Iris Folding

In my 1000 Awesome things book, one of the awesome things is the sound of scissors on paper. In my case, it’s the sound of the paper cutter slicing through a sheet of paper.  Iris Folding is a great way to turn strips of paper into pretty things.

Back in the day, when envelopes were still printed on the inside, the envelopes were reused for iris folding.  Today we use any pretty paper, origami paper or fancy paper specifically made for Iris Folding. 

The technique involves cutting strips of paper, then folding over an edge to create clean lines.  Next, place the pieces on a pattern following the numbers to create a picture or design.  Each piece is taped down as you move towards the middle.   The completed piece can be used to embellish a handmade card, a scrap book page, a bookmark or a gift bag.  I find that a paper cutter makes clean enough cuts that the folding is not required.  The folding creates an extra layer, which really adds to the dimension of the card.

All the patterns shown here are from a book called "460 Iris Folded Cards to Make" by Maruscha Gaasenbeek & Tine Beauveser.  This is a pattern for a basic square

Simply follow the numbers to place your paper strips

Here is a simple example of a completed project.

The lid and base of the candy jar are added on after creating the design.

Then I thought, hmmmm, what if I shake up the pattern and play with the colors a little. 

Once you have your design completed you can add elements to dress it up.

These are some other examples.

Simple embossing, some bling and a bow dress this card up nicely.

This card uses an embossing die and the "For All you Do" stamp set from Stampin' Up.  

The velum adds a gentle subtlety to the sentiment.

The sentiment on this card is from Stampin Up's "Easy Events" set

You can find free patterns online if you'd like to give this simple craft a shot.