Once of the great things about iris folding is that you can use any sort of paper which means you can use up all your scraps or even old wrapping paper that you may have thought to throw away.



Because iris folding has such a lovely look to it it may seem that it is really difficult to do when in fact it is really easy, a bit like paint by numbers.

Using iris folding to frame a photo on a scrap book or for one of your card making ideas will give it depth and texture and look fantastic.

Iris folding is becoming more and more popular as it is extremely relaxing and the end result is fantastic, it is something you can sit and do whilst watching the telly but be warned it can become addictive.

You can buy all sorts of iris folding patterns over the internet and in craft shops then you can simply cut your paper into strips folding them lengthways and stick them to the card following the template you have chosen to use.

Iris folding is a great way to make any of your card making ideas stand out and it is very inexpensive, the only items you will need to be able to do iris folding is a cutting mat, scissors, craft knife, different colored paper, card, glue, tape and removable tape.

You place your iris folding template onto your piece of card and draw the initial shape and cut it out. You then choose the papers you want to use and cut them about 1 x 3 inches long.

Fold your strips of paper in half and place the template underneath the original piece of card with the hold cut out so you can see the design.

Begin sticking the paper following the design on the template and secure with tape, always make sure the folded side of the paper strips are facing towards the centre of the card.

Continue to follow the template design until you are left with a small hole in the centre, this is known as the iris. Turn the card over and place one last piece of paper or card to cover the hole, I find holographic paper works really well.

Once you have finished you will notice that the back of the card will look rather messy so you will need to cover this with a piece of card.

Before you know it you have created a wonderful looking card with very little effort. Once you start you will be hooked.