Iris folding templates are the patterns used to create paper art that can decorate hand made cards, scrapbooks, photo books, photo boxes, and other craft projects.

Iris folding is a specific paper art where pretty papers are folded into strips and layered one over another along the lines of a pattern such that the papers will show through a shaped cutout. The center of the pattern always leaves a diamond shape – like the center of a camera shutter.

Templates have lines drawn across the desired shape and are numbered to help you place the folder paper strips.

Handmade cards are done with a cutout on the front of the card and the papers folded within so they peek through. Inside the cards, the folded strips can be covered with another layer of card paper to protect the design.

Iris folding crafts can also be applied within scrapbooks in shapes related to contents of each page or to the cover of scrap or photo books.

Holidays and birthdays are a great time to share your iris folding cards, each one being a unique work of art that can be hung or showcased in photo frames once the holiday is over.

For longevity, the papers used in creating iris folding art should be acid and lignin-free. You can buy specialty papers at craft stores by the piece or in packs that include a mix of colors and patterns.

Once the design is chosen and the papers are prepared, completing an iris folding project goes fairly quickly and the finished results are always unique because paper selection is up to the individual crafter.  Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and patterns as those are the textures that make the final project really stand out.

There are many templates available on the internet and in books that include complete instructions.  These have become a popular project for keepsake baby shower and birthday cards.

Shapes are available in a wide assortment of categories including baby designs, purses, shoes, boats, flowers, landscapes, travel scenes, luggage – almost any shape can be turned into iris folding templates for use in a variety of projects.

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