Iris Folding
Ranked #434 in Arts & Design, #4,627 overall
What is Iris Folding?
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. Originally, Dutch crafters would cut their strips from envelopes with patterned interiors, but now it is common to use lightweight papers including those used for origami to create iris folded designs.
Basic Iris Folding How-To & Patterns
These links will lead you to iris folding instructions and patterns.
- What is Iris Folding? by Lisa Vollrath
- A brief article on iris folding, plus some basic supplies you'll need.
- Iris Folding Project #1 - Square by Lisa Vollrath
- Here's a basic, simple shape for you to practice. Complete, step-by-step instructions and a pattern are included in this lesson. This is what I've used to teach iris folding to beginners at trade shows---and nobody has ever failed to learn!
- Iris Folding Project #2 - Circle by Lisa Vollrath
- Another basic, simple shape. From this one, you can create a wreath or circular frame.
- Iris Folding Project #3 - Oval by Lisa Vollrath
- A larger pattern, designed for use in an album, on a scrapbook page, or in an altered book.
- Creative Paper Crafts
- Free iris folding pattern and examples of the pattern being used in scrapbook layouts.
- Circle of Crafters Iris Folding
- Iris folding instructions and a pattern, plus links to many more free printable iris folding patterns.
- Handcrafted Greeings Iris Folding
- Many lovely card examples that include materials lists, instructions and .pdf patterns.
- Susan's Place
- Patterns for Africa, an airplane, and a baby bib.
- Design Inspirations with Dawn Bibby
- Another good set of step-by-step instructions, with photos.
- Free Iris Folding Patterns
- A handful of free templates for downloading, including square, triangle and hexagon.
Free Patterns - Animals
- Six Animal-Themed Patterns
- Patterns for a poodle, cat, dog paw, turtle, robin, and dachshound.
- Hound Dog
- Free pattern for a card-sized hound dog, from Circle of Crafters.
- Cat and Dog
- Two patterns that can be used together or separately, from Crafty Intentions.
Free Patterns - Christmas
- Fun Firs
- A lovely fir tree pattern, with some very pretty sample cards. This is a .pdf download.
- Swirly Snowman
- A snowman with a circle iris fold for his body.
- Three Christmas Patterns
- A Santa, a string of lights, and a Christmas tree.
- Two Christmas Patterns
- A stocking and a bell.
- Sleigh
- A nicely designed sleigh pattern that's a little more elegant.
- Two Holiday Patterns
- Holly leaf and Christmas bell.
Iris Folding Pics on Flickr
Iris folding can be done in an infinite number of shapes and sizes. Here are some examples of iris folding designs recently uploaded to Flickr.
automatically generated by Flickr
Free Patterns - Garden Themed
- Basic Flower
- A really simple flower with lots of petals and an open center.
- Five Petal Flower
- A simple flower shape.
- Six Color Flower
- Six petals, and six colors make up this flower.
- Shamrock
- This shamrock pattern is really three hearts worked separately. Need a four leaf clover? Add a fourth heart to the design!
- Four Leaf Clover
- Four connected leaves with a stem make up this pattern.
- Tulips
- Two tulips with leaves, sized for a card front.
- Maple Leaf
- An easy maple leaf pattern. Perfect for fall!
- Pumpkin
- Another easy fall design.
Free Patterns - Summer Theme
- Memories of Summer
- A group of beach-themed patterns from Circle of Crafters' challenge.
Free Patterns - Girl Stuff
- Fancy Dress
- A free form folding template, plus a video tutorial.
- Tea Kettle
- A simple tea kettle pattern.
Your Iris Folding Library
Iris Folding Groups
Want to find other folks who are into iris folding? Try these communities.
- Iris Folders
- A fairly active group for iris folding enthusiasts.
- Circle of Crafters Message Board
- Talk to other iris folders, and get your questions answered.
- Iris Folding on Facebook
- Open to anyone interested in iris folding.
Have a Heart
These sites use iris folding to raise money for various causes.
- Iris Folding for a Cause
- Many inexpensive patterns for sale, to raise money for Down's Syndrome therapy.
Become a Fan on Facebook
I post updates to Go Make Something, Ten Two Studios, LisaVollrath.com and assorted other places of interest on my Facebook fan page. Become a fan, and keep up to date.
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by lisavollrath
lisavollrath
Lisa Vollrath is a prolific mixed-media artist. Her work covers a multitude of techniques, from altered books to collage, from artist trading cards an... more »
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My Iris Folding Book
#5225 Iris Folding
Amazon Price: $7.66 (as of 02/14/2012)
I wrote this book in 2005. It gives you all the basics, plus oodles of patterns. Bonus: a whole bunch of iris folding papers to use while you learn.
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