A few days ago on the Tips and Techniques forum someone started a thread on iris folding. (The thread is called “Please respond anyone!” which just goes to show that you need to read all the threads, because you never know what gems you’ll run across.)

Iris folding is something I’ve always thought was cool, but never got around to trying. With the tips and links in this thread, I had no excuse. Circle of Crafters.com has all the instructions and patterns you need, including the maple-leaf pattern I used last night to create this greeting card.

Iris patterns look complicated, but the folding and positioning of the paper strips is actually fast and simple. If you’re in a hurry, I’d suggest using a simpler shape than the maple leaf, because making intricate cuts in cardstock isn’t a speedy operation, as I discovered at 10:30 p.m. last night.

But let’s get back to the forum thread. There you’ll find a friendly discussion of papers to use, width of strips, how to get the same look without folding, and so on—everything except pictures of iris folding. Let’s change that. Why not try iris folding this weekend and post your work here. Looking forward to seeing it!

Holly