Iris folding is a paper craft technique that involves folding strips of colored paper in such a way to form a design. The center of the design forms an iris — a shape reminiscent of the iris diaphragm

Diaphragm (optics)

In optics, a diaphragm is a thin opaque structure with an opening at its center. The role of the diaphragm is to stop the passage of light, except for the light passing through the aperture...

 of a camera lens.

History

Iris folding originated in Holland, where early craft persons made their designs using patterned paper cut from the inside of envelopes. Today, crafters use any light weight paper, such as scrapbook paper, origami paper

Origami paper

Origami paper is used to fold origami, the art of paper folding.-Kami:This paper is the easiest to find and cheapest to buy. It is also the most basic: kami, or koi paper. Kami is a thin, easy to fold paper. It is usually printed only on one side, with a solid color or pattern...

, wrapping paper, the inside of envelopes or pages of magazines. Ribbon is also used.

Techniques

Iris folding is done with a pattern

Pattern

A pattern, from the French patron, is a type of theme of recurring events or objects, sometimes referred to as elements of a set of objects.These elements repeat in a predictable manner...

. The crafter users the finished product to decorate the front of a greeting card

Greeting card

A greeting card is an illustrated, folded card featuring an expression of friendship or other sentiment. Although greeting cards are usually given on special occasions such as birthdays, Christmas or other holidays, they are also sent to convey thanks or express other feeling. Greeting cards,...

, as a scrapbook embellishment, to decorate an altered book or a mixed media collage

Collage

A collage is a work of formal art, primarily in the visual arts, made from an assemblage of different forms, thus creating a new whole....

, or in various other ways.

Supplies for iris folding include a pattern, strips of colored paper, permanent transparent tape, cutting tools and a temporary tape such as painters tape. The temporary tape is used to hold the pattern in place while the craftperson creates the design.

Iris folding patterns are available from booksellers or as downloadable files made available on Internet web sites. Other craft persons doing iris folding create their own patterns.

External sources

Iris Folding @ Circle of Crafters Explanation of iris folding, free patterns, techniques, pictures and a member forum.

Video Demonstration of Iris Folding Discussion of iris folding and video demonstration showing how to do this paper craft technique

Iris Folding Tips This rubber stamping web site provides a tutorial and pattern for iris folding.