cardstock that is larger than the pattern
3 different papers, each about 6 inches X 6 inches
Scissors or craft knife and cutting board
Scotch tape
Removable tape(masking tape or blue painter's tape)
PROCEDURE:
Heart pattern has been explained here.
1.Take the pattern and trim the edges. If you have carbon paper available, you can use that instead of having to cut out the heart shape. Or you may want to first laminate the pattern, then carefully cut it out so you will have a pattern that can be used over.​

2.Take 3 different color papers and cut them into 11/2 inch strips.​

3. work on the back of your piece of cardstock, so write a 'B' on the back so you can make sure you are always working on correct side. Trace the heart pattern in the center of your piece of cardstock.​

4.Now, cut out the heart opening and discard the center(you may want to save a piece of the center for the iris).​

5.Next, tape the heart pattern to a working surface, a plain white piece of paper is fine. Using removable tape, adhere the piece of cardstock with a heart shaped opening over the pattern. Make sure you are still looking at the back of your piece of cardstock.​

contd.......​

 

Craft work:iris folding contd..

PROCEDURE CONTD:

6.Keeping the folded edges of the strips towards the center of the heart, tape the 1st piece in place, along the line indicated on the pattern.

7.Trim the pieces so they don't hang over the edges of the cardstock. This makes it easier to attach the finished project to a greeting card or scrapbook page later(double sided tape works best for this).Do not tape anything to the heart pattern or your working surface.

8.Continue by adding piece #2. According to the pattern guide, this will be pattern/color B. Again, trim the strip of paper so it fits on the cardstock. Also, make sure the folded edge is facing the center of the heart.

9.Now, move on and attach pieces 3-6, following the pattern guide. These pieces alternate between pattern/color A and pattern/color B. Keep the folded edges towards the center of the heart and trim any excess paper.

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Craft work:iris folding contd..

PROCEDURE CONTD:

10.When you get to piece #7, which will be pattern/color C, note that this piece spans across the entire top of the heart.


11.Continue by adding your strips of paper according to the pattern guide, #8 will be pattern/color A, #9 will be pattern/color B, #10 will be pattern/color C and so on. Continue until you reach the center of the heart.


12.Now we get the " iris" .

13. Remove the tape, or masking tape, turn the piece of cardstock over and view the design!

14.Using double sided tape, mount the design to the front of a greeting card or on a scrapbook page. ​

 

Craft work:iris folding

check the

Heart pattern
Heart pattern guide for the above procedure

For more information refer the links below

Basic Iris Folding Instructions

Iris Folding @ CircleOfCrafters.com: Heart Instructions

Iris Folding Technique

Iris Folding

video tutorial:

How to do Iris Folding

FREE DOWNLOADABLE PATTERNS

Free-Downloads

 

Iris folding patterns

Iris folding patterns

I have included some of the Iris folding patterns.Check it out.

 

Iris folding patterns

some more patterns

 

Iris folding patterns

patterns contd....