Iris Folding

Essential supplies for iris folding:
- decorative paper (you can use the insides of business envelopes with different patterns)
- card
- adhesive tape (preferably in a sturdy dispenser that allows you to get your piece of tape using one hand)
- scissors (may not be necessary if you get the items below)

And to make life easier:
- paper trimmer (for cutting your paper strips)
- self-healing cutting mat (for cutting out your template)
- craft knife (for cutting out your template)
- metal edge ruler (for cutting out straight edges of the pattern in your card)

• You may find it helpful to use a colored pencil to color the pattern to show which paper to use in that spot


• You can print out the patterns then put them into a clear plastic pocket or laminate them so that they can be used over again without the sticky tape damaging them.


• Use a paper trimmer to cut your strips - very quick and easy


• It is best to use card to stick your strips onto since then you won't be able to see strips through paper that is too thin or light. You will probably have to use a craft knife to cut this card.


• Make sure the folded edge of your paper or ribbon goes against the pattern line.


• If the paper is not wide enough to fill the pattern gap, you can use a second piece to fill in the gap or cut a wider strip of paper.


• Make sure you follow the numbers so that all your pieces will be lying correctly.


• If you use folded paper, you don't need to use scissors to trim to the right size. I usually just rip the paper to the desired length. You won't see the ripped edge because it is on the back.


• You can use fabric ribbon or florist ribbon (torn in half length-wise, then folded in half length-wise like the paper strips) instead of folded papers. You may decide it is better to fold the paper over one third rather than half way since this will make the card less bulky.

Sometimes the card shape that you cut out will be suitable for making another card if you cut it out carefully, like these two lovely dresses shown here made by my daughter, Kaylee. (She gave me the one on the left for my birthday.) To see more of Kaylee's artistic work, see Facial Recipes and Flower Coloring Pages.

www.papercraftcentral.com/iris-folding.html
A nice, easy square pattern (12pc) used as a mini frame. There are photos showing how to do it. Great first project for beginners.

familycrafts.about.com/od/irisfolding/ss/How_To_Do_Iris_
Folding_3.htm
A triangle, square and pentagon. These patterns are colored so you can easily see which colored papers go where, but they are not numbered. The way to do them, is to start with one color. Stick it down. Then, working in a spiral, take the next color and stick it down. Keep working in a spiral taking the next color. Click on the numbers at the bottom of the screen to see a more detailed tutorial.

www.handcraftedgreetings.com/iristmpl.php
Hexagon (48pc), pentagon (40pc), square (32pc) and triangle (18pc)

cardsbyjen.blogspot.com/2008/10/iris-folding-for-kids.html
An easy circle (16pc) with basic written instructions

gomakesomething.com/ht/folding/if-circle/
Circle (40pc)

gomakesomething.com/ht/folding/i-oval/
Oval (20pc)

to-die-for-cuts.tripod.com/id28.html
There is a free diamond iris pattern here (19pc)

www.dotcomwomen.com/crafts/cardmaking/iris-flower-pattern.shtml
(8 petal flower pattern - 32 pieces)

www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=193&u=12763693
(5 petal flower (35pc))

www.iris-folding.com/AprilPattern.html
(A flower cart (16pc). Also uses some paper punches)

www.iris-folding.com/MayPattern.html
(2 tulips (25pc))

www.handcraftedgreetings.com/card.php?card_id=79
(Shamrock made up of 3 hearts (57pc))

www.creaclic.ch/fichescreatives/fiches2006/FC06
irisfoldingfeuille.php
(Autumn leaf. Find "gabarit" on this page. The first three are the template and patterns for the leaf. Note the second one is based on a triangle and the third one is based on a square)

www.gemscottage.com/Projects-Valentine_Card
_with_Iris_Folding.html
Instructions for making a Valentine's Day card with an iris folded heart (24pc). Includes a pattern and a suggested layout

irisfoldingforacause.com/patterns/169
Double heart (16pc)

www.handcraftedgreetings.com/card.php?card_id=70
A squashed heart (18pc) - shown above, although I made the heart a little pointier

www.handcraftedgreetings.com/card.php?card_id=85
The word "LOVE" - this template doesn't specify the order in which to lay the papers, so leave this pattern until you are more experienced

This delightful puppy iris folding card was made by my daughter, Kaylee, who loves Cute puppies.

www.circleofcrafters.com/irisfolding/scottiedogpattern.html
Cute terrier as done by my daughter above (28pc)

www.iris-folding.com/PetCorner.html
Several patterns here: poodle (32pc), sitting cat (23pc), dog paw (28pc), turtle (24pc), dachshund (I think it's a basset hound)(42pc) and a robin (15pc)

www.iris-folding.com/MarchPattern.html
Butterfly (32pc)

www.pensee-creative.com/Mat%C3%A9rielTechniques/Papier/Irisfolding/tabid/208/Default.aspx
Scroll down for another butterfly (36pc)

www.squidoo.com/Irisfoldingbymarg#module70610631
Sitting cat (55pc)

irisfolding.blogspot.com/2009/09/free-iris-folding-patterns.html
Horse head (30pc)

irisfoldingforacause.com/patterns/136
Puppy face (17pc)

www.circleofcrafters.com/irisfolding/irisfoldingbunny.html
A bunny rabbit (23pc)

kirstyskrafts.co.uk/asp/freestuff.asp
Scroll to the bottom of the page for a snail (24pc)

www.circleofcrafters.com/irisfolding/irisfoldinghatchingchick.html
A chick hatching (28pc)

www.circleofcrafters.com/irisfolding/irisfoldinglamb.html
An iris folded lamb (26pc)

picasaweb.google.com/choupette1245/PatronsIrisFolding#
5415952761863752178
Rearing horse (30pc)

picasaweb.google.com/choupette1245/PatronsIrisFolding#
5415952767359312562
Kiwi (24pc)

www.iris-folding.com/octoberpattern.html
Pumpkin (29pc + 2).

irisfoldingforacause.com/patterns/83
Chilli pepper (32pc)

www.circleofcrafters.com/irisfolding/irisfoldingstrawberry.html
Strawberry (15pc)

www.freekidscrafts.com/iris_folding_apple-e485.html
Apple (15pc). To see the pattern, click on the link which says click here for printables

www.iris-folding.com/AugustPattern.html
Tea kettle template(32pc)

irisfolding.blogspot.com/2009/09/free-iris-folding-patterns.html
Scroll down a little for a perfume bottle (21pc), a cancer awareness ribbon (18pc) and a handbag (33pc + more)

www.handcraftedgreetings.com/card.php?card_id=72
Fan (8pc) - very easy pattern

www.handcraftedgreetings.com/card.php?card_id=83
Cameo face with a pretty iris folding hat (41pc)

www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=1685&u=10029675
Coffee grinder (20pc)

www.craftcreations.com/Leaf/2374/1/Craft-Creations-Magazine-Issue-48---Winter/
Scroll down for Best Dress - an iris folded skirt (20pc)

med.over.net/forum5/read.php?109,5825714,5827075
Search this page for the phrase "odpri priponko". Click on each of the 6 links to get a variety of cars, trains and a tractor

www.gemscottage.com/Projects-Iris_Boat_Card.html
Instructions for making a boat / yacht (26pc) similar to the card shown above - suitable for a Father's Day card. Includes a template and a suggested layout

www.iris-folding.com/JunePattern.html
Fishing pole with a big fish (16pc)

members.card-making-world.com/group/membergoodies/
forum/topics/another-if-pattern-for-you
In the attachments you can find a fishing lure (16pc)

www.circleofcrafters.com/irisfolding/hotairballoonpattern.html
Hot air balloon (26pc)

irisfoldingforacause.com/patterns/123 << not currently working
Golf ball (17pc)

www.circleofcrafters.com/irisfolding/irisfoldingraggedyann.html
Raggedy Ann doll (31pc)

www.circleofcrafters.com/irisfolding/irisfoldingrockinghorse.html
Rocking horse (26pc)

www.circleofcrafters.com/irisfolding/irisfoldingSBsue.html
Sun bonnet Sue (23pc)

www.circleofcrafters.com/irisfolding/irisfoldingballoon.html
Balloon (24pc)

picasaweb.google.com/choupette1245/PatronsIrisFolding
#5415951910919788642
Princess Jasmine from Aladdin (not numbered)

picasaweb.google.com/choupette1245/PatronsIrisFolding
#5415951834675478802
Belle from Beauty and the Beast (not numbered)

picasaweb.google.com/choupette1245/PatronsIrisFolding
#5415951819109859858
Cinderella (not numbered)

picasaweb.google.com/choupette1245/PatronsIrisFolding
#5415951882715039586
Ariel from The Little Mermaid (not numbered)

www.iris-folding.com/freepatterns.html
On this page you'll find IrisFoldingAlphabets0001.pdf. Use this alphabet to make the word BABY, GIRL, BOY or a short name

www.circleofcrafters.com/irisfolding/onesiepattern.html
Baby's onesie outfit (26pc)

www.circleofcrafters.com/irisfolding/irisfoldingbabycarriage.html
Baby carriage / pram (28pc)

www.circleofcrafters.com/irisfolding/irisfoldingteddybear.html
Teddy bear (31pc)

www.craftcreations.com/Leaf/1299/1/Craft-Creations-Magazine-Issue-46---Summer/
Scroll down to Pearl Wedding for a lovely heart card (9pc). This card also includes beads and weaving.

irisfoldingforacause.com/patterns/171
Just married car (22pc)

www.iris-folding.com/projectwindow.html
Stained glass window (58pc) - perfect for a wedding card or Easter card

www.iris-folding.com/freepatterns.html
On this page you'll find IrisFoldingAlphabets0001.pdf. Use this alphabet to spell Christmas words such as NOEL or JOY

www.iris-folding.com/decemberpattern.html
Sleigh (17pc) + parcel (12pc) + others. Also a menorah perfect for Hanukkah.

www.circleofcrafters.com/irisfolding/irisfoldingstarofdavid.html
Star of David (21pc) - in the picture above

irisfolding.blogspot.com/2009/09/free-iris-folding-patterns.html
Christmas stocking (30pc)

pomponazul.blogspot.com/2009/11/tarjetas-para-navidad-irirs-folding.html
Christmas stocking (29pc) and Christmas bell (19pc)

pomponazul.blogspot.com/2008/11/tarjetas-para-navidad.html
Santa Clause (27pc + extras), Christmas lights (32pc) and Christmas tree (19pc)

www.craftcreations.com/Leaf/2541/1/Craft-Creations-Magazine-Issue-51---Autumn/
Scroll down to Swirly Snowman for a cute snowman card (24pc). Also includes a Christmas robin (20pc), a plum pudding (20pc) and a Christmas ornament (25pc) - all based on circles

www.craftcreations.com/Leaf/1309/1/Craft-Creations-Magazine-Issue-47---Autumn/
Scroll down to Fun Firs for some lovely fir trees(27pc)

www.iris-folding.com/projectwaterglobe.html
Christmas snow globe (27pc)

www.circleofcrafters.com/irisfolding/irisfoldinggingerbreadman.
html
A gingerbread man (28pc)

www.circleofcrafters.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6647
(Hanukkah menorah (22pc))

www.circleofcrafters.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6737
(Hanukkah candle (30pc))

www.iris-folding.com/decemberpattern.html
(Scroll down for a menorah perfect for Hanukkah.(16pc))

s56.photobucket.com/albums/g171/snarffsplat/1F%20PATTERNS/
A couple of crosses

www.circleofcrafters.com/irisfolding/irisfoldingcross.html
An iris folded cross (31pc)

www.circleofcrafters.com/irisfolding/irisfoldinghatchingchick.html
An Easter chick hatching (28pc)

irisfoldingforacause.com/patterns/62
Celtic cross (18pc)

www.circleofcrafters.com/irisfolding/irisfoldingbunny.html
An Easter bunny (23pc)

irisfoldingforacause.com/patterns/65
Stained glass window (22pc)