If you're into handmade cards you've probably seen a few examples using a paper-folding technique called Iris folding. The name comes from the fact that the finished design looks like the iris of an eye or the lens of a camera.

This technique may look difficult but it's actually very easy, all you need is a template and strips of paper which are folded and placed over the template as explained on the tutorial below.

The result should be something like this, a design spiralling towards a central point, the iris.

Iris folding card

 

Iris folding tutorial

1 - Choose your template and trace the outline onto cardstock.

Step 1

2 - Cut out the inside of the shape you've just traced using a ruler (metal one preferably and a craft knife).

Step 2

3 - Place the cut out cardstock over the template, use Blue Tack to keep it in place.

Step 3

4 - On the template measure the widest end of one of the numbered sections and cut strips of paper wide enough so that when folded in half they will cover the whole of the section and still have a little over the outside (please see photo above).

5 - Decide in which order you'll place your strips of paper over the template.

Step 4

6 - Put double sided tape along the outside of the of the cut out window to help you keep your first strips of paper in place.

Step 5

7 - Start placing the strips of paper in the order you chose. When you finish your first round keep placing small pieces of double sided tape to keep the next layer in place.

Step 6

8 - Keep placing your paper strips until you finish. Below you can see the back and the front of your card topper.

Step 7Step 8

                               Back                                                                             Front

9 - Choose a piece of cardstock for the iris.

Step 9

10 - Embellish as desired and your iris folding card topper is ready to be used.
 Step 10

Tips:

* Instead of strips of paper you can also use ribbon, fabric, vellum, etc.

* Vellum creates an interesting effect as the different layers produce slightly different shades as you layer them.

* Instead of folding your strips of paper, tear them so you get a rough edge. This can produce also create an interesting effect.

Below are some examples of cards I made using the iris folding technique:

008603350338

 
If you want to try this technique, you'll find plenty of templates on the Circle of Crafters web site.