Iris Folded Happy Birthday Square
Visit my Iris Folding Page for more ideas, patterns, and how-to videos
Iris folding is one of my favorite techniques—deceptively simple, yet it creates such striking dimension.
I made this birthday card to celebrate my Dad’s 91st! With his last name being Blue, I thought it was the perfect excuse to use a mix of blue patterned papers for a bold, masculine look.
Whether you’re new to iris folding or a seasoned crafter, this project is a fun and impressive way to add a little extra wow to your handmade cards!
Iris Folded Happy Birthday Square How-to:
1. Print out the square Iris Folding Pattern found HERE.
This link has the 3 basic patterns for Iris Folding: circle, triangle, and square.
If you have a die or punch that is roughly the size of the pattern, print out 1 copy only. If you don’t, print out 2 copies.
2. Cut a square out of the card front.
-If you aren’t using a die or punch, cut one of the printed patterns using a pair of scissors. Lay it on your card front and trace around it using a pencil. Then, cut out the center with scissors, creating an opening.
-If you are using a die or punch, go ahead and cut out the square from the card front.
3. If you are going to stamp and/or emboss the card front, do so BEFORE you start the Iris Folding pattern.
4. Place the card front FACE DOWN on the printed pattern, lining up the opening with the pattern below. Secure the card front using a strip of washi or painter’s tape along the left edge of the card front. This creates a “hinge” which allows you to flip up the piece to check your progress from the front if desired.
You always work from the BACK of the piece when Iris Folding.
5. Cut 4 designs of designer paper 1/2″ wide.
TIP: Place the strips FACE DOWN in the order that you’ll be using them. This will help you keep track, especially when the pattern has 4 or more sections.
Remember, you’ll be looking at the back side of the DSP as you work the pattern.
6. Apply adhesive around the square cut-out. Place the 1st strip of DSP face down along #1 of the pattern. Continue with the 2nd strip of DSP along #2 of the pattern, the 3rd strip along #3 of the pattern, then the 4th strip along #4 of the pattern. Continue working around each section of the pattern until you have covered it, leaving an opening in the center, the Iris.
7. Place a piece of glimmer paper or similar over the opening, covering the Iris. I used a small piece of light blue glimmer paper.
Usually, the Iris piece is a special piece of paper, glimmery or textured.
Done!
Your Iris Folded piece is complete.
8. Now to finish the card:
-Stamp greeting on Basic White card stock using Night of Navy ink. Attach to Night of Navy mat.
-Die-cut scallop square frame out of blue glimmer paper and attach to card front.
-Attach card front to Night of Navy mat, then to Basic White card base.
-Add greeting and embellishments to complete.
