Post by Emily on Oct 17, 2006 12:21:24 GMT -5
What Is Iris Folding?
Iris folding is a fun and easy paper folding technique that can be used to make greeting cards, on scrapbook pages, or designs can be framed and hung on a wall. The texture and depth that you feel when handling an iris folded greeting card or scrapbook page is the best part.
Iris folding is very versatile in that any type of easy to fold paper can be used. Left over Christmas wrapping paper works great!
Although it's harder to fold, I've taught the technique to children using regular contruction paper. Children as young as 7 were able to complete the project with beautiful results.
Iris folding reminds me a lot of paint-by-number, except that you are using folded strips of paper instead of paint. You start with a numbered pattern like the one below, cut out the shape from a piece of cardstock and then use the pattern as a guide.
The lines on the pattern indicate where to place your strips of paper, the numbers indicate the order that the strips are placed, and the pattern instructions tell you where to place each different colored paper, such as Pattern/Color A: 1,5,9,13,17... Pattern/Color B: 2,6,10,14,18...
Traditional Iris Folding:
The technique originated in Holland and it is called iris folding because the center of the design resembles the iris of a camera or eye. Traditionally, origami paper is used for the main design and holographic paper is used to fill in the center of the design.
Getting Started:
Use the links in the top right-hand column of this page to get started. Start with a free pattern that includes step-by-step instructions here.
Iris folding is a fun and easy paper folding technique that can be used to make greeting cards, on scrapbook pages, or designs can be framed and hung on a wall. The texture and depth that you feel when handling an iris folded greeting card or scrapbook page is the best part.
Iris folding is very versatile in that any type of easy to fold paper can be used. Left over Christmas wrapping paper works great!
Although it's harder to fold, I've taught the technique to children using regular contruction paper. Children as young as 7 were able to complete the project with beautiful results.
Iris folding reminds me a lot of paint-by-number, except that you are using folded strips of paper instead of paint. You start with a numbered pattern like the one below, cut out the shape from a piece of cardstock and then use the pattern as a guide.
The lines on the pattern indicate where to place your strips of paper, the numbers indicate the order that the strips are placed, and the pattern instructions tell you where to place each different colored paper, such as Pattern/Color A: 1,5,9,13,17... Pattern/Color B: 2,6,10,14,18...
Traditional Iris Folding:
The technique originated in Holland and it is called iris folding because the center of the design resembles the iris of a camera or eye. Traditionally, origami paper is used for the main design and holographic paper is used to fill in the center of the design.
Getting Started:
Use the links in the top right-hand column of this page to get started. Start with a free pattern that includes step-by-step instructions here.