How to Do Iris Folding

Iris folding refers to a form of paper folding whereby strips of brightly colored paper are laid on top of each other across the window in an aperture card. When viewed from the front of the card the paper strips create a pleated effect. There are two methods to build up the paper strips. The first is to lay them diagonally across the opening so they run in a spiral motion around the aperture, leaving a small gap in the center. Or, they are laid directly across the window, in either a vertical or horizontal orientation, so the aperture is completely covered.

Paper strips
Scissors
Template
Low tack sticky tape
Aperture card

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a template, such as those offered on the "Simplicity of Iris Folding" website, to guide you in where to lay the strips.
- 2
  Cut strips of paper that are long enough to cover your template from side to side with a 1/2-inch overhang on each side, and about 1 inch in width. Fold the paper strips in half lengthwise so that a creased edge is visible from the right side of the card, making a neat finish.
- 3
  Start from the outside edge of the template and lay the first strip of paper so that its creased edge lines up with the line on the template. Fix the paper strip in place using low tack, removable sticky tape. You may find it easier to work on a cutting mat, sticking the strips temporarily to the mat on either side of the template.
- 4
  Continue laying strips of paper, one on top of the other, until the template is covered. Always follow the guidelines on the template, affixing the strips with sticky tape as you go.
- 5
  Remove the template from the paper strips, leaving the sticky tape in place on the strips of paper to hold them together. Use the same sticky tapes to fix the Iris folding to the inside of your aperture card.
- 6
  Cut a sheet of card stock or decorative paper to the right size to fit inside your card. Glue this into place on the inside flap of your card to cover sticky tape that holds the Iris folding paper strips in place.

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