Decorative Craft Activity

Iris Folding

Suitable for:

Primary levels

Materials:

Metallic Paper, Rainbow Metallic Crepe, Foilboard Cut-out Triangle or Kite, Transparent Tape, Supertac or Tape & a Photocopy of the pattern (included in pack). Or download here: Iris Folding template - Click here to download

How to do Iris Folding:

1. Photocopy the chosen template and cut the template out with a 1cm border around the shape.

2. Temporarily tape the template face down onto the Metallic Card cut-out of the same shape, so that the design can be seen from the back of the card.

3. Cut three or four strips of Metallic Paper 2.5cm x 30cms in length.

4. Fold these strips in half lengthways, creating a folded edge.

5. Start layering your strips beginning at 1, placing the folded edge of the paper against the “1” line and continuing around the pattern following consecutively the numbers shown on the pattern. Always place the folded side of the strip in towards the centre of the aperture. Glue or tape each end of the strip. Trim off the excess paper of each fold.

6. When complete, gently remove the pattern template.

7. Mount the Iris Fold on to coloured Cover Paper or a contrasting sheet of Foil Board.

Extension Ideas

Create a card or hanging decoration with the mounted Iris Fold. The technique of Iris Folding originated in The Netherlands. Strips of folded paper are taped into place over a pattern to create a spiraling design that resembles the iris of an eye or camera.