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Iris folding Iris folding is the art of using folded strips of paper to make truly impressive use of aperture cards. Careful arrangement of paper in different colours and textures has a wonderful, three-dimensional effect that will delight any recipient of your handicraft. A skill well worth mastering, iris folding can be a little complicated at first, so Dawn's here to take you through it step by step, starting with a card that features a simple, oval-shaped aperture... 
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Cut strips of paper - a mixture of colours works best, so pick metallic, pearlescent or embossed papers - and fold them in half, lengthways. Cut the pieces to a size of about 3.5cm by 10cm (1 1/2" by 4"). The measurements given are just a guide, and depend on the size of card you're making: take a generous approach and then simply trim to fit once they're in situ. Place the aperture card face down over the pattern. Tape the card in place using low-tack tape, and you'll be able to follow the pattern through the hole in the card, and remove it later. |
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Selecting the first colour, place it over the number 1 on the pattern, matching it to the line. The folded edge will be in the centre. Using a small piece of sticky tape, fasten the paper down. |
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Continue to work round the design, alternating colours and textures as you like. You can take a peek at how your design's looking by bending back the pattern paper - you'll be surprised at how good it looks already! |
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Once all the strips have been applied, cover the centre shape with a small piece of holographic or shiny paper. You can remove the pattern sheet at this stage. |
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Using double-sided tape, stick the aperture card onto a piece of card a little bigger than the aperture card, forming a frame around the design and hiding the working of the iris folding. Stick the completed design onto your card. |
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| You can create your own designs, using the iris folding technique to make beautiful cards with any shape of aperture, using a kit or cutting out your own, so experiment! Heart-shaped patterns for a romantic anniversary, Christmas trees for your seasonal greetings - even elaborate butterflies or flowers are achievable with practice, so let your imagination run free! |
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