Addictive Iris Folding Paper Craft

As an Etsy affiliate, I earn from qualifying linked purchases at no additional cost to you.

 

Nearly 1300 published posts on this blog and I've yet to feature iris folding, a fun swirling fold technique used by paper crafters to make eye-catching cards and wall art. It's high time I give it its due!

 

At the turn of the century (doesn't that make one sound positively ancient?!) when I first discovered paper quilling, I joined an online British card making group where I was introduced to quite a few techniques. It's where I first heard about iris folding, incire, tea bag folding, and more. 

 

I made one or two iris folded designs and although I loved the look, I had used paper that was too heavy for the task so my cards wound up being rather bulky. But now that I've come across the clever designs created by Bethan Lucy Aspland of Pretty In Paper By B, I'm very tempted to give iris folding another try.

Make an initial as a frameable card or wall art

 

Interestingly, it was the pandemic that led to this new paper crafting career for Bethan. She learned iris folding from her mother as an eight year old, but left card making behind to earn a degree in events management. This is a field to which she is well-suited as she loves organizing, planning, and leadership, all of which are evident in the way Bethan has built Pretty In Paper By B since being furloughed from her gym manager job. 

 

 

She has stocked the shop with original printable templates and complete kits, paper packs that are an ideal weight for iris folding, and custom designs that she will create for the person who would rather have her do the making. 

 

 

Reviews are very strong... for example, "I love this kit! Never tried iris folding before but the instructions were easy to follow and I'm so impressed with how professional my cards look!" 

 

Starter Kit

 

Bethan is not a bit shy in proclaiming herself "The world’s leading iris folding paper crafter" and I have to say I've never encountered anyone who has thrown themselves into the technique quite the way B has! 

 Rainbow Kit

 

Her shop is growing quickly, thanks to an active Instagram presence, excellent how-to videos, and even a Pretty Paper Community where makers are invited to share photos of their work and chat with other iris folders. 

 

 

Bethan recommends using origami sheets or lightweight gift wrap for the best result. The scrapbooking paper I used initially is what led to frustration... it's too heavy even though the array of colors and prints is so tempting. Learned my lesson!

 

It's sunflower season here in Delaware so this design would be perfect for a summer birthday. In this video, Bethan shows exactly how to use her template to make the card. 

 

 

Visit Pretty In Paper By B to see more designs. You'll also find Bethan on Instagram and Facebook. Join her Pretty Paper Community and receive a free heart pattern.

 

If you would rather learn to do iris folding via a book, check out this popular one from Search Press, 460 Folded Cards to Make. Reviews are very good... one describes it as the go-to book of iris folding. 

 

 

All Things Paper is an Amazon and Etsy affiliate.

If you should make a purchase using an affiliate link,

a small commission will be earned at no additional cost to you.

Thank you for helping to defray the cost of maintaining this site.